Valerie Rutherford, LISW

Ohio licensed social worker focused on practical support

Adults adolescents families
CBT and ACT
Flexible communication options

About Valerie Rutherford

Valerie Rutherford is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) based in Ohio with extensive experience supporting people through a range of life challenges. She has worked with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, concentrating much of her career on mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship difficulties, and coping with significant life changes. Valerie values a collaborative, client-centered approach that emphasizes empathy and respect, creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore emotions and practical solutions.

She brings a variety of therapeutic tools to her work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care, tailoring interventions to the needs of each person. Valerie also appreciates the flexibility that online platforms offer, and she integrates multiple communication options to accommodate different preferences. Her practice reflects a belief that each person's needs are unique and that having choices in how to receive support can enhance the therapeutic process.

Throughout her work, Valerie aims to help clients build coping skills, improve relationships, and navigate transitions with greater clarity and resilience. Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and focused on practical steps aligned with each client’s goals.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Valerie Rutherford have?

Valerie Rutherford has 18 years of experience.

Is Valerie Rutherford a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LISW credential. License details: OH LISW I.0600059-SUPV.

In which languages does Valerie Rutherford provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Valerie Rutherford located?

She is located in Ohio.

How can I work with Valerie Rutherford as my therapist?

Clients can work with Valerie Rutherford through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Valerie Rutherford work with international clients?

Valerie Rutherford does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Valerie Rutherford cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and take meaningful steps toward those values, even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can be useful for managing anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the client's own capacity for growth; it creates a supportive environment where individuals and families can explore concerns at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to change them, often supporting improvements in mood, anxiety, and coping skills.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Valerie works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts techniques over time so the work stays aligned with what the client hopes to achieve.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and makes it easier to maintain continuity of care from home, work, or while traveling. These options allow licensed professionals to offer consistent support in formats that meet different comfort levels and practical constraints, helping more people access therapy in ways that suit their lives.

Ready to start therapy with Valerie Rutherford?

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