Valerie Engel

Compassionate, practical therapy for life’s challenges

LPC, LMHC Washington

Experience: 18 years in practice
Focus areas: Addictions, Sleeping, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Valerie

Valerie Engel brings 18 years of clinical experience to her work with adults dealing with issues such as addiction, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, and sleep difficulties.

Background and approach

She emphasizes listening carefully to help clients reconnect with their strengths while offering practical strategies and skill building to address negative thinking, improve communication, and navigate life transitions. Valerie frames therapy as collaborative problem-solving aimed at restoring a sense of balance and agency.

Her clinical approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods, using structured techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts alongside empathetic support that honors each person’s perspective.

Her background includes early work in addiction and recovery beginning in 2007 and expanded mental health practice since 2017, with experience across co-occurring disorders, grief, parenting and career concerns, codependency, and sleep problems. She holds the LPC and LMHC credentials and practices in Washington, where she helps clients develop tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships.

Online approaches that combine skills and empathic support

Valerie Engel uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centered methods to guide online work. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises, which can help with depression, anxiety, sleep challenges, and addictive patterns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes active listening and respect for the client’s perspective, creating space to explore emotions and values while building self-understanding and resilience.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Valerie works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She balances structured skill building with empathic reflection so treatment plans can adapt as progress and priorities evolve.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats allow scheduling that fits work and family demands, provide options for people who prefer less traditional session styles, and make it possible to continue consistent support when circumstances change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Areas of focus include addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, low self-esteem, career stress, and compassion fatigue among other related concerns.

What is the therapist's general approach to therapy?

The practice combines client-centered therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), blending empathic listening and validation with practical techniques to challenge negative thinking and build coping skills.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

The therapist has 18 years of clinical experience, beginning work in addiction and recovery in 2007 and expanding into broader mental health therapy in 2017.

What credentials and licensure are held and where is the therapist located?

She holds LPC and LMHC credentials with licensure details listed as CO LPC LPC.0016813 and WA LMHC LH 61083971, and she practices in Washington.

Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and the therapist is not accepting international clients at this time.

Which session formats are offered for online work?

Available session formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.

How is cost structured for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are required to begin working together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsSleeping disordersSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisPanic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

18+ years

Licensed

Colorado, Washington

Languages

English