- Practical coping skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Values-based work
About Valerie
Valerie Schmude is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Wisconsin with 12 years of experience. She focuses on common and painful concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, trauma, and grief. Valerie approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She aims to create a space where people feel heard and understood.
Valerie tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person's situation. She uses practical methods to help people manage anxious thoughts and cope with difficult emotions. Sessions typically involve identifying patterns, testing new ways of thinking, and practicing skills that fit daily life.
For people affected by past harm, Valerie incorporates trauma-focused approaches to help reduce distress and build safety around memories and reactions. She also draws on existential ideas to help clients find meaning and make choices that reflect their values. These approaches are mixed to match what each person needs in the moment.
Clients can expect a collaborative working style where goals are set together and progress is reviewed regularly. Valerie emphasizes clear, down-to-earth conversation rather than jargon. She supports people as they take steps toward a more manageable and fulfilling life.
If you are considering therapy, use the Start Therapy button to begin the matching process and schedule a first session according to availability.
How Valerie’s approaches translate to online work
Valerie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy alongside existential ideas to guide sessions. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and improve daily functioning. Trauma-Focused Therapy helps people process painful memories and reduce the ways past harm affects current reactions by using gradual, guided techniques.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Valerie will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and comfort. She checks in as therapy progresses and adjusts the plan if something isn’t helping.
Confirm the session formats available before booking, as current session options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and reduce travel time. Many people find virtual meetings help them maintain continuity of care when life is hectic, while still focusing on real change in daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Valerie help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and abuse, and grief. Additional focus areas include codependency, family problems, phobias, and sexual assault and abuse.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses a direct and collaborative style focused on practical steps. Conversations aim to identify patterns, try new coping skills, and set achievable goals.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 12 years of professional work experience supporting people through stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and grief.
What credentials does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in Wisconsin and practices there.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.