Valerie Rutherford, LISW
Ohio LISW supporting families and individuals
- Anxiety and stress
- Parenting and family
- Trauma informed care
About Valerie Rutherford
Valerie Rutherford is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with supervisory endorsement (LISW-S) practicing in Ohio who brings nearly two decades of experience to her work. She has supported adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families, focusing her clinical efforts on mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship challenges, and coping with life transitions.
Valerie creates a warm, non-judgmental environment where people can explore difficult emotions and life problems. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, adapting interventions to align with each person’s needs. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care, and she blends these methods to tailor care for issues ranging from grief and trauma to parenting, addictions, and identity-related concerns.
Valerie values flexibility in how support is delivered and appreciates tools that allow different communication options and schedules. Her practice emphasizes practical skills, compassionate listening, and partnership in setting goals and tracking progress. Those seeking a supportive clinician who combines evidence-informed techniques with a client-centered stance may find her style well suited to navigating life’s challenges.
Valerie creates a warm, non-judgmental environment where people can explore difficult emotions and life problems. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, adapting interventions to align with each person’s needs. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care, and she blends these methods to tailor care for issues ranging from grief and trauma to parenting, addictions, and identity-related concerns.
Valerie values flexibility in how support is delivered and appreciates tools that allow different communication options and schedules. Her practice emphasizes practical skills, compassionate listening, and partnership in setting goals and tracking progress. Those seeking a supportive clinician who combines evidence-informed techniques with a client-centered stance may find her style well suited to navigating life’s challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-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 in mental health practice.
Is Valerie Rutherford a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LISW. Her Ohio license is listed as OH LISW I.0600059-SUPV.
In which languages does Valerie Rutherford provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Valerie Rutherford located?
Valerie Rutherford is located in Ohio.
How can I work with Valerie Rutherford as my therapist?
You 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. 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 Support
Valerie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her practice, which helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, and adjusting to life changes by emphasizing acceptance and practical steps toward meaningful goals.
She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, offering a respectful, empathic space where the client’s perspective leads the work. This approach supports self-exploration, strengthens self-esteem, and helps with relationship and identity concerns by prioritizing the client’s experience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another tool Valerie applies to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and coping strategies by teaching concrete skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Valerie works with clients to consider their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods over time so the treatment feels like a good fit.
Online sessions via video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and communication style. These options can make therapy more accessible for people balancing work, family, or geographic constraints, and allow licensed professionals like Valerie to meet clients where they are while maintaining a therapeutic focus.
Ready to start therapy with Valerie Rutherford?
Take the first step toward a better you.