Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC
Experienced counselor focused on calm, compassionate change
- Over 30 years experience
- Collaborative supportive care
- Inclusive nonjudgmental space
About Valerie Johnson-Cardoso
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 30 years of experience supporting people across a wide range of ages and life circumstances. Based in Florida, she brings a background that includes residential mental health and residential substance use settings, along with extensive work in community-based and day treatment services for both children and adults.
In addition to her counseling career, she spent 16 years as a school teacher specializing in learning differences, emotional concerns, autism, and developmental delays with children, teens, and adults. During that time, she also maintained a private practice on evenings and weekends, which broadened her experience working with individuals and families in varied situations and stages of life.
Valerie recognizes that there is no single approach that fits everyone. She emphasizes a collaborative process, helping clients identify what is most likely to be effective for their needs and goals while focusing on practical changes that can support a calmer, more grounded daily life. She also has knowledge related to religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning. In her work, she aims to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can express emotions openly, build trust over time, and strengthen the ability to respond to life changes with greater self-compassion and intention.
In addition to her counseling career, she spent 16 years as a school teacher specializing in learning differences, emotional concerns, autism, and developmental delays with children, teens, and adults. During that time, she also maintained a private practice on evenings and weekends, which broadened her experience working with individuals and families in varied situations and stages of life.
Valerie recognizes that there is no single approach that fits everyone. She emphasizes a collaborative process, helping clients identify what is most likely to be effective for their needs and goals while focusing on practical changes that can support a calmer, more grounded daily life. She also has knowledge related to religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning. In her work, she aims to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can express emotions openly, build trust over time, and strengthen the ability to respond to life changes with greater self-compassion and intention.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Hypnotherapy Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso have?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso has 30 years of experience in mental health counseling.
Is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso a licensed therapist?
Yes. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. License number: FL LMHC MH5690.
In which languages does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provide therapy?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provides therapy in English.
Where is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso located?
Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is located in Florida.
How can I work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso as my therapist?
Sessions with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso are available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, so clients can choose the format that fits their needs and schedule.
Does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso work with international clients?
Yes. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso 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, Made Accessible Online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, while reconnecting with personal values and taking meaningful steps forward. It can be especially useful when stress, anxiety, or life transitions make it hard to feel grounded.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior interact. By identifying unhelpful loops and practicing new skills, clients can build practical strategies for challenges like depression, anxiety, and everyday overwhelm.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds structured tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship effectiveness. It can be a strong fit when emotions feel intense, reactions feel hard to manage, or communication keeps breaking down.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso collaborates with clients to clarify goals, understand what has and has not helped in the past, and choose a style of support that matches each person’s needs and preferences.
Online therapy also makes it easier to stay consistent. Clients can meet by video calls or phone sessions, or use live chat and text-based messaging for added flexibility between sessions and around busy schedules.
Ready to start therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso?
Take the first step toward a better you.