LMHC

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC

Therapist in Florida

Valerie is a LMHC therapist in Florida.

30+ years of experience
Focus areas include Stress, Anxiety, Addictions
Approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy

● Accepting new clients

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About Valerie

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with more than 30 years of experience supporting people across the lifespan. She has practiced in both Florida and Pennsylvania and brings extensive background from work in residential mental health and residential substance abuse settings.

Before focusing full time on counseling, she spent 16 years as a school teacher working with students who had learning differences, emotional challenges, autism, and developmental delays. During those years she also maintained a private practice in the evenings and on weekends, providing care to children, teens, and adults. In Pennsylvania she worked in homes and day treatment facilities, gaining hands-on experience with diverse needs and family systems.

Her areas of knowledge include religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning, and she has worked with clients of all ages in agency and private practice settings. Valerie emphasizes a collaborative, individualized approach - recognizing that what helps one person may not help another. She focuses on teaching practical coping skills, supporting gradual change, and helping clients shift unhelpful inner criticism. Her longstanding goal is to help people disarm their inner critic and cultivate greater self-compassion.

Valerie seeks to build trust and create a welcoming environment where clients can express feelings without judgment and work together toward calmer, more peaceful daily life.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso incorporates several evidence-informed approaches to help clients identify values, manage thoughts, and strengthen coping. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and learning practical ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action. It can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions by shifting attention toward what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients recognize and reframe unhelpful thought patterns and develop concrete skills for managing symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and an accepting therapeutic relationship that supports self-exploration and personal growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Valerie works collaboratively with each client to identify which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as progress is made, inviting clients to be active partners in their care.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in treatment, access support from home or while traveling, and adapt to changing routines while working with licensed professionals and therapists to pursue meaningful change.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso have?

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso has 30 years of experience working as a mental health professional.

Is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her Florida license is 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?

You can work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

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 by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.