Prof. Valerie Starr, LCPC, LCMHC

Prof. Valerie Starr helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, addiction, grief, and questions about intimacy and self-esteem. She also addresses parenting concerns, anger, and many issues connected to identity and life transitions. Valerie Starr is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) practicing in Nevada.

Her approach is grounded and person-focused. Sessions are warm and nonjudgmental. She listens carefully and works with each person to set clear, manageable goals. Many people find this way of working useful for reducing symptoms and improving day-to-day coping.

Prof. Starr draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with attachment-based and client-centered methods to shape practical strategies. She also uses existential ideas and hypnotherapy when they fit a person’s needs. The emphasis is on understandable tools and gentle self-reflection rather than jargon.

With 38 years of clinical experience, she brings broad exposure to depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship concerns, addiction, grief, and caregiver stress. Her background includes both community mental health and private practice work, and eleven years teaching graduate-level counseling courses in family systems and ethics.

In session, she prefers plain conversation and concrete steps. People can expect clear feedback, exercises they can try between sessions, and a steady focus on strengths and realistic changes. She invites collaboration and respects each person’s pace and choices.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Prof. Starr often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavior changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression. CBT gives concrete skills and short exercises that map easily to video or text work.

She also draws on Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early relationship patterns affect current bonds and trust. This approach helps people notice patterns in close relationships and practice new ways of relating that feel safer and more connected.

The choice of approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life situation. That may mean using CBT tools one week and exploring attachment themes another week, so the plan adapts as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for more in-depth conversations and guided exercises. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited or when someone wants to avoid being on camera. Live chat or text messaging is helpful for brief check-ins, tracking mood, or getting support between longer sessions. These options make scheduling easier and let people keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or travel.