Valerie Rutherford , LISW

Valerie Rutherford is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) practicing in Ohio who believes each person’s needs are unique and that flexible options for support matter. She values a variety of ways to receive care and finds that platforms enabling different communication styles can make it easier for people to get the help they need.

She has worked with adults, adolescents, and children, as well as couples and families, with a career focus on mental health. Her clinical experience includes supporting people with depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship concerns, and coping with life’s difficulties.

Valerie creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can process emotions and challenges. Using a collaborative, client-centered stance, she partners with clients to develop personalized strategies and interventions. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. Valerie offers a flexible schedule and adapts to the form of communication that best suits each client, inviting those who are ready to reach out and see what they can accomplish together.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise. It emphasizes learning to notice internal experiences and choosing behaviors that align with what matters most, which can support work on anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, empathetic environment in which the client leads the pace and direction of change. This approach can be useful for people seeking emotional support, self-exploration, or help navigating relationships and identity concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by teaching practical skills to reframe unhelpful thinking and build coping strategies. CBT is often applied for anxiety, depression, stress, and problem-solving challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Valerie Rutherford works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts interventions as progress unfolds. Online formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make scheduling more flexible and allow clients to engage in therapy from different settings. These options can increase accessibility and help clients maintain continuity of care while balancing other commitments.