- Evidence-based techniques
- Focus on self-worth
- Helps with codependency
About Valerie
Valerie Ziel is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York who helps people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficult life changes. She focuses on building self-worth, improving communication, and reducing isolation so people can move toward more balanced lives.
Valerie draws on practical, evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person. She spends time learning how past attachment patterns and current stressors affect daily choices. Sessions often include identifying unhelpful beliefs, practicing clearer communication, and building small routines that support mood and coping.
Her work addresses a wide range of concerns including body image, caregiving stress, codependency, and grief linked to aging or loss. She helps people notice when control issues, guilt, or dissociation are shaping behaviors, and then finds manageable steps to change those patterns.
With 12 years of clinical experience, Valerie aims to meet people where they are without judgment. She encourages gradual progress and emphasizes skills that fit into busy lives. Her approach is collaborative and focused on what the person wants to accomplish.
People who connect with her typically want practical tools plus a space to talk through painful experiences. To begin, she asks about goals and priorities and works with each person to create a plan that feels doable and relevant.
Evidence-based approaches and online care
Valerie uses practical, evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on how thoughts, emotions, and relationship patterns shape daily life. One common approach she uses helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by breaking problems into small, manageable steps; this works well for anxiety, low mood, and coping with life changes. Another shared technique centers on attachment and relationship patterns, helping people see how early bonds influence current reactions and then try new ways of relating and communicating that reduce isolation and codependent behaviors.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. She checks in regularly and adjusts the plan as progress or obstacles appear so therapy stays practical and relevant.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session formats before booking since specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a quick conversation helps move things forward. Licensed professionals can also adapt exercises and homework to work well between sessions so new skills become part of everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does Valerie commonly address?
She supports people coping with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. Additional areas include body image, caregiver stress, codependency, and feelings of guilt or shame.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical, using evidence-based techniques to identify patterns and build small, usable skills. Sessions emphasize clear communication and step-by-step change.
What is her clinical background and experience?
She has 12 years of clinical experience working with adults on mood, trauma, and relationship-related concerns. That experience shapes a pragmatic approach to treatment goals.
Where is she licensed and located?
She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in New York.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.