Hi. I am Dr. Valerie Carter Smith and most often known simply as Valerie. As a Pastoral Counselor and a Life Coach, I specialize in counseling people in the areas of grief and trauma. The main theories I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems Theory. Having cared for loved ones with chronic mental illness, I am a big advocate for caretakers’ mental well being. I try to help them establish daily practices to cope with the struggles of everyday life and to aid in the healing of their own deep seated wounds.
As I have walked with others as they have become their best selves, I have a track record for committing to staying for the long haul. I know change is hard work and it must be intentional! I have traveled, lived and worked all around the world, so I have become knowledgeable of world religions and cultural variations. If you need a safe space to talk and discover pathways to self-empowerment, please contact me!
When I am not counseling, teaching, or preaching, I love having coffee with my husband, taking walks, sitting by the river, or reading a good book.