Welcome! My name is Valerie Carmel and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida and Nevada. I know the decision to begin therapy is not always an easy one. First, congratulations on taking steps to improve your mental and emotional health. For many ‘therapy’ can sound scary, uneasy or uncertain. You may not know where to start or what to expect, so let me explain. We will start by discussing what your personal goals and hopes are for our time together. Then we will develop an approach which focuses on the specific areas you have identified. This could include concerns related to life stressors, chronic illness, work issues, depression, anxiety or overall personal development. The clinical interventions utilized will be based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy to improve self-awareness, address negative beliefs/thoughts, develop a plan of action, and change behaviors to achieve the best outcomes. My communication style is direct, honest, and supportive with a dash of humor. As the quintessential optimist, I believe we ALL are capable and deserving of living happy and healthy lives. Partnering with the right therapist can give you the tools and motivation to making progress towards that goal. I have almost 20 years of experience in working with individuals and families in hospitals, behavioral health programs, and community organizations. I am a proud of alum of Florida State University and Florida International University where I received my Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees, respectively. I also hold several certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider, which help me to stay abreast and connected to the knowledge to benefit YOU! When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying the sunny beaches of Florida, spending time with my family and pup, Layla and binge-watching true crime documentaries. If you think we would be a good fit to work together, I am currently accepting new clients and look forward to hearing from you.