- Family of origin issues
- Addictions support
- Anxiety and depression
About Valerie
Dr. Valerie McGaha is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Oklahoma with 21 years of experience working with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, family concerns, and depression. She works with adults who notice patterns from their upbringing continuing to affect current relationships and mood. Sessions focus on practical steps rather than labels, and she uses several evidence-informed methods to guide those conversations.
Her approach blends acceptance and commitment ideas with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people notice thoughts and try different behaviors. She also draws on attachment-based work to look at how early family roles shape expectations and communication. Client-centered methods are used to keep the discussion focused on what matters most to each person.
Dr. McGaha often helps people who struggle with substance use and long-term sobriety, and she addresses related concerns such as guilt, shame, and communication problems. She lists family of origin issues among her focus areas, supporting individuals who want to understand how childhood relationships affect choices now. She also works with concerns like abandonment, blended family issues, and grief related to illness.
In sessions she looks for stuck points that keep people from moving forward. Conversations typically include noticing patterns, practicing new ways of interacting, and building skills for emotional regulation. She mentions experience with both crisis-related topics and ongoing life stressors.
People who choose her can expect straightforward, practical conversations about what they want to change. To begin, clients follow the site process to answer a short questionnaire and schedule an initial meeting.
Therapeutic approaches used during online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and moving past avoidance patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and practicing different behaviors to change mood and reactions; it often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress management. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early family relationships shape expectations and current interactions, which can clarify family of origin patterns and improve communication.Finding the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and try methods that fit those aims. Sessions are collaborative - the therapist and client review what works and adjust the plan over time.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day and reduce travel time. They also allow for different ways of meeting that can match practical needs, such as shorter check-ins when time is limited or not being on camera when that helps someone engage. Licensed professionals can help clients choose the format that best fits their schedule and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
Oklahoma
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, family concerns, and depression. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, communication problems, and feelings of guilt or shame.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses a mix of approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered methods. The work emphasizes noticing patterns, trying practical changes, and building coping skills.
How much experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience working with adults on mental health and addiction-related concerns. That background includes work on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
Where is she based and what is her credential?
She practices in Oklahoma and holds the LPC credential, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing depends on the plan chosen.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process begins the matching and booking steps.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.