Valerie Smith, LCSW LCSW

Hey there, I’m Valerie, a licensed clinical social worker (Fordham University) and certified forest therapy guide (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy). I could list my theoretical approaches, training, and experience, but when it comes down to it, none of that matters if you don’t feel truly heard. Therapy works best when there’s trust, connection, and a genuine therapeutic relationship.

My approach is active and engaged. I listen with care, offer honest insights, and challenge when needed. You are the expert of your own life, and my role is to support and guide you with respect and understanding.

I specialize in working with adults who have experienced complex trauma, new mothers adjusting to the profound shifts of motherhood, caregivers of loved ones with chronic or terminal conditions, and young adults coping with parental loss. Having faced such challenges myself, I know how transformative a strong therapeutic alliance can be in the face of adversity.

Outside of therapy, I’m an outdoor enthusiast — I actually started out studying wildlife conservation. You’ll often find me hiking, kayaking, birding, or riding horses. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I offer in-person forest therapy sessions in the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley and occasionally across Long Island.

As a telehealth therapist and a parent, I understand that caring for pets and infants is a constant responsibility, and sometimes interruptions happen. If you need to nurse/pump for your infant, change a diaper, let the dog out, or rescue a cat from knocking over a priceless family heirloom, that’s perfectly fine. The only request I have is for you to ensure privacy if other children or adults are present, allowing you the freedom to "unpack" in your session.

Let’s navigate this journey together. If you think we’d be a good fit, I’d love to connect.