Valerie LaPorte, LICSW

Valerie LaPorte is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with 21 years of professional experience and more than 10 years of direct clinical work. She is also approved by the Minnesota Board of Social Work to provide both clinical and non-clinical licensing supervision. Over the course of a lengthy career, she has supported clients across the lifespan - from young children to older adults - addressing concerns that include depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, anger management, family dynamics, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, incarceration-related issues, and disability-related challenges.

Much of her work has focused on individuals with serious mental illness, giving her extensive experience with complex clinical presentations and co-occurring needs. Her counseling style is described by her training and practice as empathetic and goal-directed; she emphasizes approachability, attentive listening, and practical problem solving so clients feel heard and empowered to pursue their goals. Dignity, respect, and compassion are central to her interactions and interventions.

Therapeutic work is guided by a mix of evidence-informed methods tailored to each person. Her approach incorporates solution-focused brief therapy, strengths-based techniques, and cognitive behavioral strategies to shape individualized treatment plans and measurable outcomes. Throughout her practice she aims to combine clear clinical structure with a supportive, client-centered stance.