Valerie Keller Gates

I am a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma. I received a Bachelor of Science from Southern Nazarene University in Family Studies and Gerontology and a Masters of Human Relations with the emphasis of Licensed Professional Counseling from The University of Oklahoma. I have experience with adults, families, and groups. I have worked with those struggling with mild to severe mental illness as well as those individuals who are struggling with issues including depression, grief & loss, abuse/neglect, addictions with dual diagnosis, behavioral problems, bipolar, and parenting problems. I adapt my counseling style to each individual. However, within my experience, I have noticed that clients are more adaptable to me utilizing a counseling style of a client-focused approach. I believe that it is important to meet the client where they currently are in their journey of life and work from that point. I am a very transparent-honest-caring individual in my day to day life and I bring that trait to each session with the belief that in doing so, the client feels more at ease with being honest as issues and challenges are being processed. I believe everyone deserves respect and compassion as well as the opportunity to have added support when needed. My approach/style combines cognitive-behavioral and client-centered….just to name a few. A client’s treatment plan and the direction of the sessions will be tailored to meet the individual needs. “Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come”.