Grief counselors and therapists in Westlake, OH

Hi there! My name is Riley Henderson, and I am a licensed independent social worker in the state of Ohio. I have been a practicing social worker since 2023 after graduating with my master's degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have a background in crisis management in southeast Ohio working with children and families through the court system, school system and more to create safety and stability together. I currently work as a therapist for those experiencing life's challenges no matter how big or small.

Are you tired of what feels like the "same old" therapy?

My approach to create a space with my clients to have a more personally tailored approach utilizing a wellness approach!

Thriving instead of just surviving.

I am a strong believer in meeting those I serve where they are.

Whether you are experiencing loss, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, a life transition, stress or need a sounding board, I am here to be a support!

Hello, I'm Valerie!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana and Ohio with a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves.

​I founded Wild Living Therapy not only because of my deep love for wildlife and nature but also because I believe we all carry untamed, misunderstood aspects of ourselves—parts that may feel "too wild" or difficult to accept. My goal is to create a space where you can honor these parts, step into your power, and recognize your worth.

You're not broken—you are whole. Let’s navigate this journey together.

• I’m in your corner. I’m not here to judge, fix, or control. I’m here to understand, challenge when needed, and help you grow.
• I will tell the truth. Kindly, clearly, and without fluff. Progress requires honesty.
• I value structure and clarity. We will set goals. We will measure movement. We won’t just “vent and vibe.”
• I integrate evidence-based approaches. I lean heavily on CBT and Motivational Interviewing, with EMDR techniques when appropriate. Therapy with me is practical and action-oriented.
• I respect faith. If spirituality matters to you, we can thoughtfully integrate it. If not, we won’t force it.
• I believe people are more resilient than they think. My job is to help you access what’s already there.
• I hold both accountability and compassion. Growth happens in that tension.
• I’m human. I don’t claim perfection. I show up present, prepared, and fully invested in your development.

I have found therapy to be the place for the client and the counselor to laugh, cry, decide, and embrace the sacred space of change and acceptance in one’s life. I have served in pastoral ministry for eighteen years along with five years as a clinical counselor. I feel that I bring a pastor’s heart of empathy, patience, and compassion into my therapeutic work. I do enjoy serving clients with varied needs and of all faiths.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to managing everything on your own. I work with adults, including many caregivers who are balancing a lot and may feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to prioritize themselves while caring for others.

I’ve supported clients navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and parenting stress.

I also bring extensive experience working with children and adolescents (ages 4–21), which allows me to support parents with a deeper understanding of child and adolescent development. This helps caregivers better understand their child’s behavior and feel more confident in how they respond at home.

I earned a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati after working in Children's Protective Services and Juvenile Court facilities. I have years of experience helping children, youth and families connect and function in more healthy ways. I see adults and couples as well, and strive to facilitate healing of hearts and marriages.

I have personal and professional experience in foster parenting and adoption. One of my special areas of interest is the effects of nutrition and exercise on mental health. I have utilized Equine-assisted Psychotherapy for twenty years as a specialty.