Valerie McNicholl,

Chief Operating Officer

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

License:

LCSW

About Valerie McNicholl

Hi! I am Valerie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Move Forward Counseling.

My Experience

I have almost 20 years of experience as a therapist, supervisor, and manager of programs in community mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. I approach therapy from a strengths-based perspective and use a variety of interventions, from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Finding Your Way

I enjoy working with a diverse group of people struggling with mental health issues, recovering from addictions, or struggling with specific life stressors. I strongly and firmly believe that people heal differently and that therapy can be a means to finding your way.

About Me

I am originally from Schenectady, NY, and I moved to Pennsylvania in 2013. I received my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and my graduate degree from the State University of New York. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, including my two dogs, Hugo and Addie.

Valerie McNicholl Availability

Valerie McNicholl is not currently a practicing Therapist and is the COO of Move Forward Counseling.

PA License #CW017894

Valerie McNicholl's Specialties

Anxiety Therapy

Whether you are suffering from panic attacks, obsessive – compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety we have therapists who use evidenced-based treatments, such as cognitive-bahavioral therapy, to help you.

Body Image Issues

Many individuals feel like they are at war with their bodies. Whether it’s feeling shame, guilt, or giving ourselves critical comments about our bodies, we can be our own worst enemy. Our therapists can help you feel at peace with your body and learn to be kind to yourself.

Caregiver Stress

Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Often we don’t think about how the caregiver needs support, too. If you are experiencing burnout, our therapists can teach you skills to help you cope.

Counseling for Mothers

Depression and anxiety are extremely common, but often under-diagnosed by medical providers during pregnancy and postpartum. Our providers have specialized training to help women with anxiety and depression in this specific period in their lives.

Depression Therapy

Depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, is very treatable. Our therapists are specially trained to help individuals with depression get back to feeling like themselves again.

Infertility Counseling

Struggling with infertility can be so difficult, especially if no one around you has experienced something similar. It can feel like an isolating journey and people find they often need support to navigate the emotional aspects of the process. Our therapists have specialized training to help you.

LGBTQIA+ Counseling

Move Forward Counseling is an inclusive practice where we want the LGBTQIA+ community to feel welcome and supported. Whether you are unsure how to embrace your identity, are having relationship issues, or need extra support from a non-judgmental person, we have therapists who can help.

Life Transitions

Life transitions encompass many things, including starting or ending a romantic relationship, changes with work or school or making any big life change, such as a move. Often we underestimate how these changes will affect us emotionally until we find ourselves struggling with the ups and downs of the life transition.

Relationship Issues

While we don’t provide couples counseling at Move Forward, many individuals seek counseling to discuss how they can have healthier relationships. Our therapists can help you learn new ways of communicating, setting boundaries, and other ways to have more positive relationships with others.

Trauma & PTSD

Trauma symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating for many who experience it. Recovery from trauma is possible and we have therapists who can help.

Therapy for 20-Somethings

Moving into adulthood brings its own set of challenges. You may feel pressure to have a “career” or find your life partner. You may be unsure of making these big life decisions and may feel lost because you no longer have school or other adults in your life telling you what you should choose.

Therapy for Teens

The period of adolescence can be exciting, but also challenging for many teens. Difficulties with friends, school, anxiety, depression, cutting, and substance abuse are all common issues for this group. Due to a lack of life experience, teens may not know how to manage these problems which is why therapy can be especially helpful.

Are You Ready To Take The First Step?

Reach out today to get started. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.