Valerie Stauffer, LLMSW

Reaching out for help—especially regarding your child or teen—can feel overwhelming. You might notice your child struggling with anxiety, intense emotions, low confidence, or difficulty connecting with others, and you may be wondering how to provide meaningful support. Alternatively, your teenager might be withdrawing, acting out, or carrying more than they can handle. Whatever brings you here, I want you to know that change is possible, and your child doesn’t have to face these challenges alone.

I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker and a certified School Social Worker, with a Master’s in Social Work from Madonna University. My professional experience includes both school-based and outpatient therapy settings, and I specialize in working with children as young as 4 through young adulthood.

My therapeutic approach is warm, patient, and tailored to each client’s unique strengths. I integrate talk therapy, play-based techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies (CBT) to help clients understand their emotions, build coping skills, and enhance their self-confidence and self-worth. 

Therapy sessions often involve a mix of genuine conversations, creativity, skill-building, and laughter—all centered around helping your child or teen feel seen, safe, and capable. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing occurs through connection. I strive to create a space where clients feel understood and accepted as they are, while also being supported in becoming the individuals they aspire to be.

Whether your child needs help managing their emotions, your teen is facing social challenges, or your family is adjusting to a significant change, I’m here to walk alongside you on that journey.

"For what it's worth, it's never too late to be whoever you want to be." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Locations

  • Grand Blanc, MI
    • In-person and Online (Virtual) Therapy
  • *Clarkston and Rochester Hills, MI
    • Online (Virtual) Therapy

Specialties

  • Toddlers (4+), Children, Preteen, Teens, and Adults
  • ADHD, Adoption, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Child, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, Eating Disorders, Education and Learning Disabilities, Grief, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Parenting, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Dialectical Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Strength-Based

Accepted Insurances

  • Aetna
    • Meritain
  • BCBS
  • HAP
    • ASR Health Benefits
    • Caresource
    • Varipro
  • Medicaid 
    • Blue Cross Complete
    • McLaren
  • Medicare
  • McLaren Health Advantage
  • Priority Health

Check out Valerie's Psychology Today profile

Begin your healing journey today!

Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation, appointment, or feel free to ask a question.

Client Reviews

"We work with Alexis and love her! This place responds to questions and concerns promptly and is flexible with our schedule when making appointments."

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Google Review

"With a multitude of counselors under their roof, Giesken Counseling will no doubt have the best fit person to speak with you, no matter the specific need at hand. Their office is truly compassionate and genuinely committed to helping their clients work through the obstacles they are facing. It's a safe and non-judgmental environment where you will feel comfortable opening up about your needs, concerns, and struggles." 

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Google Review

"I've been with Giesken Counseling Services for 1 year and have loved every experience! We are a growing and thriving practice and have such an amazing team of therapists and staff who offer quality support and services to our community."

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Google Review

"I saw Jerilynn for about a year and a half, and I feel so lucky to have found her when I did. I met with her during a time when my anxiety and self-esteem were major obstacles, and she helped me realize what changes I needed to make in my life. She was compassionate yet objective and provided constructive reminders when I needed them. Her office is warm and inviting, I always felt comfortable. I highly recommend!"

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Google Review

“I’m doing much better than when I first started therapy.”

Client Feedback Survey

“Very nice staff members and a comfortable environment.”

Client Feedback Survey

“My therapist is well-informed, relatable, receptive, and helpful. She has provided multiple resources for me with anything I’d like to learn more about. She consistently holds me accountable and is kind in helping me grow. It’s the strongest therapeutic relationship I’ve ever experienced with a therapist.”

Client Feedback Survey

“My therapist is wonderful. She always makes me feel safe and listened to. I can tell she truly cares about her clients.”

Client Feedback Survey

"My therapist is open to listening to my concerns and issues and provides feedback and suggestions."

Client Feedback Survey

"My daughter has been practicing techniques at home that she learns with her therapist. She has definitely grown, and her conditions have improved since beginning with Giesken Counseling."

Client Feedback Survey

"My daughter's therapist is absolutely wonderful and has truly helped my daughter!"

Client Feedback Survey

"The office is a safe space for me, I always feel comfortable to talk about anything and everything."

Client Feedback Survey

"I love everything about Jessica - very good at listening but also balancing it with her talking too."

Client Feedback Survey

“Having a good relationship with a therapist was something I struggled to find. I feel like my therapist listens and doesn't judge me. I trust her, and that makes it easy to open up.”

Client Feedback Survey

“My experience has been very smooth and easy since the very beginning of sending an inquiry email to now being in the care of my therapist for a few months. I have referred many clients to your practice and will continue to do so. Thank you so much for offering immediate and complete support and multiple options for patients.”

Client Feedback Survey

“My daughter is actually excited to see her therapist. It has definitely been a positive experience for her.”

Client Feedback Survey

“My therapist really listens to me. She is very understanding and helpful with my journey through anxiety.”

Client Feedback Survey

"I have been seeing Jessica P. at Giesken Counseling for the better part of a year now, and I cannot recommend her enough! She is wonderful and has helped me immensely as I navigate all the things that come after welcoming a new baby. The office staff are also always friendly as well, and it was very easy to try another counselor (Jessica) when I first started with Giesken after the first person I saw was not a good fit."

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Google Review

"Alexis has helped me so much. Just recently, I've been diagnosed with cancer and divorce, and I totaled my pickup. I enjoy therapy, and she's so down to earth, and that makes it easier to open up. And Mckenzie at the front desk, she's so good at her job, especially being so young, very responsible and thorough."

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Google Review

"Our grandson has been visiting one of the wonderful counselors at GCS for the last three months, and we couldn’t be happier! It’s heartwarming to see his smile coming back, and he’s enjoying more happy days. Plus, he’s doing a great job managing his emotions. We’re so thankful our daughter discovered GCS for him!"

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Google Review

“A loved one saw David. David's patient manner and demeanor were a perfect match. Patient /counselor worked together to develop goals, evaluating progress and roadblocks during sessions. David ensured my loved one felt their treatment plan was their own, ensuring autonomy and respect, building confidence, and providing helpful counsel to specific challenges.” 

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Google Review

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