Our Mission
At Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy, we understand that navigating life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming when faced alone. Our clinicians and administrative team share a unified mission: to help transform lives by restoring hope, reclaiming joy, strengthening relationships, and fostering balance and healing. We believe in inspiring personal accountability while remaining deeply empathetic, and we see ourselves as guides in the process of self-discovery—trusting that each individual holds strengths beyond what they may yet realize.
Our goal is to match you with a therapist who truly understands what you’re going through because they’ve walked a similar path.
Director
Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG
Inga Middleton
I am an empathetic and dedicated mental health counseling intern. Originally from Ukraine, I have been living in the United States for the past twelve years, bringing a rich cultural perspective to Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy. My first degree was a Master’s in Computer Science, in which I spent over 15
years. The field never felt “right” for me, but growing up in a family where psychotherapy was often misunderstood or dismissed, it had not been an option for a very long time. My career transition was a deeply personal journey. It was through confronting my own challenges—experiencing eating disorders, self-harm, chronic migraines and depression —that I recognized the lifesaving power of therapeutic support. In my counseling practice, I am committed to addressing all aspects of a client’s experience, including thoughts, memories, body sensations, and emotions. This holistic approach aims to foster deep understanding and self-acceptance, which I find essential for meaningful change.
I believe in the transformative power of healing presence and genuine connection. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients are encouraged to grow from a place of love and grounding, beyond just setting firm goals. In sessions, I sometimes use mindfulness techniques to help clients cultivate awareness and clarity, allowing them to fully engage with their present experiences. Kindness and presence are at the core of my therapeutic approach. I work to facilitate healing by embracing the complexities of each individual’s journey. I am here to support you not only through my expertise but with heartfelt commitment to your well-being.
Specialties
- Psychosomatic concerns and mind–body symptoms
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm
- Chronic pain
- Self-harm and recovery-oriented support
- Identity exploration, meaning, and life transitions
- Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation
- Multicultural and cross-cultural experiences
Approaches
- Hakomi-informed somatic psychotherapy
- Mindfulness-based interventions
- Existential therapy
- Psychosomatic and mind–body approaches
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy
- Multicultural and diversity-informed practice