- Solution focused
- CBT informed
- Mindfulness tools
About Valerie
Valerie Harmer is a counsellor who helps people dealing with stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties. She also supports those facing grief, low self-esteem, life changes and problems like OCD or anger. Valerie uses practical, goal-focused work to help clients find steps forward.
Her style is direct and collaborative. She asks lots of questions to help people spot what keeps them stuck and to identify small changes that make a difference. Sessions aim to break unhelpful cycles with clear, manageable steps rather than long explanations.
Valerie blends approaches such as solution-focused work, cognitive behavioural ideas and mindfulness. She describes her practice as pragmatic and change-focused, offering both brief and longer-term options depending on a person’s goals. She also trained in bereavement support and in hypnotherapy related to solution-focused work.
She has studied counselling and CBT psychotherapy to postgraduate level at the University of South Wales and completed a diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at the Clifton Practice in Bristol. Valerie is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which she says guides her clinical practice and supervision.
Sessions are offered in English and take place in the United Kingdom. People considering therapy are encouraged to think about their goals before booking so sessions can focus on practical steps from the start.
Approaches that guide online work
Valerie uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, which can reduce panic, anxiety and low mood. Mindfulness Therapy is used to teach people how to notice thoughts and sensations without immediately reacting, which can be useful for stress and rumination.She also draws on Solution-Focused Therapy, which concentrates on what someone wants to achieve and on building practical steps toward that goal. Together these approaches give both short-term tools and ideas for longer-term change. The therapist works collaboratively to find the right mix based on a person’s needs and preferences.
If you are considering online work, confirm the exact session formats before booking as the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time so people can have appointments around work or family commitments. Registered or accredited professionals will help choose the format that best fits your goals and day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this counsellor address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, as well as issues such as OCD, eating and sleeping problems and anger.
How would sessions feel and what is the therapeutic style?
The style is pragmatic and collaborative, with lots of questions to identify what keeps someone stuck and which small changes could help.
What experience does the counsellor have?
She has nine years of study and practice, including postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy and training in bereavement counselling and solution-focused hypnotherapy.
What professional credentials and location are listed?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How does payment or cost work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with this counsellor?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.