- Solution-focused work
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
About Valerie
Valerie Harmer is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has nine years of clinical experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, low self-esteem and the practical pressures of life changes. Valerie also supports those facing trauma, eating or sleeping difficulties, anger, career concerns, depression, ADHD and LGBT related issues.
Her way of working is practical and change focused. Sessions aim to identify what keeps difficulties going and which small steps can reduce them. She asks direct questions so problems become clearer and so clients can try different approaches between sessions.
Valerie combines solution-focused ideas with elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness. That mix is used to break unhelpful cycles, build useful habits and manage overwhelming thoughts. She offers both short-term work and longer term support depending on someone’s goals.
Her training includes postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy, a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and bereavement counselling training with CRUSE. As a BACP member she follows their practice guidelines and takes regular clinical supervision.
Sessions are suited to adults seeking practical, goal-oriented help with early adult pressures such as leaving home, starting work or study, relationship strain and feeling stuck. People are encouraged to clarify what they want to change and try concrete steps to get there.
How Valerie uses solution-focused and CBT ideas online
Valerie uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people notice how thoughts, feelings and actions link, and then to test small changes that can reduce anxiety or improve mood. CBT work often includes practical exercises and simple experiments to try between sessions.She also draws on Solution-Focused Therapy, which looks for strengths and past successes to build usable next steps. Mindfulness techniques are used to help manage stress and bring attention back from overwhelming thoughts to present-moment awareness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie will discuss goals and preferences, and will help decide whether short-term solution-focused work, CBT tasks or mindfulness practice fits best. That choice is made together and can change as therapy progresses.
Confirm the specific online session formats before booking as the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into study, work or busy schedules and reduce travel time. They also allow shorter check-ins when needed, or sessions that do not require being on camera. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and homework so the practical work of therapy fits everyday 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 she support?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem and life changes, among other areas such as trauma, ADHD and eating or sleeping problems.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is pragmatic and change focused, using questions and feedback to spot patterns and try practical steps between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has nine years of clinical experience and postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy.
What professional credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.