Valerie Harmer, BACP

Valerie Harmer is a counsellor who helps people tackle stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship problems and grief. She also supports people dealing with self-esteem struggles, anger, obsessive thoughts, eating and sleeping difficulties, career doubts, and the practical strain of life changes. Valerie lists ADHD, LGBT concerns and parenting issues among her areas of focus. She holds BACP accreditation, which she follows in her practice. Her style is direct and practical. She asks many questions to map out what keeps a problem going and what small changes could make a difference. Valerie works collaboratively, so clients set the goals and she helps to identify steps to reach them. She offers both brief and longer-term therapy depending on what someone needs. Valerie draws on Solution-Focused ideas alongside cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness. She uses behavioural activation when mood is low and clearer thinking strategies for anxiety and compulsive patterns. Mindfulness practices are offered to help with tension, sleep and unwanted repetitive thoughts. She trained at postgraduate level in counselling and CBT psychotherapy at the University of South Wales. Additional training includes a diploma in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy and bereavement counselling with CRUSE. Valerie has practised for nine years and engages in regular supervision as part of her BACP membership. People who choose her can expect straightforward feedback, practical suggestions and a focus on measurable change. Prospective clients should check current session options before booking and use the site process to start therapy.

How Valerie’s approaches translate to online work

Valerie uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution-Focused methods alongside mindfulness. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together and teaches practical strategies for anxiety, compulsive patterns and low mood. Solution-Focused work concentrates on small, concrete steps and on what is already working for someone to build forward momentum. Mindfulness offers short practices to reduce tension, improve sleep and notice unhelpful thought patterns.

Finding the best approach is part of the work. Valerie will discuss the options with each person and together decide what fits their goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process and may include mixing methods to suit different concerns over time.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Many people find online therapy helps fit sessions around work, childcare and travel because it removes a commute and can make scheduling simpler. It can also make it easier to have a shorter check-in when needed, and allows therapists to use worksheets, behavioural tasks and mindfulness exercises between meetings to support progress.