Valerie Harmer

Valerie Harmer is a counsellor who supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain and the effects of divorce and separation. She also helps with grief, low self-esteem, anger and mood difficulties. Valerie uses practical, goal-focused conversations to help people find clearer ways forward.

Her style is direct and collaborative. She asks questions to clarify what keeps problems going and to spot small, useful changes. Valerie uses short-term and longer-term plans depending on a person’s aims. Sessions focus on noticing patterns and trying out new ways of responding.

Valerie combines solution-focused ideas with cognitive behavioural strategies and mindfulness practices. She trained in counselling and CBT psychotherapy to postgraduate level at the University of South Wales and completed a diploma in solution-focused hypnotherapy. She has also trained with CRUSE as a bereavement counsellor.

She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, abbreviated as BACP, and follows its practice guidance. Valerie keeps her work under regular supervision and continues to update her professional skills.

People who choose her often want practical steps and clear feedback. Valerie aims to help people break repetitive cycles and move towards the life they want. If someone prefers a collaborative, question-led approach that blends practical tools and reflective work, she may be a good fit.

How Valerie uses CBT, mindfulness and solution-focused work online

Valerie combines cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness practice and solution-focused methods in a practical way. Cognitive behavioural work looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going and uses small experiments to test new ways of thinking and acting. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and help people notice their feelings with less judgement. Solution-focused therapy concentrates on practical steps and clear goals, helping people identify what changes would make a difference and try them out.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Valerie treats this as a collaborative process and will help clients decide which mix of approaches fits their needs and aims. She listens to what matters most to the client and adjusts plans as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy, please confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also suit people who prefer to work from their own surroundings or who find telephone conversations less demanding than video. Registered or accredited professionals and therapists offer a range of options, and Valerie will help you select the way of working that best fits your life and goals.