Valerie Harmer, BACP

Valerie Harmer is a BACP counsellor in the United Kingdom with nine years' experience. She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, low self esteem, anger and related concerns. Valerie also supports people dealing with OCD, depression, eating and sleeping problems, and life changes such as separation or career shifts.

Her style is practical and question-led. She helps people make sense of what's keeping them stuck and identifies small, achievable changes. Sessions focus on what is happening now and what could be different, rather than only looking back at the past.

Valerie uses approaches drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and mindfulness. She asks many questions to build a clear picture, and offers direct feedback and practical tools to try between sessions. Some work is brief and goal-focused; other work can be longer if needed.

She trained at postgraduate level in counselling and CBT psychotherapy at the University of South Wales. Valerie also completed a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and bereavement training with CRUSE. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and undertakes regular supervision.

People come to her for help with communication and control issues, attachment and family of origin problems, forgiveness and guilt, and broader concerns such as midlife questions, life purpose and hospice and end-of-life matters. The emphasis is on practical steps and clearer thinking to reduce unhelpful cycles of behaviour.

How Valerie uses focused approaches in online work