Counsellor profile
Valerie Harmer, BACP
Counsellor - stress and relationships
See online counselling options- Solution-Focused work
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
About Valerie
Counsellor Valerie Harmer is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with nine years' experience. She works in the United Kingdom with people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, self-esteem issues, and life changes. Valerie also offers support around trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, depression, ADHD and a range of other concerns.
Valerie uses practical, change-focused methods to help people notice what keeps a problem going and what could be different. She asks questions to build a clear picture of the situation and gives straightforward feedback. Sessions can be brief or longer term depending on what someone wants to work on.
Her work draws on solution-focused ideas alongside cognitive behavioural tools and mindfulness. That means looking at small, achievable steps and noticing thoughts and actions that maintain distress. Behavioural activation and specific CBT techniques may be used where they fit the goals.
Valerie trained in counselling and CBT psychotherapy to postgraduate level at the University of South Wales. She also completed a diploma in solution-focused hypnotherapy and trained with Cruse as a bereavement counsellor. As a BACP member she takes part in regular supervision and ongoing professional development.
People can expect a practical, question-led approach aimed at reducing unhelpful cycles and finding workable changes. Sessions focus on clear aims and on what the person wants to achieve next.
How Valerie uses CBT, mindfulness and solution-focused work online
Valerie draws on cognitive behavioural approaches to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and to practise different responses. CBT techniques can help with anxiety, depression, obsessions and compulsions by breaking patterns of thinking and testing new behaviours.She also uses mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity. Mindfulness can help with stress, sleeping problems and rumination by training attention and simple breathing or noticing exercises.
Solution-focused work looks at small, realistic steps and what is already working. This approach suits people who want practical change and clear short-term goals and can be used alongside CBT and mindfulness tools.
Finding the right mix is a collaborative process. Valerie will talk about what feels useful, test different techniques and agree aims with the person in early sessions. She adapts the approach based on goals, preferences and what shows results in practice.
The original profile does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can help fit counselling into a busy week, avoid travel and make it easier to join from work or home. Different formats can suit quieter conversations, shorter check-ins or longer therapeutic work depending on practical needs.
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 sorts of concerns does she help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, low self esteem and life changes. The list also includes trauma, eating and sleeping problems, anger, depression and ADHD.
What is her therapeutic style?
The approach is pragmatic and change-focused. Valerie asks many questions, gives direct feedback and works to identify small steps that can break unhelpful cycles.
How long has she practised counselling?
She has nine years of experience working in counselling and related therapies. Her work includes brief and longer term options depending on goals.
Which professional body is she a member of and where does she work?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options with Valerie before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. Exact fees should be checked when arranging a session.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.