Valerie Harmer

Valerie Harmer helps people who are struggling with anger, stress and anxiety find clearer ways forward. She also works with relationship worries, low self-esteem, grief and life changes. Valerie writes the first sessions so people can say what matters and decide on practical next steps.

Her style is straightforward and collaborative. She asks lots of questions to help clients see what keeps a problem going. Then she and the client agree small actions to try between sessions. Valerie aims to break unhelpful cycles rather than focus only on talking about the past.

She uses several problem-focused methods. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness and solution-focused work are mixed to suit each person. This can mean learning new ways to respond to anger, trying behavioural tasks, or using short experiments to test different approaches.

Valerie studied counselling and CBT psychotherapy to postgraduate level at the University of South Wales. She also completed a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and trained as a bereavement counsellor with CRUSE. Her background informs a pragmatic approach to emotional and relationship difficulties.

Valerie holds membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which involves regular supervision and ongoing professional development. Her practice offers both brief and longer-term work, shaped around each person's goals and what they want to change.

Sessions begin with a simple plan so people know what to expect. The emphasis is on practical steps, respectful listening and helping people make steady, realistic progress.

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

Valerie draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people notice links between thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT often includes practical tasks to try between sessions, which can help with anger, anxiety and low mood. Mindfulness Therapy is used to build moment-to-moment awareness and calm habitual reactions. Simple mindfulness exercises can reduce reactivity and improve sleep and focus. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on identifying small, achievable changes and building on what already works in a person's life.

Choosing the right approach is usually collaborative. Valerie will listen to your goals and suggest methods that fit your needs. Together you can try different tools and agree what feels most helpful as work progresses.

If you are considering online therapy, check the current session options before booking as formats are not specified in her profile. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives and to maintain momentum between appointments. It can also allow shorter check-ins, easier access to brief interventions and a way to continue work when attending in person is difficult. Registered or accredited professionals often use a mix of approaches to help people reach clear, realistic goals.