Valerie Harmer

• CBT methods
• Mindfulness therapy
• Behavioural activation

About Valerie

Valerie Harmer helps people with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief and related issues using a solution-focused approach. She explains what may be keeping a problem going and works collaboratively to identify small changes that move people forward. Valerie is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has nine years' experience.

She uses practical methods to break unhelpful cycles of behaviour and restore day-to-day functioning. Sessions involve asking questions to map the different parts of a problem, giving respectful feedback, and offering guidance on next steps. Valerie describes her work as pragmatic and change-focused, suitable for either brief or longer term work depending on a person’s goals.

Her practice draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, alongside techniques such as Behavioural Activation and elements of solution-focused hypnotherapy. These are used to address anxiety, low self-esteem, obsessive thoughts, phobias, depression, bereavement and relationship strains.

Valerie has completed postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy at the University of South Wales, a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at the Clifton Practice in Bristol, and bereavement training with CRUSE. She follows BACP guidance and takes regular supervision to maintain standards.

People who come to her can expect a direct, question-led style aimed at practical change. Sessions focus on identifying what keeps a difficulty going and testing small shifts that may improve coping and day-to-day life.

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

Valerie uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking and test practical changes in behaviour; this is useful for anxiety, low mood, obsessions and phobias. Mindfulness Therapy is offered to help people notice patterns of thought and attention, which can support stress reduction and improved sleep. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable steps and on what a person wants to see happen next rather than dwelling only on past causes.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Valerie will talk through goals and preferences, try out techniques and agree what feels most useful. She aims to work with each person to find methods that suit their situation and the outcomes they want to aim for.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm the current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also make it simpler to use written exercises, shared worksheets and mindfulness practice between sessions to support progress.

Topics Valerie lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Grief
• Self-esteem
• Coping with life changes
• LGBT
• Family conflicts
• Trauma and abuse
• Eating disorders
• Sleeping disorders
• Parenting issues
• Anger management
• Career difficulties
• Depression
• Coaching
• ADHD
• Attachment issues
• Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Commitment issues
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Divorce and separation
• Emptiness
• Family of origin issues
• Family problems
• Forgiveness
• Guilt and shame
• Hospice and end-of-life counselling
• Life purpose
• Midlife crisis
• Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Phobias
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Somatization
• Women's issues
• Workplace issues
• Young adult issues

Ways of working

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

Questions about Valerie

Does she help with anxiety and stress?

Yes. She works with anxiety, stress and related issues using practical methods such as CBT and solution-focused techniques.

What kind of counselling does she offer?

She offers a pragmatic, change-focused approach that includes Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy.

How much experience does she have?

She has nine years' experience working in counselling and psychotherapy.

Is she a member of a professional body and where does she practise?

She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.

What languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions organised and what formats are used?

Please confirm the current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.

How much do sessions cost and how does payment work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.