Directory entry

Valerie Harmer, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 9 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Self esteem Coping with life changes

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Valerie Harmer offers support for stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem and other life challenges. She is a counsellor with a BACP accreditation and nine years of professional experience. Valerie uses practical approaches to help people break unhelpful patterns and move forward at their own pace.

Valerie takes a straightforward, collaborative style. She asks questions to clarify what is happening and where things feel stuck. Sessions focus on small, realistic changes that can make daily life easier.

Background and approach

She balances short-term practical work with longer-term exploration when needed. Her practice draws on cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused ideas, plus mindfulness methods to steady thought and mood. These approaches are used to address anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, sleep and eating difficulties, and challenges around identity and relationships.

Valerie also supports people navigating bereavement, career strain and midlife questions. Training includes postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy at the University of South Wales, a diploma in solution-focused hypnotherapy from the Clifton Practice in Bristol, and bereavement counselling training with CRUSE. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP.

Sessions can be brief or longer term depending on personal goals. Valerie aims to give clear, respectful feedback and practical tools to help clients make measurable changes. She listens without judgement and works alongside each person to plan the next steps.

Valerie is based in the United Kingdom and carries out her work using an approach that mixes practical strategies with reflective thinking.

How Valerie's Approaches Work Online

Valerie uses cognitive behavioural techniques to help spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. CBT breaks problems into manageable parts and is often used for anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and sleep or eating difficulties.

She also brings solution-focused methods that concentrate on finding practical steps forward. This approach looks at what is already working and builds small, achievable goals to create momentum and reduce overwhelm.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work. Valerie will talk with each person about goals, preferences and what has helped before, then agree a plan together. The process is collaborative and flexible so methods can be adjusted as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for exercises and deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, coaching-style support or when written reflection feels easier. These options make therapy easier to fit around work, family and daily routines, and give choices about how to engage with the work.

What issues does Valerie help with?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, grief, low self-esteem and life changes, as well as concerns such as OCD, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD and career difficulties.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is collaborative and pragmatic. She asks questions to clarify patterns and works with clients to identify small, achievable changes.

What is her professional background?

She has nine years of experience and postgraduate study in counselling and CBT psychotherapy, plus diplomas in solution-focused hypnotherapy and bereavement counselling.

What credentials and location are listed?

Valerie is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and she practices in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging as options for online work.

How is cost handled?

Fees vary with location and therapist availability and work through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

What should I do to start therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 9 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Valerie

Valerie takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Valerie Harmer, BACP

Background and approach

How Valerie's Approaches Work Online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety