Valerie Harmer , BACP

Valerie Harmer practises as a Solution Focused therapist who aims to help people understand why they are struggling and what patterns might be keeping those difficulties in place. She takes a practical, change-focused approach that helps clients identify small, achievable steps to break unhelpful cycles and begin moving forward. Valerie works with both individuals and couples across a wide range of concerns including anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, OCD, phobias, depression, bereavement and relationship difficulties.

Her practice blends Solution Focused methods with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other brief, goal-oriented techniques such as Behavioural Activation and Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. Valerie offers both short-term and longer-term work depending on a client’s goals, and she uses careful questioning and respectful feedback to build awareness of the different parts of a problem and where change may be possible.

Over the past nine years she has completed postgraduate study in Counselling and CBT Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales, earned a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at the Clifton Practice in Bristol, and trained as a Bereavement Counsellor with CRUSE. She is a member of the BACP - the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - and follows their practice guidelines, including regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.

How Valerie uses therapeutic approaches in online therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and work on practical strategies to change them. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and phobias and focuses on clear, structured techniques that can be practiced between sessions.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple attention practices to reduce emotional reactivity and increase coping with stress. It can be especially helpful for managing rumination, intrusive thoughts and heightened anxiety by building skills to notice and respond rather than react.

Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on clients' strengths and on small, realistic changes that create measurable progress. This approach is goal-oriented and collaborative, encouraging clients to define what improvement looks like and to take manageable steps toward it.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Valerie works collaboratively with each person to choose methods that align with their goals, preferences and life circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging make therapy more flexible and accessible. These options allow clients to book appointments around work, family and mobility needs, and offer multiple ways to engage so licensed professionals and therapists can tailor contact to what suits the client best.