Valerie Harmer , BACP

Valerie Harmer is a solution-focused therapist who helps people understand why they are struggling and what keeps those difficulties in place. She works collaboratively with clients to identify practical changes that can break unhelpful cycles of behaviour and support forward movement. Valerie listens without judgment, asks questions to explore the different parts of a problem, and offers respectful feedback and guidance to help clients gain clarity and direction.

She sees both individuals and couples for a wide range of relationship and emotional concerns, including anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, obsessive-compulsive patterns, phobias, depression, bereavement and relationship difficulties. Her approach is pragmatic and change-focused, offering both brief and longer-term options depending on each person’s goals for therapy. Valerie blends Solution-Focused methods with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and techniques such as Behavioural Activation and Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy to tailor work to the needs presented.

Over the past nine years she has trained to postgraduate level in Counselling and CBT Psychotherapy at the University of South Wales, completed 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 (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom, and practises with regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

Practical approaches for online therapy and change

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. It is structured and goal-oriented, and is often used for anxiety, depression, low mood and problems such as phobias or obsessive thinking. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on strengths, practical steps and small changes that move a person toward their goals rather than dwelling on causes. It is collaborative and useful for clients seeking clear, action-oriented progress. Mindfulness Therapy introduces simple awareness and attention practices that help people relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions and can support stress management and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Valerie will work together with each client to choose or blend methods based on their needs, goals and preferences, revising the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be arranged as video calls or phone conversations, and some clients prefer live chat or text-based messaging for ongoing support. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments and increase accessibility for people who cannot attend in-person appointments. Licensed professionals can adapt methods effectively across these formats to support meaningful change.