Valerie Harmer, BACP

Valerie Harmer is a solution-focused therapist who helps people understand why they are struggling and what may be maintaining those difficulties. She works collaboratively with clients to identify practical, achievable changes that can break unhelpful cycles of behaviour and help them move forward. Valerie listens without judgment and asks detailed questions so that the different parts of a problem become clearer and respectful feedback and guidance can be offered.

She works with both individuals and couples across a wide range of emotional and relationship difficulties, including anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, OCD, phobias, depression, bereavement and relationship problems. Her approach is pragmatic and change-focused, offering both brief and longer-term work depending on a client’s goals. Valerie combines solution-focused methods with recognised techniques such as Behavioural Activation (BA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) to tailor the work to each person's needs.

Her academic 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 training with CRUSE. She is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and follows their code of conduct, including regular professional supervision and continuing professional development.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Valerie Harmer draws on Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify strengths and concrete steps that produce meaningful change. This approach concentrates on practical, forward-looking solutions and is often helpful for people who want focused, goal-oriented work.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which explores how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and offers structured techniques to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy complements these methods by teaching simple awareness and grounding practices to manage stress and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Valerie works collaboratively with each person to determine what best fits their needs, goals and preferences. She adapts methods over time so the work remains relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter or ongoing support can be provided via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access registered professionals from different locations within the United Kingdom.