Valerie | Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. anxiety
• 2. grief
• 3. relationship
• 4. couples
• 5. communication
• 6. childhood emotional neglect
• 7. people pleasing
• 8. expressing feelings - coaching
• 9. decisions
• 10. divorce

Specialisations and Expertises

As an experienced counsellor, I provide professional and compassionate support for a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-worth, and stress. My approach combines empathy, clarity and gentle structure, helping you understand what is affecting you and why, while supporting and coaching you to build coping skills and emotional resilience.

I have a particular interest in Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)—a deeply rooted issue that develops when emotional needs are overlooked or misunderstood in childhood. As adults, this can show up as chronic emptiness, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or difficulty expressing emotions and forming close relationships. Healing from CEN involves learning to recognise, validate and express emotions in a safe and supportive space, while I guide and coach you to rebuild self-worth and emotional connection.

I also provide support for grief, loss, and the emotional impact of terminal or life-limiting illnesses, helping you navigate these experiences with understanding, care, and practical coping strategies.

Every client’s journey is unique. I tailor therapy to your individual needs, offering a compassionate and structured approach to emotional healing and personal growth.

Expected Number of Sessions
The number of sessions varies for each person. I usually recommend an initial assessment session to explore your concerns and set clear therapeutic goals. Sessions can be weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs, progress, and budget. My client-centred approach ensures that therapy moves at a pace that feels right for you, supporting your journey towards emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-understanding, while coaching you in practical strategies for lasting change.

Most common issues I support people with:

• Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) occurs when caregivers fail to meet a child’s emotional needs, leading to low self-worth, difficulty expressing emotions, and struggles in relationships. Signs of CEN in adults include chronic emptiness, people-pleasing, and emotional disconnection. Healing from Childhood Emotional Neglect involves building self-awareness, setting boundaries, and learning to identify and validate emotions.

• Anxiety: I have extensive experience in working with clients dealing with various forms of anxiety, whether it's generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorders. I provide practical strategies and support to manage anxiety and regain a sense of control in one's life.

• Loneliness: Loneliness can significantly impact one's emotional well-being. I specialize in helping clients address and cope with loneliness, explore ways to build meaningful connections, and foster a sense of belonging.

• Feelings of Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: My expertise also extends to addressing self-esteem and self-worth issues. I work with clients to identify the root causes of low self-esteem and help them build a more positive self-image through self-acceptance and self-compassion.

• Grief and Loss: Coping with the loss of a loved one or other significant life losses can be overwhelming. I specialize in grief counseling, providing a supportive and empathetic space for clients to process their grief and find ways to heal and move forward.  Facing a Terminal Illness: For individuals and families dealing with the diagnosis of a terminal illness, I offer specialized support to navigate the emotional challenges, make end-of-life decisions, and find meaning and connection during this difficult time.

Fees

I offer a free 15 minute zoom/phone consultation to see if we feel a good fit and I am the right person to support you.  

Individual Therapy fees (60 minutes):

• £45 online sessions daytime
• £55 in-person daytime
• £55 online evening
• £65 in-person evening

For an initial couples session the fee differs as this will be a 90 minute session, priced at £20 more than the rates listed below.   Subsequent sessions can be 60 minutes.

Couples Therapy fees (60 minutes):

• £60 for online daytime sessions
• £75 for in-person daytime sessions 
• £70 for online evening sessions
• £85 for in-person evening sessions 

Concessions available depending on circumstances and available times.

For couples counselling, meeting at least fortnightly is recommended, with weekly sessions being optimal. Meeting every three weeks is also an option. The more regularly you meet and engage with the work between sessions, the better the results—it takes commitment to achieve the relationship you desire!

Therapy can be for a limited number of sessions or open ended depending on your needs.

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

Contact me