Valerie | Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. anxiety
• 2. Relationship counselling
• 3. grief
• 4. Communication problems
• 5. Childhood emotional neglect
• 6. relationship patterns
• 7. Low self-esteem
• 8. People pleasing
• 9. Burnout
• 10. Divorce

Specialisations and Expertises

I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply and create meaningful, lasting change. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, grieving, struggling with low self-worth, or wondering why the same difficulties keep repeating, therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and find a different way forward.

Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we explore the emotional patterns, beliefs and past experiences that continue to influence how you think, feel and respond today. As understanding grows, many people find they naturally begin responding differently, both to themselves and to others.

I have a particular interest in Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) and the lasting impact it can have on self-esteem, anxiety, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Many adults who experienced emotional neglect grow up feeling there is something wrong with them without understanding why. Together, we work to make sense of those experiences, develop greater self-compassion, and build a stronger, more connected sense of self.

I also have a special interest in grief and bereavement, supporting people through the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, and the emotional impact of terminal or life-limiting illness. Grief is deeply personal, and therapy provides a compassionate space where you can process your experience at your own pace.

Every client's journey is different. I tailor therapy to your individual needs, offering a balance of warmth, curiosity and gentle challenge to help you understand yourself more fully and create lasting change.

Expected Number of Sessions

The number of sessions depends on your goals and what you are bringing to therapy. Some people find 6–12 sessions helpful for a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when exploring longstanding emotional patterns or experiences from earlier life.

We will begin with an initial assessment to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly, and we will review our work together regularly to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.

Most common issues I support people with:

Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN)

Many adults who experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect grow up feeling there is something wrong with them without fully understanding why. You may struggle with low self-worth, people-pleasing, difficulty expressing emotions, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Together, we explore how these early experiences continue to influence your life today and help you develop greater self-understanding, self-compassion and healthier ways of relating.

Anxiety and Overwhelm

Anxiety often has deeper roots than simply feeling worried. Together, we explore what sits beneath the anxiety, understand the patterns that keep it going, and develop practical ways of responding that help you feel calmer, more confident and more in control of your life.

Grief and Loss

Grief is different for everyone and cannot be rushed. Whether you are coping with the death of a loved one or another significant loss, I offer a compassionate space to process your experience, make sense of your emotions and gradually find a way forward while honouring what has been lost.

Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

How we feel about ourselves is often shaped by our earliest relationships and experiences. Therapy provides an opportunity to understand where these beliefs came from, challenge unhelpful patterns, and develop a kinder, more realistic relationship with yourself.

Relationship Patterns

Many people notice the same difficulties appearing across different relationships, whether with partners, family or friends. Together, we explore the patterns that keep repeating, understand where they began, and work towards creating healthier, more fulfilling ways of relating to yourself and others.

Fees

I offer a free 15-minute Zoom or telephone consultation so we can decide whether we feel like the right fit to work together and whether I am the right person to support you.

Individual Counselling (60 minutes)

• £55 daytime (online or in person)
• £70 evening (online or in person)

Concessions may be available depending on circumstances and appointment availability.

Individual sessions can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on your needs, availability and budget. Sessions are available in 60 or 90-minute formats.

Couples Counselling

The first session is 90 minutes, allowing more time to understand your relationship, explore your concerns and establish a clear direction for our work. The fee is £20 more than the standard rates below.

Subsequent sessions are usually 60 minutes.

60-minute sessions

• £70 daytime (online or in person)
• £85 evening (online or in person)

For couples counselling, I generally recommend meeting at least fortnightly, with weekly sessions offering the greatest momentum. Three-weekly sessions are also possible where needed.

Therapy may be short-term or longer-term, depending on your needs and goals.

Block Booking

If you book six sessions in advance, you will receive 10% off the total fee.

This offer is available for both individual and couples counselling and can help support consistency and continuity throughout the therapeutic process.

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

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