About me
*currently accepting new clients*
Welcome! I'm Valerie- a therapist, dog lover and firm believer in the power of human connection. I can offer you a warm and supportive place to navigate feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss.
I work with young adults (16+) and adults on a one-to-one basis- in person, online and by telephone.
Specialisms
I specialise in anxiety management, depression, trauma and low self-esteem. I also frequently work with family/relationship difficulties, neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ issues. I believe we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin and happy with who we are and the choices we make.
Our sessions together will be an opportunity to reflect upon your thoughts, feelings and behaviours- and how they may be impacting you and affecting your relationship with yourself, others and the life you want to live. Together we can explore the challenges you may be facing and unlock the resources you have within you to begin to lead a more fulfilling life.
Some of the ways I can help
I can help you to:
- Improve your resilience and coping strategies- helping you to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Enhance your self awareness; fostering a deeper understanding of your triggers, patterns and responses- helping you to break free from repetitive patterns which may no longer be serving you well.
- Improve your communication skills- helping you to express your feelings and needs more effectively.
- Improve the relationship you have with yourself by bringing your more compassionate self 'online'.
How many sessions will I need?
I offer both short and long term therapy. Our work can be for as little as 6-8 sessions or can be more open-ended- depending on your needs and circumstances. Either way, I will always work collaboratively with you, checking in throughout to make sure that our work together is meeting your needs.
About me
I'm an integrative counsellor, meaning I draw on a variety of counselling approaches to inform my work. I'm also a relational therapist- believing that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is integral to promoting a supportive space where you can heal and grow.
As humans we are fundamentally relational- and our wellbeing is greatly influenced by the quality of our connection with others. My strength as a relational therapist is in the empathy, compassion and respect I offer- building a strong and trusting relationship through which you can begin to explore your feelings.
I am a qualified integrative counsellor and a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).
My Availability
I offer an in-person counselling service every Thursday evening (5pm-9pm) and Saturday morning (10am-1pm) at the Eaves Counselling and Psychology Service in Guildford. However, if these times don't suit please do contact me to discuss alternatives.
I also offer an online and telephone counselling service. My availability can be more flexible using these platforms. Again, please do contact me directly if this interests you.
Next Steps
I recognise that reaching out can feel daunting. I also appreciate that coming to counselling is a big commitment- both in terms of time and finances. It is therefore important for you to feel at ease with your therapist and comfortable to talk freely.
With this in mind, I therefore offer a free initial 30 minute telephone consultation so you can get a feel for how we might work together.
If you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, please do reach out and we can arrange a chat.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and Qualifications
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- NCFE Level 3 Award Counselling Skills and Theory
- NCFE Level 2 Award Helping Skills
- NCFE Level 1 Award Interpersonal Skills
- MA Social Work (Warwick University)
Additional Training & Certifications
- MHFA England: Youth Mental Health First Aider
- ACTO Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- PESI UK Trauma Informed Practice when Working with Complex PTSD
- Working with Relational Trauma- Dealing with Disorganised Attachment
- Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice
- BACP Online Counselling Training
- BACP Exploring Suicidal Risk
- BACP Integrating Artwork into your Counselling Practice
Experience
Alongside my private counselling practice I have also worked within a service offering short term counselling to 16-25 year olds. I have also previously worked for Mind- offering a counselling service to adults 18+.
I have many years experience supporting families and young people. I know that life can be complicated and complex. Family relationships can become strained for multiple reasons and sometimes professional involvement can help to get things back on track.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Shame and Guilt
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
When I work
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