Valerie Howard
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
As an MBACP (Accred.) Integrative Therapist, I am trained in a range of counselling and psychotherapy approaches—including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Person-Centred Counselling. This integrative foundation allows me to tailor the therapeutic process to the unique and evolving needs of each client.
In addition to my work in private practice, I bring over 19 years’ experience as a Practitioner facilitating therapeutic programmes for men who have perpetrated violence and abuse against intimate partners or loved ones. This specialist work is rooted in accountability, trauma-informed care, and the promotion of behavioural change within a relational and socially aware framework.
Clients I work with
Trainee therapists; Adults; Social Services; Young people
How I deliver therapy
Long-term face-to-face work; Short-term face-to-face work; Time-limited face-face work or remotely.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a qualified and experienced Counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Therapy. As an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accred.) and the Black African and Asian Therapeutic Network (BAATN), I offer a compassionate and non-judgemental space tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
I have over 19+ years’ experience as a practitioner and trainer, including work within the Ministry of Justice, where I facilitated therapeutic group work programmes for both men and women involved in the Criminal Justice System. Much of this work has focused on individuals with complex trauma histories.
Over the years, I have supported clients with a wide range of concerns, including and not limited to:
• Childhood trauma
• Addiction
• Anger management
• Mental health challenges
• Anxiety and stress
• Bereavement, separation and loss
• Survivor’s guilt
• Racial trauma, self-esteem and identity issues
• Depression
• Sexuality
• Teenage pregnancy and parenting
• Diversity and migration-related issues
• Disability
• Relationship difficulties
• Self-injury
In addition, I am an experienced Safeguarding trainer, working with professionals who support children, young people, and adults with care and support needs.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
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.
Black, African and Asian Therapy Network
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Fees
£80.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
For both Face-Face and Online sessions, I charge £80 for the Initial Assessment Session and any further sessions thereafter.
I also have a limited number of lower-cost places; reserved for full time students, clients eligible for employment support benefits, Keyworkers and trainee therapists. The cost of the Initial Assessment Session is £80 and each session thereafter is £60.
When I work
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I offer sessions during the day; evening and weekends.
Further information
I run my own private practice in Purley Oaks and am also a counsellor with the Cassandra Centre, a respected local charity. The centre provides essential support to young people, adults, and the elderly, helping them overcome challenges related to mental health, trauma, personal development, and emotional well-being. My role at the centre reflects my commitment to working with diverse groups, offering tailored therapeutic support to individuals navigating complex life situations.
With years of experience, I approach therapy with empathy, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by each client. In my private practice, I offer a safe and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, working collaboratively to foster healing, growth, and resilience. Whether working with individuals in my practice or supporting the wider community at the Cassandra Centre, my focus is on empowering others to live fulfilling, authentic lives.
