Valerie | Individual and Couples Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. Constant/Repeated Arguing
• 2. Communication problems
• 3. Intimacy and connection issues
• 4. Trust issues & rebuilding
• 5. Life transitions stress
• 6. Emotional disconnection
• 7. Attachment patterns & dynamics
• 8. Infidelity & betrayal recovery
• 9. Parenting & co-parenting
• 10. Repeated conflict cycles

Specialisations and Expertises

I work with individuals and couples who want to understand their patterns, navigate complex emotions, and create meaningful, lasting change. My areas of expertise include:

1. Constant arguing and repeated arguments

Many couples feel stuck having the same argument over and over again without resolution. Sessions focus on understanding the cycle between you, reducing escalation, and helping both partners feel heard so conversations become calmer and more productive.

2. Communication problems

Difficulty expressing needs or feeling misunderstood is common in relationships. I help couples slow conversations down, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop clearer, more supportive ways of speaking and listening.

3. Intimacy and connection issues

When emotional or physical closeness fades, couples can feel distant or lonely. We explore what has changed in the relationship and work towards rebuilding emotional connection and closeness in a way that feels natural for both partners.

4. Trust issues and rebuilding

Trust can be impacted by betrayal, secrecy, or repeated hurt. Sessions provide a structured space to understand what has happened, process emotions, and begin rebuilding safety, honesty, and reliability over time.

5. Life changes and relationship stress

Major transitions such as becoming parents, work pressure, illness, or moving home can place strain on relationships. I support couples to manage stress together and stay connected through periods of change.

6. Emotional disconnection

Some couples describe feeling more like housemates than partners. Work focuses on understanding emotional distance, improving responsiveness to each other, and rebuilding a sense of closeness and partnership.

7. Attachment patterns and dynamics

Unhelpful patterns can develop where one partner pursues closeness while the other withdraws or shuts down. We explore these dynamics gently, helping both partners understand their responses and create more secure ways of relating.

8. Infidelity and betrayal recovery

Affair recovery work involves processing what has happened, making sense of the impact on both partners, and deciding what rebuilding trust might realistically look like, if both partners wish to continue.

9. Parenting and co-parenting issues

Parenting can place pressure on even strong relationships. Sessions focus on improving teamwork, reducing conflict around parenting decisions, and supporting a more united approach.

10. Repeated conflict cycles

Some couples find they are caught in broader cycles of conflict that show up across different areas of the relationship. Work focuses on identifying and shifting these patterns so that interactions feel less reactive and more connected.

Each area is approached collaboratively, with a focus on practical, lasting change. The work is tailored to your needs and pace, and shaped by what feels right and manageable for you.

Most common issues I support people with:

1. Communication Problems and Feeling Unheard
Many couples struggle to communicate effectively and end up feeling misunderstood, criticised, or ignored. I help partners understand their communication patterns, express their needs more clearly, and create conversations that lead to greater understanding and connection.

2. Constant Arguing and Repeated Conflict

Do you find yourselves having the same argument over and over again? Many couples become stuck in a cycle where small disagreements quickly escalate, leaving both partners feeling frustrated, unheard, or disconnected. Over time, this pattern can create distance and resentment within the relationship.

I support couples to identify the interaction patterns that keep them stuck, understand the emotions and needs beneath the conflict, and develop healthier ways of communicating. Together, we work towards breaking unhelpful cycles, reducing tension, and approaching disagreements with greater understanding, calm, and collaboration.

3. Loss of Intimacy and Emotional Connection
When emotional or physical closeness fades, couples can feel lonely even within the relationship. I support partners to explore barriers to connection, rebuild emotional intimacy, and strengthen the bond between them.

4. Trust Issues, Betrayal and Relationship Repair
Trust can be damaged through infidelity, secrecy, broken promises, or unresolved hurts. I provide a safe space for couples to process what has happened, understand each other's experience, and work towards rebuilding trust and security.

5. Stress, Life Changes and Relationship Challenges
Life events such as becoming parents, moving home, career changes, health difficulties, or caring responsibilities can place pressure on a relationship. I help couples navigate these challenges together and strengthen their ability to support one another through change..

Fees

I offer a free 15 minute Zoom or phone consultation so we can get a sense of whether we feel a good fit and whether I am the right person to support you.

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

Couples Therapy Fees (60 minutes):

£70 daytime
£85 evening

Individual Therapy Fees (60 minutes):
£55 online or in person daytime
£70 online or in person evening

Concessions are available depending on circumstances and available times.

For individual counselling, we can meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on your needs, time and budget. Sessions can be 60 or 90 minutes.

For couples counselling, meeting at least fortnightly is recommended, with weekly sessions offering the most momentum. Meeting every three weeks is also possible. The more regularly you attend and engage with the work between sessions, the stronger and more lasting the progress tends to be.

Therapy can be short term or open ended, depending on what you need.

Block Booking Offer  For those who prefer to plan ahead, I offer a simple discounted option:
Book six sessions in advance and receive 10% off the total fee.

This can be used for both couples therapy and individual counselling.

This option often appeals to those wanting steady, continuous work and can support commitment, consistency and progress.

I work with couples locally across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including Marlow, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and surrounding areas, as well as online with couples throughout the UK and internationally.

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

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