Valerie | Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. Communication Breakdowns
• 2. Trust Issues
• 3. Financial Stress
• 4. Intimacy Concerns
• 5. Parenting Conflicts
• 6. Life Transitions
• 7. Unresolved Conflict
• 8. Emotional Neglect
• 9. Jealousy and Insecurity
• 10. Phubbing (Partner Snubbing

Specialisations and Expertises

1.     Communication Breakdowns
Many couples struggle to express themselves clearly or feel heard, leading to repeated misunderstandings, arguments, or emotional disconnection. I provide counselling and coach couples in practical communication strategies, helping partners express needs effectively, listen actively, and reduce conflict.

2.     Trust Issues
Infidelity, secrecy, or unresolved past relationship wounds can make it difficult to feel secure. Therapy and coaching help couples rebuild trust, repair emotional damage, and establish transparency, honesty, and safety in the relationship.

3.     Financial Stress
Disagreements over money are one of the most common causes of tension. I support couples in managing financial pressures, negotiating priorities, and creating agreements that work for both partners, helping reduce conflict and improve partnership harmony.

4.     Intimacy Concerns
Emotional and physical intimacy are crucial for a healthy relationship. I work with couples to restore closeness, increase connection, and improve sexual and emotional satisfaction through therapy and coaching in intimacy-building practices.

5.     Parenting Conflicts
Differences in parenting styles, step-parenting challenges, or family boundaries can create stress. I guide couples in effective co-parenting strategies, conflict resolution, and teamwork, helping to strengthen both your relationship and family dynamics.

6.     Life Transitions
Major life changes—becoming parents, career shifts, relocating, or coping with illness—can be stressful. I provide online counselling and relationship coaching to help couples navigate transitions while maintaining connection, resilience, and mutual support.

7.     Unresolved Conflict
Avoiding difficult conversations or holding grudges can erode intimacy. Through therapy and coaching, I help couples develop strategies to resolve disputes constructively, improve understanding, and break negative cycles.

8.     Emotional Neglect
Feeling unheard, unseen, or emotionally unsupported can create distance. I work with couples to identify unmet needs, rebuild emotional connection, and foster a relationship where both partners feel valued, understood, and cared for.

9.   Jealousy and Insecurity
Persistent jealousy or insecurity can strain a relationship. I provide therapy and coaching to help couples address underlying fears, enhance self-confidence, and cultivate trust, stability, and emotional safety.

10. Phubbing (Partner Snubbing)
Excessive phone or device use can leave partners feeling ignored. Therapy sessions focus on creating boundaries, improving quality time, and coaching couples in strategies to stay present, connected, and attentive to one another.

Expected Number of Sessions

The number of sessions varies depending on the couple’s needs and goals. I recommend an initial assessment session to explore your concerns, set objectives, and create a tailored plan. Typically, weekly or fortnightly sessions are most effective, though the pace is adjusted for your progress, schedule, and preferences. My client-focused approach ensures therapy is practical, supportive, and designed to help couples build lasting, meaningful connections.

Most common issues I support people with:

1.     Communication Difficulties
Many couples struggle to express themselves clearly or feel truly heard, leading to misunderstandings, shutting down, or circular conversations. Poor communication can cause frustration, emotional disconnection, and unresolved tension. In therapy, we work together to build compassionate, effective ways of relating and coach you in practical communication skills.

2.     Frequent Conflict and Arguments
Disagreements are normal, but frequent or unresolved arguments can erode trust and connection. Couples often get stuck in repetitive patterns or avoid difficult conversations. I help couples explore the underlying causes of conflict and learn to manage disagreements with understanding, care, and respect.

3.     Trust Issues and Betrayal
Infidelity, secrecy, or past relationship wounds can break trust. Rebuilding it takes time, honesty, and support. Therapy offers a structured space to talk openly about what happened, its impact, and the steps needed to begin healing—together or apart.

4.     Life Transitions and External Stressors
Major changes like becoming parents, career shifts, moving house, or coping with illness or loss can bring tension. External pressures—financial, work-related, or family-related—can reduce emotional connection. I support couples in managing stress, staying connected, and coaching them in strategies to strengthen the partnership.

5.     Parenting and Family Pressures
Differing parenting styles, step-parenting challenges, and extended family boundaries can strain relationships. Couples therapy and coaching help partners navigate these pressures, improve teamwork, and maintain intimacy and support.

Fees

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

First Couples Session is 90 minutes charged at £85 day time, £95 evening. 

All sessions after initial session can be one hour (but can be extrended depending on your preference)

• £65 Couples online Day Time 
• £75 Couples online Evening 

Concessions available depending on circumstances and available times.

For couples therapy to be effective sessions should be at least three weekly, every fortnight being the most common and every week being the most effective.  

I also offer face to face couples counselling in Thame, the fees are:

• £75 Couples in person Day Time (hour)
• £85 Couples in person Evening (hour)

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

Contact me