Valerie Hutchinson | Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. Communication Problems
• 2. Conflict Arguments
• 3. Infidelity and Trust Issues
• 4. Emotional Disconnection
• 5. Intimacy and Sexual Issues
• 6. Jealousy and Insecurity
• 7. Life Transitions and stresses
• 8. Parenting Strains & Dynamics
• 9. Pre-Marital & Commitment
• 10. Breakup or Divorce discussions

Specialisations and Expertises

As a relationship therapist, I specialise in working with couples who want to improve communication, reconnect emotionally, and navigate difficult life events together. My work focuses on helping partners better understand each other, resolve recurring conflicts, and build a stronger foundation of trust, intimacy, and emotional safety.

I most often support clients with:

• Communication problems – learning how to talk and really listen without blame, criticism, or shutdown

• Frequent arguments and conflict – breaking out of negative cycles and finding more constructive ways to disagree

• Infidelity and trust issues – healing from betrayal and deciding how to move forward together or apart

• Emotional disconnection – rebuilding closeness when the relationship feels distant or lonely

• Intimacy and sexual concerns – creating space for honest conversations about sex, desire, and emotional connection

• External stressors and life transitions – navigating the impact of parenthood, career shifts, relocation, illness, or family dynamics

• Jealousy and insecurity – understanding where it comes from and how to respond to it with compassion and boundaries

I tailor sessions to meet the unique needs of each couple, but on average, many clients begin to experience meaningful change within 6–12 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues and their goals for therapy. Some prefer short-term, solution-focused work, while others benefit from longer-term support as they deepen emotional connection and develop new relationship habits.

My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and rooted in helping each partner feel seen, safe, and understood — even when things feel hard to say.

Most common issues I support people with:

1. Communication Difficulties
Many couples come to therapy struggling to express themselves clearly or to feel truly heard. This might involve constant misunderstandings, shutting down in conversations, or feeling like you’re going in circles. Poor communication often leads to frustration, emotional disconnection, and unresolved tension. In therapy, we work together to build more effective, compassionate ways of relating.

2. Frequent Conflict and Arguments
Disagreements are part of any relationship, but when arguments become frequent or unresolved, they can chip away at trust and connection. You might find yourselves stuck in repetitive patterns or avoiding difficult conversations altogether. I help couples explore what’s really driving the conflict and how to handle disagreements with more understanding, care, and respect.

3. Trust Issues and Betrayal
Whether due to infidelity, secrecy, or past relationship wounds, a breach of trust can feel devastating. Rebuilding trust takes time, honesty, and support. Therapy offers a structured space to talk openly about what happened, how it's impacted you, and what’s needed to begin healing and moving forward — together or apart.

4. Intimacy and Sexual Concerns
Many couples face challenges with physical and emotional intimacy. This might include mismatched sexual desire, a loss of closeness, or difficulty talking about sex altogether. These issues are more common than people often realise — and they are absolutely worth talking about. Therapy can help you understand each other’s needs and reconnect in a way that feels fulfilling for both partners.

5. Life Transitions and External Stressors
Big changes like becoming parents, changing careers, moving house, or coping with illness or loss can bring up unexpected tension. External stress — financial pressure, work demands, family challenges — can leave little room for emotional connection. I help couples manage these stressors while staying connected and supportive of one another.

Fees

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

For an initial couples session the fee differs as this will be a 90 minute session, priced at £20 more than the rates listed below.   Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes.

All sessions are one hour unless otherwise discussed:
£45 Individual online or in person daytime

£60 Individual online evening

£65 Couples online Day Time 
£70 Couples in person Day Time  
£75 Couples online Evening 
£85 Couples in person Evening 

Concessions available depending on circumstances and available times.

For individual counselling we can meet once a week, a fortnight, monthly whatever you budget and time restrains allow.

For couples counselling, meeting at least fortnightly is recommended, with weekly sessions being optimal. Meeting every three weeks is also an option. The more regularly you meet and engage with the work between sessions, the better the results—it takes commitment to achieve the relationship you desire!

Therapy can be for a limited number of sessions or open ended depending on your needs.

Availability (Opening hours)

Contact me