Valerie | Counsellor

Registrations

• BACP - The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English

Specialisations

• 1. communication problems
• 2. Conflict and Arguments
• 3. Infidelity and Trust Issues
• 4. Emotional Disconnection
• 5. Intimacy and Sexual Issues
• 6. Jealousy and Insecurity
• 7. Life Transitions and Stress
• 8. Parenting & Family Dynamics
• 9. Pre-Marital/Commitment issues
• 10. Breakup or Separation

Specialisations and Expertises

As a relationship therapist, I support couples who want to communicate more openly, reconnect emotionally, and face difficult life events with more steadiness and understanding. My work centres on helping partners truly hear one another, move out of recurring conflict, and rebuild trust, intimacy, and emotional safety.

I most often help with:

Communication difficulties – learning to speak and listen in ways that feel respectful and constructive

Frequent arguments – shifting out of painful patterns and finding healthier ways to disagree

Infidelity and trust issues – repairing after betrayal and working out how to move forward

Emotional distance – restoring closeness when the relationship feels disconnected or lonely

Intimacy and sexual concerns – creating space for honest conversation about desire, sex, and closeness

Life transitions and external stress – supporting couples through parenthood, career changes, relocation, illness, or family pressures

Jealousy and insecurity – understanding the roots of these feelings and responding with compassion and clearer boundaries

I tailor each session to the couple in front of me. Many people notice meaningful shifts within six to twelve sessions, depending on what they want to work on. Some prefer shorter, focused work, while others choose longer-term support as they deepen their emotional connection and build new relationship habits.

My approach is collaborative and non-judgmental. I aim to create a space where both partners feel safe, understood, and supported — even when conversations are difficult.

Most common issues I support people with:

1. Communication Difficulties
Many couples come to therapy because they feel unable to talk openly or to feel truly heard. This might look like repeated misunderstandings, shutting down during difficult conversations, or feeling as though every discussion turns into a loop. When communication breaks down, frustration and emotional distance tend to follow. In therapy, we build clearer, kinder, and more confident ways of expressing yourselves and listening to one another.

2. Frequent Conflict and Arguments
All couples disagree, but when arguments become constant or never seem to resolve, it can erode trust and closeness. You might notice the same patterns appearing again and again, or find yourselves avoiding conversations because they feel too charged. Together, we explore the deeper needs and emotions beneath the conflict and work on ways of disagreeing with more understanding and respect.

3. Trust Issues and Betrayal
Infidelity, secrecy, or the impact of past relationships can leave partners feeling shaken and unsure of the future. Rebuilding trust is a delicate process, and it takes time, honesty, and support. Therapy provides a structured space to talk openly about what happened, how it has affected you, and what each of you needs in order to heal and decide how to move forward.

4. Life Transitions and External Stressors
Becoming parents, changing careers, moving home, coping with illness, or navigating loss can place unexpected strain on a relationship. Pressures from work, finances, or extended family can make it hard to stay emotionally connected. I help couples strengthen their support for one another while finding steadier ways of coping with these challenges.

5. Parenting and Family Pressures
Differences in parenting styles, blended family dynamics, and the sheer intensity of raising children can create tension or leave couples feeling more like co-managers than partners. Therapy offers a calm, grounded space to talk through these pressures and rebuild a sense of teamwork.

These issues are incredibly common, and couples counselling provides a structured and supportive place to work through them, rebuild connection, and create healthier patterns together.

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 online or in person daytime
£80 online evening
£85 in person 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.

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

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