Valerie Sutherland

Currently available for new and returning clients.

Hours are flexible morning, afternoon and evening appointments.

I’m a qualified and experienced psychotherapist and counsellor, creative arts therapist and writer, and I’m on a mission to help people beat anxiety, procrastination, depression, manage stress and boost self-belief and self-confidence. I believe that with the right guidance, everyone can dismantle the inner beliefs and thinking patterns that weakens their peace of mind and holds them back in life. It’s so easy to keep struggling and trying, hoping that somehow, you will muddle through and things will get better. But why wait to start enjoying your life?

If you are ready to make change happen, I’m here to help.

Providing a compassionate opportunity to help you explore personal issues, thoughts and feelings, and to support you to make changes to your difficult life situation or unhappiness. 

What we talk about during sessions is kept between us. If I feel you or someone you are talking about are in danger I will need to break confidentiality and will talk to you about this.

How I work with you

Counselling & Psychotherapy provide an opportunity for you to talk in a way which explores what is going on in your life and helps you to work towards change with my support.

During the first session I like to take a brief history to gain a sense of your life. I may ask a few more questions than in subsequent sessions. I will answer any questions you may have about counselling, myself and confidentiality.

Counselling can help when dealing with the many different challenges life can throw at us, with problems in relationships, from past trauma, with depression and anxiety, with trusting people and with grieving. By finding a safe and supportive space you can explore your feelings in a non judgemental way at your own pace.

Before our first session I can offer a free initial short 15 minute session with an opportunity for you to decide whether I am the right counsellor to help you. We will be able to discuss how I work and what your expectations of your counselling are. I would be interested in finding out a little more about you and your reasons for seeking counselling at this time. No obligation to continue.

If you decide to go ahead, sessions will be regularly, ideally weekly or fortnightly for 50 minutes each time by phone call.

I believe you are the best person to know how many sessions you should have. I offer flexibility and I am able to offer short and long term work with me.

Ethics and Regulating Governing Body - I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) which is the UK regulating governing body for safe practice. I adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.