Testimonials

"What I found most helpful about the CBT therapy with Val was: unbiased; able to be honest and not be judged; she listened; empathised and I really felt our sessions were confidential. She seemed to understand me and asked questions that were relevant and offered solutions that maybe I hadn't considered. I felt I had someone who cared and wanted to help me. She gave me encouragement. What I found most helpful was: it gave me a different way to think about issues and manage my anxiety and stress and to know that I was also helping myself, the exercises were a good focus on changing the way we think about certain situations and reading through and discussing them together was fundamental. I think its always nice to connect with people face to face, but circumstances of 'lockdown' meant that online solutions had to be used, which wasn't a problem"

- Ruth (Name Changed) 2021

"What I found most helpful about therapy with Val was: knowledge, experience and confidence in treating symptoms; able to offer convincing reasons for symptoms and logical solutions to deal with them; direct and realistic approach in solving my issues to the point with no waffling. What was most helpful was: the CBT sessions made a lot of sense; carried out at a good pace; covered a lot of ground and was interactive. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the CBT sessions had to be done via Zoom. Thanks Val for all your help, support and good sound practical advice".

- Bill (Name Changed) 2021

"What I found most helpful was having someone to talk to outside my family group. The therapy taught me how to break down my problems. Find positives from negatives and come up with coping strategies, i.e., writing down problems etc. Thank you Val talking to you over the years has realty made a difference. Keep up the good work!"

- Robin (Name Changed) 2020

"Val really listened to what I had to say. She never rushed me and however I felt was never wrong. I found the EMDR very helpful, it was such a relief to go through things again until they were processed in the correct way. I just want to say thank you so much for the therapy sessions, I feel I have my freedom to go where I want to back again"

- Helen (Name Changed) 2020

"Sincere thanks to you for all of your support - I have learned a great deal from you and I will never forget your patience and wisdom".

- Therapist Supervisee 2020

"What I found helpful was Val's calm and reassuring manner; the practical help offered, delivered in manageable chunks. Val was never judgmental - always supportive. I found Val's style and approach worked for me. What I found most helpful was the OCD worksheets and self-help solutions provided in the documents, e.g., obsessions and compulsions and the pendulum of extremes. The therapy with Val has left me with practical self-help solutions for any reoccurrence, which has made me feel more confident about identifying and recognising any future relapse and putting solutions in place to deal with it. In summary, it's left me feeling I am in control of my OCD and it does not control me . unless I allow it".

- Arron (Name Changed) 2020

"Val has a way of instantly making you relax. From the very first session I trusted her, and as hard as the process was, I knew I was in good hands. The EMDR therapy experience enabled me to overcome the issues I had with the near drowning incident I went through. It also threw up questions about the way I had been brought up in a 'big boys don't cry' generation, and how that had not only hindered me being able to deal with the issue, but it also impacted my emotional relationship with my children. As a result of these sessions, I have been able to connect with my children, who are all adults now, in a totally new and beautiful way, where we can talk about how we feel in a way that would not have been possible. EMDR was totally new to me. I was nervous that I might unlock other bad memories, which I did. It was a very powerful methodology that made me re-live the trauma every time, rather than just remember it. But Val was brilliant in guiding me and giving me pointers at key moments. So, while it was different to anything I had experienced before, I would recommend it. I had no idea how it was going to go and although it was very uncomfortable, and I've cried more in these sessions than I probably have ever cried. It has changed me, not only in terms of getting over the events of Zanzibar, but it has changed the way I deal with emotions. I am still struggling with fifty odd years of conditioning, but I am more in touch with my emotions and more willing to talk about how I feel, particularly with my children. And that has been the best bit. I thought I had a good relationship with my children, but they have said how proud the are of me and that is as a result of being open as I have. They are more willing to be more open, not only with me but maybe with their children. Val you said to me that sometimes people have positive outcomes from these dark events. I'd like to think I can count myself in this group!".

- Daniel (Name Changed) 2020

"Val attained a fault description of the events leading to my mental health and then helped me to understand the reasons behind my illness. Using flow diagrams etc that I still look towards now. Val assisted me with my therapy with practical exercises within her household which involved 'live exposure exercises'. This was a touch of brilliance. Also, Val was not short in providing any supporting evidence in the form of documentation, which I often refer back to in times of stress. Val's therapy was brilliant. A previous session I had with another therapist was confrontational and almost aggressive before he attained any of the background information. Val is a very well educated and talented psychotherapist who I would have no reservations in recommending at all. Thank you Val".

- Len (Name Changed) 2020

"What I found most helpful about Val was the handouts and homework she gave me they were very helpful for me. There wasn't only structure in the therapy sessions, but also throughout the rest of the week. The therapy was 24/7, not just for one hour a week. There isn't one thing I can specifically point out that was helpful. Every aspect of my therapy with Val was helpful. Although not at the time. I now appreciate that I was pushed into uncomfortable experiences which helped me overcome my fears and anxieties. Thank you Val. The therapy you have given me is invaluable. I will use the knowledge, experience and exercises you have taught me for the rest of my life".

- Emma (Name Changed) 2020

"Val was very professional, encouraging and offering practical and proven assistance/help methods. A very good listener and offering practical suggestions and help. Val took the time to assess me and then gave me the support needed for me to get back on the right track, re-focus and take control of my life again. What I found helpful about the therapy was it was interactive, and I had to contribute and follow up on given tasks. That the tools used were real and effective. It was time and money very well spent in a positive and calm environment. I have had therapy before in the past when my first marriage broke up back I the mid 1990's I went to one session with another therapist where apart from listening to a recording of whale music, I did not really receive anything concrete or useful".

- Robin (Name Changed) 2020

"initially I was very reluctant to attend therapy as I did not think it would work. Val was very realistic in her approach and the way she dealt with my questions/reservations helped me accept that I very much needed help. The therapy gave me direction and structure in dealing with my 'split personality' (rational/irrational thoughts) and started to rebuild my confidence. At times Val told me 'home truths' that I did not wish to hear. Later on, they proved vital in my rehabilitation".

- Kenneth (Name Changed) 2020

"I was under the belief that the course would not help but went along anyway. How wrong I was! It was the most positive and helpful thing I have ever done. It helped me to like myself, believe in myself, and I have grown in confidence week after week. It has given me the tools to carry on with my new loved assertive self. I found assertiveness confidence and a wellbeing attitude towards myself. I feel I have changed so much over the course of treatment. I am so glad that I went and stuck with it. Today I am a happy, confident and assertive individual. I realise that although we cannot change other peoples' behaviour, we have the right to look after ourselves first and foremost".

- Georgine (Name Changed) 2020

"Val was calm and reassuring but in such a way that I trusted her that if something went wrong, she could deal with it. I felt safe with her; she had a calm environment for the session which helped. The ability to be able address issues from my past that have affected me both consciously and unconsciously in a safe none-judgmental way was liberating. Through the sessions Val has enabled me to re-visit things that I had shut away, guiding me through them safely thus showing me how I can now remember them without the level of anxiety or panic that I once felt. I have had therapy before but not the type of Val did, which was EMDR therapy and I would now recommend this type of therapy in the right circumstances wholeheartedly. My sessions with Valerie have enabled me to accept that the abuse I experienced in past relationships was not my fault; that decisions I made were because I was strong not weak and that I am in control of who I am, my actions and who I choose to be with. I now feel a clearness and clarity that was previously a haze of self-doubt and self-recrimination. I cannot praise Val enough for her professional service she gave me, for her knowledge and expertise but also for releasing me from my past -to enjoy my future".

- Naomi (Name Changed) 2020

Val explained everything very clearly from day one. I found Val was extremely good at relaxing me in a lovely environment and felt at ease throughout the whole of my therapy. Val worked out exactly what I needed and talked every step of the therapy through with me with recapping at the start of each session. I found Val helped massively with my confidence levels".

- Lynsey (Name Changed) 2020

"The previous CBT I had was very different and the therapist was very young and I very much felt she was lacking in empathy compared to Val who had a great understanding of how people with OCD feel. What I found helpful working with Val was the homework I was given and talking to someone who understood OCD and knew the struggles with it. Val, thank you for your help and understanding and being none-judgmental. It's very difficult to talk to people about OCD because a lot of people think its checking things too much and don't understand the mental side of it."

- Mick (Name Changed) 2019

"Val was easy to talk to and understood where I was coming from - non-judgmental. I could talk out all my thoughts which then allowed me to work out solutions".

- Leah (Name Changed) 2019

"Val was extremely understanding and really took her time with the EMDFR process. Doing what's best for me. I had never had therapy before. The therapy has changed my outlook on everything, providing me with a more positive mindset, ensuring I look past the initial problem at how I can cope. All aspects of the therapy were helpful."

- Naomi (Name Changed) 2019

"Val was professional throughout as well as being compassionate and none-judgmental, which made me feel safe to open up about my thoughts and feelings. I found the work sheets and homework most helpful as I feel doing work at home has made it easier to continue the work once discharged. The friendly and professional environment and manner of Val really helped my recovery. I was in a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings and had completely lost control of these. Val helped me regain control of not only my thoughts but my life in general. Val helped me to get the joy back into my life which my mental health had taken away from me. I dread to think what state I would now be in if it wasn't for Val. Thank you!"

- Beverly (name changed) 2019

"Quite simply - without your help I would not be here!! Very professional approach, structured sessions, none judgmental and good balance between guiding and finding my own way. What I found most helpful was completing thought records and learning how to challenge unhelpful thoughts, BACE diary and understanding how I had stopped doing any BACE activities. The therapy has changed my life!"

- Martin (name changed) 2019

"Professional approach, kind and caring attitude, not patronising. EMDR was a quicker therapy than more conventional therapies such as CBT. It was very hard work and emotionally draining. I found it a more positive experience and I can see the benefits almost instantly."

- Alan (name changed) 2019

"Val was never judgmental - always practical, compassionate and made changes seem clear and easier to manage. What I found most helpful was looking at the present situations and how to manage emotions, thoughts and feelings and being aware of my behaviours. Thank you Val for your support and guidance over the last few months. I have more confidence and a sense of direction that I did not have previously. I am following up your advice and next steps which without your knowledge I may never have done or even know about. I came away from each of your sessions calmer and many of the people closest to me noticed a difference - thank you."

- Pauline (name changed) 2019

"Val helped me to fully process my negative thoughts and explained how and why I thought the way I did. What helped most was talking repetitively about my experience, being able to understand my mind more. Being given tasks to do and report on, almost 'forcing' myself t think rationally and process my thoughts properly. I have never had therapy before so I have nothing to compare to but for this experience I can say that Val was incredibly helpful, patient and understanding. I never felt uncomfortable and when finishing my course of sessions I feel I now have a much more rational mindset."

- Sharon (name changed) 2019.

"Val has a wonderful calming and remaining presence and demeanour. She is very good at guiding the sessions and is very responsive to me. I learned about some underlying phobic conditions. Val gave me some useful CBT strategies to work with. The sessions were more comfortable, very revealing in terms of insights and have helped me to feel more stable. I wasn't expecting to be surprised this time but I was."

- Stefan (name changed) 2019.

"I found the EMDR therapy helpful. Val was amazing, she has changed how I think and see driving. Having a nice therapist really helped and her helping me see my weaknesses and helping me with them."

- Sharon (name changed) 2018

"What I found most helpful was accepting that there was nothing I could have done to prevent the accident. It was not my fault."

- James (name changed) 2018

"Val took a real personal interest in my problems and made me feel very relaxed. She was clearly affected by what I had been through and showed a real honest empathy. Whilst a very painful experience, re-visiting the events surrounding the trauma has helped me to gain a new perspective. This has helped me to come to terms with it. I was very 'touched' by the laminated quotations given to me on our last session. Again I felt a real tangible empathy from Val, which left me feeling I had made progress. I had standard counselling before. The trauma-focused CBT I received from Val was a lot more structured and focused. I actually left the sessions feeling some benefit, the same cannot be said of previous counselling I received."

-Timothy (name changed) 2018.

"I found Val to be understanding and very easy to talk to. From what I went through Val dealt with it perfectly for me. I found the most helpful thing was when I went back to dealt with my childhood trauma as that was the light bulb moment when I realised I had done everything possible."

- Sylvia (name changed) 2018.

"Being able to talk and every meeting I got structure in my daily routine and on my life. CBT was the right therapy because I was very depressed when I started. It helped me a lot because every session my CBT activity diary helped me to look forward".

- Debbie (name changed) 2018.

"Val was friendly and relaxed, made me feel very comfortable. What I found most helpful was the CBT therapy was focused on plans and strategies to cope with stress and worry in the future. I found my CBT therapy with Val to be more constructive, positive and more teaching of tools than with other talking therapies I have attended."

- Verona (name changed) 2018.

"I found the therapy helpful because Val listened and asked questions to provoke thoughts. I found Val open and helpful".

- Tony (name changed) 2018.

"Val was understanding of my position and made me think about what I needed and helped me to establish desired outcomes. What I found most helpful was the all round support from Val and the 'lending of an ear'. The therapy has helped me to get to a positive viewpoint and I now have confidence going forward".

- Nigel (name changed) 2018.

"I felt comfortable straight way in Val's company and I knew she would be able to help me and she did. What I found most helpful was my CBT 'homework', which was a weekly activity diary it highlighted how sad, lonely and isolated I had become. Also using a thought monitoring diary highlighted a theme of work problems. CBT has given me the tools to make me well and prevent me from going to the 'dark place' ever again! Val you helped me find myself again and gave me the strength and encouragement to love life and myself again. I'm so glad I made that first appointment".

- Carol (name changed) 2017.

"Val is personable, calming and professional. What I found most helpful was the CBT exercises to help with panic attacks and problem solving".

- Helen (name changed) 2017.

"What I found most helpful was that you listened and I felt that you did not judge me and made me feel comfortable from the outset. Everything you did was brilliant for me personally; you pushed me to do things, but didn't push me too much. Every aspect of this therapy worked for me. I am now a different person. How you turned such a negative in to a positive was truly unbelievable. Thank you so much, you have more than helped me, everyone can see I am a new person since having the therapy, the best money I have spent in a very long time. Thank you".

- Lyn (name changed) 2017.

"Val was calm and professional at all times with the right amount of empathy. The therapy has given 'the old me' back - happy, positive and confident again. Thank you Val the result I was hoping for but thought never possible in such a short space of time".

- Peter (name changed) 2016.

"Val was flexible to all discussion and observations with effective, clear guiding comment and goals. Established confidence in therapy through advice, comment without criticism or negative judgment. Val is experienced, skilled observation, humanitarian, patient and attractive. What I found most helpful was assessment, EMDR and CBT and professional well managed timescale with therapy techniques, which enabled sound successful results and outcome. Clear early progress focus to resolve accident trauma reaction for personal and future wellbeing".

- John (name changed) 2016.

"Val was easy to talk to. I felt sand and able to share my thoughts and feelings. Anything I forgot, Val calmly went over again. The therapy helped me to understand and cope with what I was experiencing. Understanding what was happening and why really enabled me to help myself".

- Lynsey (name changed) 2016.

"She offered an impartial ear. Struck the right balance between professional and warm/approachable. The first few sessions were led by the therapist. I found it hard when the onus was on me to 'lead the session' but I think I got better at this and as I did I gained more from the sessions. Val helped me to recognise unhelpful thought processes. Reminded me how important it is to stay active and maintain relationships with others. Initially I was cautious about 'blaming' my difficulties on past life events, but therapy helped me to see how life has shaped me in to the person I am now. I would recommend CBT and Val in particular. It has given me a new perspective on life and how I behave and react to others. I still get emotional when I remember how hopeless I used to feel. It is so nice to look forward to things again. Thank you Val".

- Hazel (name changed) 2016.

"What I found helpful was Val's understanding, never felt that she was judging me. Every session was productive and I always left feeling positive. What I found the most helpful was to change my thought processes. To look at situations from different perspectives".

- Pam (name changed) 2016.

"Val helped me to understand my situation and gave me good and helpful exercises to help me with my thinking. I found it most helpful when she gave me an explanation on how my thinking affected how I was feeling and advice on how to manage my thinking".

- Tony (name changed) 2016.

"She was calm, methodical, professional and clear. I found it helpful understanding my negative automatic thoughts, learning how to respond, learning to take proper breaks and pacing myself and the relapse prevention exercise. Val has been a major help in my life. The therapy has helped me to successfully manage my M.E/CFS, to deal with exhausting and stressful situations at work and in relationships. My whole attitude has changed. Thank you Val."

- James (name changed) 2016.

"Val made me feel at ease and I was comfortable discussing my problems. I found the CBT therapy very helpful and think it will help improve my self-esteem and confidence in time, especially the thought monitoring, which helps me see things from a different perspective".

- Julie (name changed) 2016.

"Val was friendly, relaxed, normalised problems, listened and didn't use jargon. The therapy helped me to see why I sometimes think the way I do, how to challenge thoughts and also balance my lifestyle with time and put in time for pleasurable activities".

- Fran (name changed) 2016.

"All the 'tools' helped me to identify and be aware of my thoughts and where they were taking me too. Therapist sympathetic and completely and quickly understood my situation. The different' tools' were helpful and the relapse management exercise acted like the glue to bring it all together. Sorry for the delay in getting the feedback form to you I really appreciate everything you have done for me. I feel more aware, in control and the 'tools' have been valuable, which I will pass on to my family".

- Steve (name changed) 2016.

"I came to see you for a course of CBT in early 2010 to help me with the loss of use of my right hand following a serious car accident. At the time I resigned from a good job with a large firm because my confidence was at such a low ebb. Shortly after I concluded my course of treatment with you I found a job. I have now been offered a job back at the large firm from which I resigned about 6 years ago. I have also got married and have a beautiful 3 year old son. I want to send you (very!) belated thanks for helping me get my life back on track. Following my sessions with you my mental state improved considerably and my self-confidence started to return."

- Mike (name changed) 2015.

"Val was very easy to talk to. Let me speak – didn’t feel rushed. I found the professional sheets and use of key words useful."

- Brian (name changed) 2015.

"Val had a calm relaxing manner, positive, explained each session thoroughly, quite relaxing surroundings. Val was very helpful and constructive. I found it helpful to write my feelings down, understanding my feelings rather than reacting to them. If I need CBT therapy again I will most definitely contact Val. Thank you."

- Joan (name changed) 2015.

"What I found most helpful was that Val explained each step and why she chose that style of treatment for me. She listened and then talked through it with me in a realistic manner. She was frank, direct, explained what the CBT treatment was for – made me face head in into the issue rather than skirt round it. Homework exercises helped me to face my phobia. I now believe the CBT therapy I had previously with someone else was more of a counselling style than CBT."

- Carol (name changed). 2015.

"I never had CBT before – very useful to help you evaluate your behaviour and make the right changes. Val listened and helped me find solutions through looking at things differently. I found managing my time, pacing myself, saying no or delegating what I can’t do and managing peoples expectations of me useful. Thank you for helping me see things differently allowing me to make improvements to help me feel in control again."

- Geraldine (name changed) 2015.

"Over time I came to feel you understood me in a way few others have and this was so reassuring."

- David (name changed). 2015.

"Val was very understanding and excellent throughout the CBT therapy. The therapy helped me with my depression 100%. Brilliant!! Val changed my way of thinking. She knew exactly what I was experiencing, thank you Val."

- Adrian (name changed). 2015.

"What I found most helpful was it addressed the root cause, whilst developing coping skills. The "homework" helped me place things in perspective. I found it all relative to my circumstances and needs. I also found the format to timeline events and identifying unhelpful behaviour were invaluable."

- Tom (name changed) 2015

"Val listened and got to the bottom of my problems and then helped me develop realistic strategies to move forward. She allowed me to talk and analyse where my problems were and gave me practical exercises and advice to help solve or cope with them. I held off completing the feedback questionnaire as I am aware that there is often a 'honeymoon' period with such treatment! I am happy to say after more than six months I feel mentally well and happy despite considerable work pressures. I would recommend you to other people who I come across who have similar challenges/issues. Thank you for all the help you gave me. I really appreciated it!"

- Gavin (name changed) 2014

"What I found most helpful about the therapy was that it was a relaxed and totally life changing experience. Valerie, You have changed my life. Thank you."

- Carl (name changed) 2014

"Val has an approachable demeanour and was easy to talk to, even with difficult topics. Sessions were well planned and structured, which helped me with my progress. Also I had a say in what was covered in each session which was useful."

- Cathy (name changed) 2014

"I just want to say a big thank you for helping me get over my fear of driving and being in cars. It's been a massive help I still have a way to go but use all your advice that you have given me so thank you."

- Sonya (name changed) 2014

"I have been to Val before and found her understanding, positive and friendly approach very helpful. But other therapists via the doctors and occupational health at work were unhelpful they just sat there and wanted me to help myself with no guidance. Val guided me through that is why I chose her again."

- Lucy (name changed) 2014

"Warmth, approachability, alertness, incisiveness. A willingness to laugh - serious things are not always serious. Professionalism, focus on identifying and tackling the problem. Patience and effort to understand me and a willingness to push me hard when that was what I needed. She didn't shy away from taking me into areas that cause me pain, because that's part of the healing process. I realise that it wasn't just me being brave on these occasions. You were slower and more contemplative when I needed time to puzzle out my thoughts and feelings. I got a very strong sense that all your work was very carefully considered and tailored specifically to me. Compared to three other therapists over the last six years - they look like sincere well-meaning dilettantes. You look like a seasoned professional who gets results. This has been life-changing stuff. Burdens I've carried for 40 years have been dismantled, dealt with and disposed of. I walk taller and easier. I'm healthy and relaxed and close to my full potential for the first time ever. Thank you so much."

- Tim (name changed) 2014

"Excellent therapist, really helpful. Practical and structured sessions. Val taught me techniques to deal with issues, good listening skills and appropriate questioning. The homework exercises helped me to think about what was happening and my responses to situations and she equipped me with techniques to help me deal with things in the future."

- Bill (name changed) 2014

"Thank you for all of the help and support that you have given me. It has truly changed how I view my life and how I deal with it."

- Amy (name changed) 2014

"Just to say thank you for being a wonderful tutor and supervisor. You are just brilliant and I do appreciate everything."

- (Trainee CBT therapist) 2013

"Thank you Val for being an excellent supervisor."

- (Trainee CBT therapist) 2013

"Thank you for all your help and providing amazing and consistent supervision."

- (Trainee CBT therapist) 2013

"It has been a difficult period in my life as I explained to the doctor. When he referred me to Val I found it incredibly useful. Val is worth her weight in gold and has helped me find the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel."

- Julie (name changed) 2013

"Thank you for all the help you gave me when I was coming to see you. Our wedding day was wonderful and a part of me believes without your help it wouldn't have happened."

- Stephanie (name changed) 2013

"Thank you I really appreciate your help and now I know that I have the skills to stay happy - I can be more assertive and happy too."

- Marion (name changed) 2013

"Just to say a big thank you for doing such a good job with me- it's great to be back to 'normality' - although I reserve the right to come back in a couple of years!!"

- Angela (name changed) 2013

"Just a note to say thank you for helping me through a difficult journey, which without your help, support and kindness I would not have made."

- Steve (name changed) 2013

"Thank you ever so much for all the help and guidance you have given me. I now feel able to deal with my condition by myself and appreciate you teaching me the steps to combat it."

- Rachael (name changed) 2013

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