Hi, I’m Valerie.
With nearly a decade of experience in mental health across diverse settings, including forensic, residential, and clinical environments, I bring a wealth of first-hand knowledge. My foundational education in BSc (Hons) psychology is now being further enriched through my doctoral training in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. This journey, while both challenging and fulfilling, has been a long one; perhaps this reflects my commitment to seeking understanding about what truly works in alleviating distress. For many years, I think it was me I was trying to help, as my pathway into psychology was initially sparked by many of my own dark nights of the soul, when unexpected life events left me changed and without hope. I remember what that was like, as if it were yesterday.
While my undergraduate studies provided strong theoretical frameworks for understanding distress (psychodynamic, cognitive, social, and biological), it was only when I worked with individuals in acute distress that I understood the importance of having therapeutic skills. This realisation led me to explore humanistic approaches, which enhance the client’s ability to reconnect with their authentic selves and receive, often much-needed validation (the oil of change). Additionally, I explored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to address cognitive distortions, worn-out beliefs, and self-defeating behaviours. My doctoral studies continue to shape and deepen my awareness of the field alongside my various placements.
Why ‘Say More’ with my Partner Lee?
Hearing what Lee had been through (as an alienated father of three children) left me feeling angry, as there was little to no support for him. There also didn’t seem to be any dedicated therapy services, with therapists who understood PA. We wanted to fill this gap, because many who see non-PA-informed therapists can sometimes come away feeling invalidated or not believed. Parental alienation (PA) has left many to face their worst fears alone (the loss of contact with their children), only to find themselves in acute despair.
This made me want to establish Say More with Lee as a welcoming space for parents seeking support. We know PA is an immensely challenging and often lonely experience. The PA Therapy group also provides the social acceptance of peer support, which is an essential part of every PA healing journey, as often with PA, you are accused of being things you are not (gaslighting), and you need to remember who you are. Additionally, people are at different stages of the experience, which offers hope to those in the early stages. We focus on coping strategies, personal development, and skill-sharing to help you prepare for reunification, which is more common than you think but not without its unique challenges. Being around people who understand makes a huge difference. So, although we started the service to run therapy groups specifically for those going through this experience, we also provide therapists with lived experience of PA for one-to-one therapy, as sometimes there may be other mental health challenges that need addressing.
So while PA therapy groups are where we’ve started, we also provide individual therapy for those with non-PA-related difficulties, with qualified, experienced therapists. At Say More, you can find a supportive environment to address any issues from the privacy of your own home with confidence.
Say More is committed to inclusivity and works with all individuals, subject to assessment to ensure suitability for treatment. If you have felt ignored, unseen, or unheard. Say More sees you. We are dedicated to providing a compassionate and effective therapeutic experience. If you think it’s time to ‘say more’ about what’s troubling you, we would love to hear from you. Book a free consultation assessment session today to see how we can help.
Your Journey Starts Here
We know that life can be challenging, and you don’t have to face those challenges alone. If you’re ready to embark on your journey of connection and healing, we invite you to join our waiting list.
We look forward to hearing from you and being a part of your healing journey.
