About Val
Professional membership
I am an Accredited Counsellor with the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and adhere to their
Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. This framework includes
holding clients' information in confidence and ensuring I receive frequent and regular supervision.
Counselling training
I began counselling in 2010 whilst studying for a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling at Spurgeon's College, South Norwood. Since then I have undertaken many short courses and various trauma-related training events. I completed the PICT Diploma and qualified as a PICT practitioner in 2018, under the oversight of PICT's founder, Penny Parks.
Related training
In 2025 I embarked on a course in spiritual direction at the London College of Spiritual Direction with the hope of offering this as an adjunct to counselling in the future.
Counselling experience
Initially I spent three years counselling at Bromley Community Counselling Service followed by a year at Eden Park Surgery, Beckenham. I also worked as a sessional counsellor at CFC, South Croydon. I set up Three Cairns Counselling in the spring of 2014 and continue to enjoy working in private practice.
I work with adults (age 18 and over) who have issues such as:
- anxiety
- bereavement
- childhood sexual and non-sexual abuse
- depression
- looking for meaning in life
- losses and fear of loss
- low self esteem
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- relationship difficulties
- spiritual issues
- trauma and its effects
- unwanted, intrusive thoughts
If your issue is not listed, please feel free to come and discuss it at assessment.
A personal note
I have a non-judgmental, Christian world view and enjoy working with people of any faith as well as people with an atheistic or agnostic viewpoint. As part of my faith I have a keen interest in caring for people and environment as well as greatly valuing the arts and creativity. I respect each person's individual right to their own beliefs. I am open to discussing issues of faith and spirituality as part of the counselling process if you request this.