Val is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and EMDR therapist with over 25 years experience working with individuals and couple’s. She is also a Counselling Supervisor and Trainer.
After many years working in the NHS and in a teaching environment, I noticed how increasingly stressful life had become for more and more people and how access to quality services often meant a long wait. I observed some remarkable transformations in individuals, helped by counsellors and other talking therapists.
My vision was to create a place where an extensive range of talking therapies could be delivered by experienced qualified practitioners. This vision was realised in 2009 when I opened Jesmond Therapy Centre, the first centre of its type in the Newcastle Upon Tyne area.
As well as being the owner of Jesmond Therapy Centre, I am an Accredited Counsellor and an EMDR therapist I have worked with individuals and couples who present with a very wide range of complex issues.
My particular area of interest is in working with clients who are suffering from emotional distress as a result of a significant life event or a disturbing life experience which they have found traumatic or difficult to manage. With symptoms such as anxiety, panic, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress and many other emotional problems, these events can include things like bereavement, sexual abuse, neglect, physical & sexual assault, car accidents or being witness to an accident or disaster.
Much of my experience of working with trauma was gained in Newcastle Upon Tyne’s NHS Primary Care Team, where I worked with a range of client groups who had lived through considerable multi traumatic events. This led me to seek out further training in trauma work and became a qualified EMDR practitioner.
I am also an experienced Counselling Supervisor and deliver courses on the Jesmond Therapy Centre Training Programme for therapists, Counsellors and other Mental Health Professionals.
I welcome you to Jesmond Therapy Centre, where it is my constant aim to bring together the very best complement of therapists under one roof for healing and for well-being – my goal is for the centre’s team of skilled affiliate therapists to help you find the best way forward in difficult times.
MA Education and Counselling, University of Durham
BSc Human Organisations, University of Northumbria
Diploma in Careers Guidance Part 1, University of Northumbria
Certificate in Supervision, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Certificate in CBT, NHS Centre for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Advanced Certificate in Counselling, University of Durham
Relate Certificate in Couple Counselling Theory and Practice
Certificate in EMDR (Parts 1,2,3 and 4), EMDR Workshops
Certificate in Education, University of Sunderland
Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy MBACP.
Accredited Member of EMDR Europe
Trauma and traumatic episodes can intervene in our life at many points and in many different ways, often without us seeing the impact as traumatic. This experiential workshop explores how we might integrate mindfulness in our approaches to trauma.
This workshop introduces participants to a range of evidence-informed techniques, psychological insights and interventions drawn from compassion- and mindfulness-based approaches
A 3 weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) CPD course created specifically for trained and experienced therapists, seeking to add depth, theory, and practical skill in couple work.
A one day experiential workshop to help counsellors help their clients make sense of their spiritual experience and future journey.
A 3 weekend CPD course created specifically for trained and experienced therapists, seeking to add the theory and knowledge of relationship and couple counselling to their existing skill set. The 2025 programme has been updated and includes new material.
If you would like to join our Training Programme mailing list, please sign up using the form below.
Please Note: This is for people who are interested in our training courses only.
When we speak with you, if you go ahead in booking an appointment with one of our therapists, payment for your first session will be collected in advance on confirmation of your booking.
