Val is a BACP Accredited Counsellor with 15 years experience working with individuals and couple’s.  She is also an Accredited EMDR Supervisor and Consultant, 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 owner of Jesmond Therapy Centre, I am an Accredited Counsellor and an Accredited EMDR Supervisor and Consultant and have worked with individuals and couples who present with a very wide range of 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 Primary Care Team where I worked with a range of difficult client groups who had lived through considerable multi traumatic events.   This led me to seek out further training in trauma work hence I became an EMDR accredited Consultant practitioner.

I am also an experienced Counselling Supervisor and Trainer, delivering courses on the Jesmond Therapy Centre Training Programme for 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 therapists to help you find the best way forward in difficult times.

My Qualifications

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