About Vallie
My background, training, and approach to therapy
My Professional Journey
I've spent over twenty years working as a therapist, initially within the NHS and now in private practice. During my NHS career, I worked across a range of services—from primary care to specialist trauma teams—and held roles as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical lead.
That experience shaped how I work today. I learned that every person is different, that healing doesn't follow a straight line, and that the relationship between therapist and client is at the heart of meaningful change.
I founded Breakthrough Talk because I wanted to offer the kind of therapy I believe people deserve: unhurried, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. Away from the constraints of busy NHS services, I can offer the time and space that deeper work often requires.
How I Think About Therapy
I believe that everyone has an innate capacity to heal. Sometimes, though, we need support to access it. Life experiences—especially those from childhood—can leave us carrying burdens that feel too heavy. We develop ways of coping that helped us survive but may no longer serve us.
My role isn't to tell you what to do or to fix you. It's to walk alongside you with curiosity and compassion as you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been hurt, hidden, or forgotten. Together, we work at your pace, honouring whatever emerges.
More than any technique, what matters most is the relationship we build together. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. I prioritise creating a space where you feel genuinely safe, seen, and supported.
Training & Qualifications
I've invested in ongoing training throughout my career to ensure I can offer evidence-based, effective therapy.
Professional Registration
- UKCP Registered and Accredited Psychotherapist
- Member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy
Core Training
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy
- Accredited EMDR Practitioner
- Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Accredited IPT (Interpersonal Therapy) Practitioner
Clinical Experience
- Over 20 years' clinical experience
- Former NHS Therapist, Supervisor & Clinical Lead
- Experience across primary care, specialist trauma services, and private practice
An Integrative Approach
I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what you need. At the heart of my practice are Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR, both of which are particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people come to therapy knowing exactly what they want to work on; others aren't sure. Both are welcome. We'll work together to understand what's happening for you and what might help.
If you'd like to learn more about IFS or EMDR, you can read about them on the IFS Therapy and EMDR Therapy pages.
Would you like to talk?
If you're curious about working together, I'd be happy to hear from you and answer any questions.