Somatic-Therapists

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Valerie Monteiro, ACA

Somatic-informed counsellor focused on practical change

VM Portrait of Valerie Monteiro

About Valerie

Valerie Monteiro is an ACA counsellor with 21 years of professional experience. She combines talk therapy with body-aware methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief and the aftermath of trauma. Valerie aims to create a warm, respectful space where people feel heard and understood.

Valerie uses somatic work alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centred listening. Sessions focus on simple practices that calm the body, name emotions and build new ways of responding to difficult situations.

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Background and approach

She keeps language plain and practical so people can use what they learn between sessions. Common areas she supports include relationship and intimacy concerns, communication problems, parenting strain and coping with life changes. Valerie also works with issues such as sleep and eating problems, chronic pain or illness, compassion fatigue, and the emotional impact of cancer.

Her approach suits people who want a gentle but direct process. She blends body-based exercises, reflective conversation and practical tools. The emphasis is on small, realistic steps that reduce overwhelm and help people feel more present in daily life.

Valerie is able to work in English and Hindi. She practises in Australia and uses a subscription model for sessions that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

How Valerie blends somatic work and talking therapy online

Somatic work helps people notice bodily sensations and use simple grounding practices to reduce overwhelm and reconnect with the present moment. It can be useful for anxiety, trauma reactions and persistent tension patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to clarify what matters to them and take small actions that align with those values while accepting difficult feelings. It works well for stress, low mood and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Valerie will collaborate on which methods feel most useful, combining body-based exercises, ACT tools and client-centred listening as needed. This is a shared decision that takes into account the person's needs, goals and preferences rather than a single fixed method.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options give flexibility for busy schedules, for people who prefer shorter written check-ins, or for those who find it easier to work from home. Working online lets people access consistent support without travel and allows the therapist to adapt exercises to the medium being used.
Book with Valerie Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Valerie commonly address?
She supports stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, plus relationship and intimacy-related issues. Other common areas include sleep and eating problems, chronic pain or illness, compassion fatigue and career stress.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
The style is practical and compassionate with a mix of talk and body-aware methods. Sessions focus on noticing the body, naming feelings and practising small skills people can use at home.
What is Valerie's professional background?
She has 21 years of experience working in psychotherapy and counselling settings. Her background includes supporting people through grief, trauma, relationship strain and life transitions.
What credentials and location are on record?
Valerie is listed with the Australian Counselling Association, shown as ACA, and practises in Australia.
Are sessions offered in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and Hindi.
Which session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What steps do I take to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.