Valerie Monteiro, ACA

Valerie Monteiro is an ACA counsellor with 21 years of clinical experience in Australia. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship difficulties. Valerie uses straightforward conversations and practical steps to help people feel steadier and more able to cope.

Her background covers a wide range of concerns including intimacy and communication problems, parenting stress, career strain, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people living with chronic illness, cancer, or the aftermath of domestic violence. Valerie draws on several therapy approaches and chooses tools that match each person's situation.

In sessions she emphasises respect and sensitivity. The process is collaborative - she listens first, then suggests ways to practice new responses between meetings. That might include gentle somatic awareness, skills for managing strong emotions, or exercises to shift unhelpful thinking patterns.

Valerie also offers work focused on relationships, helping people improve trust, manage jealousy, and rebuild emotional connection. She explains things plainly and helps people set realistic goals for change.

She speaks English and Hindi and sees people in Australia. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability. Valerie frames therapy as a shared effort to create more balance and clearer choices in everyday life.

How Valerie uses different therapeutic approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without being ruled by them, while guiding them toward actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing small behavioural changes to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. It often helps with depression, anxiety and sleep problems. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centres on emotional connection in relationships and supports people working to rebuild trust and intimacy.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie will discuss these methods with clients and together they will decide what feels most useful. The choice is guided by the person's goals, practical needs and what feels manageable in sessions.

The main benefit of online work is fitting therapy into everyday life. Online sessions can make it easier to have short check-ins, schedule meetings around work, or avoid travel time. Because formats are not specified in the biography, confirm current session options before booking so you know what is offered. The therapist will help tailor session length and focus to suit your routine and priorities.