About Nicky – BACP Accredited Counsellor in Stamford

A little about me and why I became a counsellor

I’ve lived it. I’ve seen it. I’ve learned from it.

I’ve experienced my own struggles with depression, anxiety and burnout. I spent 28 years working with people in demanding professional environments, in both large and small organisations. I understand the pressures of demanding careers, feeling overwhelmed and, from my own experience, what it is like to realise that the life you’ve built isn’t necessarily the life that fulfils you.

I also know first-hand how daunting it can feel to reach out for counselling. I experienced depression in my late 20s but was too ashamed and embarrassed to seek counselling. Years later, I finally did and the experience changed my life and ultimately led me to retrain as a counsellor.

My own experiences have shaped how I work and I bring that understanding into the room too. This said, each client teaches me something about how different we all are. I know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counselling, and that what works for one person may not work for another.

You bring the expertise in you. My role is to listen, help you make sense of what’s going on, spot patterns you may not see yourself and, when the trust is there, gently challenge you. Most importantly, we’ll work at your pace and in a way that feels right for you.

My approach to counselling

I don’t just sit and listen.

I’m warm, open, down-to-earth and want to understand you, but I’m also not afraid to be direct. I won’t sugar coat things, and when we’ve built the trust to do so, I’m not afraid to gently challenge you or help you see things from a different perspective. But there’ll also be empathy, support and, yes, probably a laugh or two along the way.

I’ll help you explore what’s going on beneath the surface, notice patterns and make connections that you may not have seen yourself. I’ll introduce tips and techniques to help you where it feels appropriate.

We’ll work at your pace.

I won’t push you somewhere you’re not ready to go. Building trust and feeling safe enough to be honest are important to me, so I’ll take time to understand you before offering gentle challenge or asking the more difficult questions.

It’s tailored to you.

I don’t believe there is one way to do counselling. I draw on different therapeutic approaches and practical tools depending on what you need, while keeping you at the centre of the work. Sometimes we’ll talk; sometimes we’ll explore things differently. We might laugh, cry, swear or sit with something that feels uncomfortable. There isn’t a prescribed way to do therapy.

You are the expert in you.

I won’t tell you what you should do or give you a list of solutions. Instead, I’ll help you understand yourself, your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, so that you can make choices that feel right for you. I am right beside you.

My qualifications, specialist training and professional development

Alongside my experience as a counsellor, I have undertaken additional training in a number of areas that are particularly relevant to the people I work with. I believe good counselling involves continuing to learn, reflect and develop, so professional development is an important part of my practice.

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
NCFE CACHE Level 3 in Counselling Skills and Theory
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 2 Certificate Counselling Children and Young People
Certified ADHD Coach
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Understanding Autism
Trauma-related CPD courses:
- Using Compassion Focused Therapy for Trauma – Dr Chris Irons
- Advanced Somatic Trauma Treatment Method: Practical Tools for Clinicians – Linda Thai
- Healing Trauma: Essential Strategies for Shame, Self-loathing and Working with the Body – Janina Fisher
- Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment – Carolyn Spring
- Trauma and the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation – Carolyn Spring
- Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-harm – Carolyn Spring
- Child Sexual Abuse: Hope for Healing – Carolyn Spring

I also hold a BSc (Hons) degree in Microbiology & Nutrition, and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

I am an accredited member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), I am fully insured and I hold a DBS certificate.

My counselling experience

I have counselling experience in an NHS GP surgery and a local male prison, supporting adults experiencing a wide range of challenges.

This experience has given me the opportunity to work with people experiencing abuse, addiction, anxiety, health anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, depression, stress, grief and bereavement, relationship difficulties, ADHD, autism, trauma, PTSD, suicidal thoughts and menopause-related challenges.

Every person I work with is different, though, and I don’t believe in putting people into boxes. Your reasons for coming to counselling are personal to you, and we’ll work together to understand what you need.