Psychotherapy or ‘the talking cure’ is still the most effective treatment for difficulties affecting quality of life.
You may feel anxious, low in mood, isolating yourself, struggle with self image or your place in the world and grappling to understand why you feel the way you are, I may be able to help.
I believe that our history influences how we act and feel in the present. My therapeutic approach reflects this, I draw on a number of different theoretical methods and work in an integrative way. I am influenced by psychodyamic theory, Gestalt and constructionist, I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and systems theory in my practice.
I may use a number of different techniques and skills to help you improve wellbeing and coping, which may include focussed skills to help reduce distress and increase coping. This can then create the opportunity to explore deeper routed difficulties.
If you have attempted to address and overcome your problems with little sucess, I can help. By sitting alongside you without judgement, my aim is to assist you, to give you clarity on your difficulties and help you overcome them.
Typically we will begin with a number of introductory sessions to help us get to know each other. Following these, we explore a joint understanding of your difficulties and develop an approach for future sessions.
I am passionate about my work and the challenge that it presents personally, this drives me to be the best practitioner I can be. I aim to be honest and transparent in my approach. Sessions can be filled with tears and laughter, clarity and confusion, they can feel confronting and challenging. I hope to sit beside you in your journey in understanding and overcoming your difficulties.
Talking therapy can help with many different aspects wellbeing, from anxiety, low self worth, depression, psychosis and problematic coping behaviours.
"Since true listening involves a setting aside of the self, it also temporarily involves a total acceptance of the other. Sensing this acceptance, the speaker will feel less and less vulnerable, and more and more inclined to open up the inner recesses of his or her mind to the listener. As this happens, speaker and listener begin to appreciate each other more and more, and the dance of love is begun again."
M. Scott Peck
I have an MSc in Integrated Psychotherapy and Counselling, I am a Relate trained couples counsellor, supporting couples and individuals with relationship difficulties and a Registered Mental Health Nurse with over twenty years experience in the NHS in the UK and the public health service in Australia.
I have worked in various settings, from hospitals to community specialist services, I have extensive experience supporting people with complex trauma and difficulties.
Clients have experienced difficulties such as;
My experience as a mental health nurse sets me aside from most other counsellors. I have supported people with both acute and chronic conditions, within their own homes, hospitals, prisons, community clinics. I have seen and heard people in their hardest and darkest moments, this journey constantly supports the way I work.
Throughout my career, I have used and trained in various modalities of treatment such as Family Behavioural Therapy (FBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), Systemic therapy.

Nicole is really approachable and provided a safe space. Her non-judgemental approach helped me to open up and face difficult issues in my past. At times the sessions were challenging but Nicole's calm temperament and good humour ensured that I have been able to leave with positivity and hope. I was initially scared of attending therapy as, I thought it was, 'other people', Nicole's manner and style made me feel at ease.
I saw Nicole for 12 months whilst I was separating from my husband and then going through the divorce she really listened and helped me to understand my anger and sadness, which allowed me to feel stronger through the whole thing.
Nicole has helped me to understand my anxiety and OCD, she does not judge and seems to be calm even when I am panicking. Talking with Nicole has helped me manage the things I was finding difficult with more confidence.
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I offer online sessions or face to face at Watersedge Club (WR10 2LZ)
Book directly for face to face sessions at Watersedge
https://nicole-nicolson.selectandbook.com/
Feel free to contact me before to discuss what you are looking for.
