With so much information available about counselling, it can be hard to know where to begin. I hope to provide some clarity about my approach to counselling, and grant a clearer understanding of what working with me might look like.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences with a trained professional. It offers the opportunity to pause, reflect, and make sense of what’s happening in your inner world — especially during times of uncertainty, distress, or change.
As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic models to support you in understanding yourself more fully. This means I can adapt my approach to suit your unique needs, working collaboratively with you to explore patterns, emotions, relationships, and beliefs.
Rather than offering advice, my role is to walk alongside you as you reflect on your life and what matters most to you. This creates a space where new insight can emerge — and where change, if desired, can take root at your own pace.
Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes each and take place at regular weekly intervals. Some people come for a few sessions, while others choose to work longer term. We can discuss what feels right for you.
Counselling can help you feel less alone in what you’re carrying. It can offer relief, clarity, and a greater sense of agency in your life.
Why Counselling?
You might be considering counselling because something in your life feels difficult to carry, make sense of, or move through. Perhaps you’re facing a specific challenge, or you’re aware of a more general feeling that something isn’t quite right — even if you can’t yet put it into words.
Counselling offers a space to explore these experiences with care and curiosity. It can help you find clarity, develop insight, and begin to make choices that feel more aligned with who you are. You may be seeking counselling for:
- Relationship Concerns
- Redundancy or Work Related Stress
- Bereavement or Loss
- Life Changes (Becoming a parent, divorce, moving, health concerns, starting a new course or career)
- Exploring the Impact of the Past (An event, relationship, or decision)
Perhaps without knowing why, you may be seeking counselling because you find yourself feeling:
- Anxiety
- Low Mood or Depression
- Low-Self Esteem
- Difficulties Sleeping
- Substance Misuse
- Self-Harm
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Feeling a Lack of Purpose or Direction
Whatever brings you here, counselling can support you in working through these challenges in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space — at your own pace.
FAQs
Are you available to see clients?
Not at the moment. I am currently a trainee counsellor and therefore I am only able to see clients in a private practice setting once I have fully qualified mid-2026. As part of my training, I am required to work in placement at a counselling agency and can only see clients referred through my agency.
Is everything we talk about confidential?
Yes, everything we talk about in counselling is confidential. As a member of the BACP, I am required to work with a supervisor to ensure that I am working with you in the best possible way. This means that I will talk about our work together during supervision, however your name or any identifiable characteristics will not be used. My supervisor is also ethically bound to keep confidentiality regarding any client work I may bring forward.
The only circumstance in which I would need to disclose information to a third party would be if I believed you were in immediate risk of harm to yourself or others. I would not do this without attempting to talk to you first.
What is the BACP Ethical Framework, and how can I access it?
The BACP Ethical Framework is a set of ethical principles, values and good practice standards that BACP members are expected to uphold in order to provide safe practice for both themselves and their clients. You can access and read through the BACP Ethical Framework here.
Do all counsellors have a supervisor?
Yes, all counsellors who are members of the BACP are required to have ongoing supervision regarding their client work. This ensures that the counsellor is working with their clients in the best possible way. It also ensures that the counsellor receives the guidance and support needed to work with their clients effectively and safely.
Nikita Nielsen 