Nikkol acknowledges the challenge of seeking support and strives to cultivate an environment of wonder, acceptance, and compassion.
Essence of Self offers therapeutic counselling services for the purpose of healing and self-growth, helping individuals understand their emotional and physical experience through the use of conversation and movement. Essence of Self, founded by registered clinical counsellor Nikkol Adams in South Surrey, BC, offers therapeutic counselling services with a focus on the mind-body connection. With over a decade of experience in mental health settings, Nikkol guides individuals through self-growth by combining conversation and movement to understand emotional and physical experiences. Nikkol emphasizes the profound impact of understanding one's human experience as the path to healing. The approach integrates active listening and empathetic engagement, creating a nurturing space where emotions are not just validated but deeply understood. The therapeutic relationship is central, with Nikkol encouraging individuals to align with a counsellor who resonates with their goals. Sessions with Nikkol concentrate on self-reflection, exploring relationships, thoughts, behaviours, emotions, and beliefs, guiding individuals toward a life in harmony with their core values. Offering both in-person and virtual counselling, Nikkol welcomes diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and age groups. Nikkol's culturally-informed framework respects individual experiences, providing therapeutic support for middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood through talk and somatic therapy. Nikkol embodies a commitment to fostering positive change by creating a space for individuals to explore and navigate their inner world.
10/28/2025
I wanted to take a moment to share some updates about my counselling practice and the services I’m currently offering. Whether you’re curious yourself, or you know someone who might benefit from support, I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and share this.
I continue to offer both talk therapy and somatic therapy, with a focus on creating a compassionate, trauma-informed, and inclusive space for clients. Sessions are available virtually and in-person (in Surrey, BC), depending on client needs and preferences.
I’m an approved provider for the following programs:
• CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program)
• ICBC (12-session pre-approved counselling following a motor vehicle accident – no intake form or referral required)
• SAGE Counselling Program
• FNHA (First Nations Health Authority)
If you or someone you know is connected to one of these programs and is looking for support, I’m happy to help navigate the process and answer any questions.
Call now to connect with business.
10/11/2025
• Trauma isn’t just what happened — it’s what happens inside us as a result.
At its core, the traumatic response often includes:
1. Hyperarousal The nervous system stays on high alert — scanning for danger even when there is none.
2. Constriction The body contracts in self-protection. Breath shortens. Muscles tighten. Movement becomes restricted.
3. Dissociation When it’s too much to feel, the mind checks out. You may feel spacey, numb, disconnected from your body, or like you’re watching life from outside yourself.
4. Freeze (Immobility) & Helplessness When neither fight nor flight is possible, the system shuts down. You go still, powerless, stuck.
These reactions are not weakness. They are adaptive survival responses — the body’s way of trying to protect you when you had no other option.
Healing involves gently reconnecting to the body, restoring a sense of safety, and slowly integrating what once overwhelmed the system.
• When an experience feels too overwhelming to process, your nervous system activates a survival response — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. If that response isn’t acknowledged or released, your body can stay stuck in a state of stress.
Over time, this leads to elevated cortisol, disrupted sleep, and a dysregulated system. The longer it’s held, the more the body starts to speak through symptoms like:
* Muscle tension
* Chronic fatigue
* Digestive issues
* Skin flare-ups
* Hormonal imbalances
* Feeling constantly on edge or shut down
These aren’t random. They’re signals — the body’s way of expressing what the mind hasn’t yet processed.
Healing happens when we safely reconnect, feel, and release what’s been stored. Through movement, breath, expression, and support, we make space for the body to soften and the system to come back into balance.
What the mind forgets, the body remembers — until it’s heard.
Intentional Living | Somatic Therapist | Trauma Therapist
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10/02/2025
• Becoming a mother is one of the most profound transformations one can experience. As a mother of two, I know firsthand how deeply life changes — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. From the moment your child arrives earth-side, your world begins to shift. Your priorities change, your identity evolves, and often, so do your relationships, your sense of self, and your emotional landscape.
Motherhood brings joy, love, and connection — but it also brings overwhelm, self-doubt, guilt, and moments of deep isolation that often go unspoken.
The transition into motherhood — whether it’s your first, second, or fifth child — is not always smooth or intuitive. Each child brings new dynamics, and no two experiences are ever the same. It’s easy to lose parts of yourself in the chaos of feeding schedules, sleep deprivation, career juggling, and trying to be “enough” in every role.
This is why I offer counselling support — to hold space for mothers navigating these very real and often complex emotions. I know the process of becoming a mother is on going and having an open, safe space to explore this transformation can make all the difference.
To schedule a.m session or even a 15-minute consultation, reach out via my website. Link in bio.
Postpartum | Perinatal | New Parents | Motherhood | Counselling | Emotional Support | Therapist | Pregnancy
09/30/2025
• FALL ANNOUNCEMENT!
I’m pleased to share that starting September 9th, I have resumed in-person counselling sessions, while continuing to offer virtual appointments. Whether you’re returning to therapy or beginning for the first time, I look forward to welcoming you into a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
To schedule a session or transition to in-person appointments, you can access my booking though my bio. I typically respond within 48 hours. If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. My aim is to offer support in the format that best aligns with your comfort and needs—whether that’s in person or online.
Trauma Therapist | Somatic Therapy | Talk Therapy
09/29/2025
• When we feel pleasant emotions, we know all is well in that moment.
When we feel unpleasant emotions it is the body and mind letting us know there is a problem.
This problem may be inside us, something we’re thinking of doing, or it may be external.
A feeling arises, provides information when we get curious about it, and then changes into another feeling.
If we can use our internal wisdom to help guide our behaviours through mindful intension, we can begin to live in more congruence with ourselves.
To learn more about myself and my offerings, please visit the link in my bio and/or reach out to book a 15-minute free consultation.
Intentional Living | Somatic Therapist | Trauma Therapist
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10/23/2024
• Reflection helps create awareness which in return provides the space for you to decide how you want to respond. It can help you decide, what is working in your life and what you may considered changing.
It’s developing an awareness of self in relation to the world and others. It’s an ongoing process - a relationship worth working on.
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10/22/2024
A friendly reminder, self care isn's selfish. Read more about how to care for yourself while also caring for others in my blog post
Self-care is a personal journey as, each day life is changing. It is important to look after yourself and reflect on your health and wellbeing.
04/26/2024
I offer a 15-minute consultation to get to know me and my practice better prior to scheduling sessions. You can book an initial consultation appointment (no fee) through the Jane App at your convenience at the following link https://mindbodyshen.janeapp.com/ Currently accepting new clients.
Traditional medical practice originating from China, treatments include acupuncture, cupping, guasha and herbal prescription.
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Yoga Instructor. I have a deep passion for the mind and body connection – helping individuals understand their emotional and physical experience through the use of therapy and yoga.
My journey toward pursuing a career in psychology began with studying the behavioural sciences in order to aid my curiosity towards understanding the human mind. Over the years, I established a deeper interest in mental health concerns and well-being, however it was not until I was introduced to the field of developmental psychology that I recognized my passion towards child and youth mental health services.
After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Education and Human Development, I pursued my passion for mental health by completing a 2-year intensive Master Degree in Counselling Psychology: School and Youth Concentration through Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia. During this time, I completed my counselling internship at Simmons Counselling and Consulting, as well as at the Ministry of Children and Family Development with Child and Youth Mental Health.
Prior to my counselling career, I sought to enrichen my knowledge and develop my skills further by seeking community employment. I have worked in a variety of positions offering valuable experiences working with children, youth, and adults of all ages who presented with a range of mental health concerns and developmental abilities within diversified settings since 2012. I have learned a great deal from each of my diverse roles. I continue to grow my knowledge by attending workshops and seminars focused on mental health concerns and well-being to build my skill set in order to offer treatment options that best address your needs.As your counsellor, my primary objective is to create a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental, and confidential space for healing to take place. I take the time to fully understand your concerns and work alongside you to ensure my approaches are designed to meet your unique needs.
The process of healing is a delicate and complex journey. My priority is to ensure you feel supported as we work together to uncover barriers to obtaining balance and vitality in your life as we address your concerns related to well-being and discover your strengths and resources. The ultimate goal is for you to feel a sense of security and control in managing your emotional well-being.
