Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Reg No: 378293.
Certificate in Counselling Supervision (2018).
BA (Hons) in Counselling (2012).
Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy (2007).
Comprehensive Diploma in Auricular & Electro-Acupuncture (2006).
ITEC Diploma in Reflexology (2005).
I have always had an interest in complementary therapies. I lived in London throughout the 90s and was exposed to friends and employers who often used TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and other complementary therapies to maintain health and well-being. After my son was born in 2003, I began my reflexology and acupuncture training and moved to Durham. Fairly soon into practice I started to become more aware of the complex connections between mind and body, and so feeling sometimes out of my depth with the emotional content present, I decided to sign up for a counselling course - graduating four years later with a BA (Hons) in Counselling.
The next couple of years was spent researching and blogging extensively (writing 140,000 words) about the science and psychology around reflexology. This introduced me to a field of scientific research called ‘psychoneuroimmunology’ (PNI) - a field exploring the complex relationship between the mind (emotions and thinking), the brain and nervous system, and the immune, digestive, endocrine (hormonal) and repair systems of the body. Much of the therapeutic work I’m involved in today, in particular my sub-fertility and IVF work, is grounded in the science of PNI.
As a therapist I am a bit of a rebel, in that I’m happy to combine talking and touch. Reflexology is an incredibly powerful, but sadly entirely underrated and poorly researched complementary therapy. Not only does reflexology work to calm the nervous system of the body and increase blood flow to targeted organs, but it also happens to activate the emotional centres of the brain - meaning it can be vastly beneficial to anyone dealing with stress and anxiety, or any of the physiological manifestations of stress - of which there are many.
As a counsellor I would describe myself as ‘integrative’. While my core model is ‘person-centred’ and ‘humanistic’ in essence, I am familiar with a number of different psychological theories, and always aim to adapt sessions to meet the needs of the particular client in front of me. I believe wholeheartedly in the concept of education, sharing information and empowering clients, and in making my therapy room as supportive a space as possible.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch should you require any further information about my work or services.
I look forward to meeting you.
Warm Regards,
Nichola
