Online Counselling Across the UK
Face-to-Face Counselling in the Keynsham, Bath, Bristol & Surrounding Area
Hello and welcome.
Helping you find hope again, even if it feels out of reach right now.
My name is Nicola (Nikki)
You don’t have to keep holding everything together on your own.
Perhaps on the outside, you’re coping. You’re showing up, getting things done, and being there for others. But inside, things may feel heavier than they should.
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, not quite yourself, or struggling with a sense that you’re not good enough. Maybe life has changed in ways you didn’t expect, and you’re trying to make sense of where you are now.
You don’t have to work it all out alone.
A calm space for you to talk, think and be heard
I offer counselling that gives you space to slow down and explore what’s going on for you, without pressure or judgement.
I won’t tell you what to do or give you advice. Instead, I’ll walk alongside you as you begin to understand your feelings, patterns, and experiences more clearly.
Many people find that having this space helps them feel calm, lighter, more understood, and more able to breathe again.
Over time, things often start to feel a little clearer, and it becomes easier to see yourself and your situation with more compassion.
What I often help people with
People come to me for many reasons, including:
Whatever has brought you here, we can take things at your pace.
If you’re thinking about reaching out
Starting counselling can feel like a big step.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin, and you don’t need to be in crisis to ask for support.
Sometimes it’s simply about recognising that something doesn’t feel quite right anymore and wanting things to change.
If you feel drawn to get in touch, you are very welcome.
How I came to this work
People often say I was always the one they could talk to.
Friends and family would tell me that after speaking with me, they felt lighter or able to see things more clearly. At the time, I didn’t think of this as anything special; it just felt natural to listen and be there for people.
A colleague suggested I might want to explore counselling, and I began volunteering with the Samaritans. Although the work could sometimes be emotionally challenging, I always left shifts feeling glad that I had been able to sit with someone in a difficult moment and help them feel less alone. That experience led me to train as a counsellor, and I have never looked back.
About Me
Before becoming a counsellor, I represented Great Britain at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. Sport taught me a great deal about discipline, resilience, and pressure, but also about being human in the face of achievement, expectation, and uncertainty. Those experiences continue to shape the way I understand people today.
Outside of my work, I’m a mum to two young adults, and I share my life with my partner. I value kindness, honesty, and hope, and I find calm in simple things like walking in nature and listening to the birds sing. These quieter moments help me stay grounded, and I bring that same sense of calm into my work with clients.
How Counselling Can Help
I have personally experienced the transformative power of counselling and know firsthand how much it can help to be able to speak openly in a safe, non-judgemental space. This understanding shapes the way I work with clients, offering empathy, support, and a space where you can be truly heard.
Through working together, we can gently explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences you are carrying, helping you develop greater self-awareness and move towards positive change at your own pace.
Each person’s journey is unique, and our work together will be guided by your individual needs and what feels most beneficial for you. The first step towards change is reaching out, and by being here and reading this, you’ve already taken that important step.
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision. Feeling safe, understood, and comfortable with the person you are working with is an important part of the counselling process. If you feel I might be the right fit for you, I invite you to get in touch to arrange a free initial chat. This is simply an opportunity to ask questions, share a little about what’s going on for you, and see whether you feel comfortable working together.
What to Expect in Sessions
I see counselling as a collaborative process. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through this process, you may gain greater self-awareness, develop new perspectives, and discover ways of coping that feel more helpful and supportive.
In our sessions, you are free to talk about whatever feels most important to you. We will work together at a pace that feels right for you, allowing space for reflection, understanding, and personal growth. There is no pressure to share anything before you feel ready.
I believe that being truly heard and understood can be a powerful part of the healing process
My Approach
My work is grounded in warmth, respect, and genuine care.
Clients often tell me they feel comfortable quickly and that they feel genuinely heard and understood. For me, this sense of connection is at the heart of the work. I believe that with the right support, people can begin to understand themselves more deeply and start to reconnect with a stronger sense of self-worth and hope.
I work as an integrative counsellor, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches to support you in a way that best meets your individual needs. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. By integrating elements from these approaches, I can adapt our work together to suit your unique experiences, goals, and the challenges you may be facing.
Professional Experience
I am a qualified counsellor holding a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and I am a registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in line with their professional standards and code of ethics. I am fully insured and attend regular professional supervision.
Alongside my counselling work, I am also a trained listening volunteer with the Samaritans, where I have supported individuals experiencing distress, emotional pain, or crisis. This role has deepened my understanding of the importance of compassionate listening and providing a calm, supportive presence during difficult times. I am also a trained Mental Health First Aider, which has strengthened my knowledge and awareness of mental health and how best to support those who may be struggling.
I am committed to maintaining high professional standards and regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure my knowledge and practice remain current and effective.
Online Counselling Sessions
(Face-to-Face Counselling in the Keynsham, Bath, Bristol & Surrounding Area)
Sessions are held online via Google Meet, last 50 minutes and cost £60. Sessions usually take place on a weekly basis, although this can be discussed depending on your needs.
Working online allows me to connect with clients across the UK. Please do reach out if you have any questions, or if you would like to arrange a free 20 minute consultation, which will provide an opportunity for you to feel if I am the right therapist for you.
Testimonials
How long is each session?
The online sessions are 50 minutes.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is via bank transfer and is due at least 24 hours before each session.
What happens in a counselling session?
Each session will provide you with a safe, confidential space where you can talk openly about whatever feels most important to you. I will listen without judgement and support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes, I offer a free 20 minute chat. This will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, talk a little about what’s going on for you, and decide whether counselling with me feels like the right fit.
Is counselling confidential?
Everything discussed in our sessions will be treated with care and confidentiality. There are occasions when confidentiality may need to be broken, for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, but this would usually be discussed with you first.
How do I book a session?
You are welcome to get in touch by phone, text message or email, and we can then discuss availability and next steps.
If I am unable to answer your call, please do leave a voicemail or send me a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
What is the cost?
A 50 minute online session costs £60.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each person. Most clients attend weekly sessions, although fortnightly sessions can also be arranged. We will regularly review the sessions and can adjust the frequency or number of sessions as needed.
You are free to end our sessions at any time. When you feel ready to do so, we can take time to discuss and work towards an ending in a supportive and considered way.
Do I need to prepare anything for the first session?
No. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. You may wish to share what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it. You can also ask any questions and see whether you feel comfortable working together. We will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
Feeling nervous about starting counselling is completely normal. Reaching out can feel like a big step. We will go at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and there is no pressure to share anything before you feel ready.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
I ask for 48 hours notice. Cancellations of less than 48 hours' notice will be charged the full fee of £60.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by email, text or phone.