Nicky Holt

I am a warm , empathic and non-judgemental therapist who is passionate about supporting committed partners to build a strong, resilient connection and helping individuals understand their patterns in relationship with themselves and others.   Please note I am unable to work with clients outside the UK.

Couples Therapy

I practice Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) which helps couples to understand and change negative patterns in their relationships while also helping to get to the bottom of underlying issues that get in the way of connection.     I'm passionate about helping couples feel better about their relationships and have a good track record in helping people do this successfully. 

I will never take sides or act as a referee in your relationship. I take the view you are both good people even if you have done hurtful things. This does not mean I encourage you to tolerate unacceptable behaviour but if we can understand what is driving the behaviour you can make better decisions about whether there can be a way forward for you as a couple. It is possible to heal even after significant betrayal if this is something you both want to try. Some even experience a stronger connection after this kind of trauma. For others it may mean a parting of ways but even this can be supported by counselling.

The single biggest mistake couples make is waiting too long for help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if any of the above feels relevant to your situation. I would be really happy to offer a no commitment initial conversation for you both to ask questions and work out if couples therapy could be useful for you. It's so much easier to improve your relationship when problems are small. However, it's never too late to try again. 

I especially welcome couples before making a big commitment like getting married, having a child, moving in together etc. This is the ideal time to make sure your relationship is in really good health.

Individual Therapy:

I offer a space of acceptance and understanding in which to explore who you are and what life has taught you about how to be in the world.    Early in life we learn certain ways of adapting to our environment which make sense in that context.  As we develop we can bring some of these adaptions with us into the adult world in a way that no longer serves us.  Together we can be curious about these adaptions and offer compassion to the parts of us that needed them.  As adults with different resources available to us we can then explore if the time has come to update what we believe about ourselves and others.  This journey is lead by you and your hopes for change.   We may spend time talking and reflecting or you may be interested in experiential techniques that help you get to know the different parts of you that may be driving behaviour that you experience as unwanted.  Offering acceptance to all parts of you can lift shame, increase awareness and begin a process of more conscious  living. 

Costs and Practicalities.

I charge £75 for a 1 hour couples  session and £55 for individuals.     I can offer longer sessions by arrangement.  When working with couples I would like to hear from both partners that they are willing to start this process. This can be via e-mail if necessary. We can then meet for an initial session with no commitment to ongoing work. If we agree we are a good fit to work together we will schedule a series of sessions for the coming month and then review this monthly. I will ask that fees are paid at the end of each session.

About me:

I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor who has worked with individuals for many years dealing with a broad range of mental health, life and relationship issues. I have particular experience in work related counselling and worked for many years for a local NHS Trust supporting their staff. Prior to qualifying as a counsellor in 2015, I had over 20 years of experience as a Mental Health Nurse.  In 2019 I trained with Relate and qualified as a Relationship Counsellor.   I have undertaken advanced training in Emotionally Focussed Therapy for couples, the most well researched and studied modality of relationship therapy.  I continually strive to develop myself and my practice and have undertaking further training in using Shadow Work with individuals and am now extending that to working with relationships.   I  work independently in private practice and  am passionate about this work believing that a good relationship with yourself and others is at the heart of human well-being.  

I have limited availability, please contact me to discuss. 

Couples - £75 for a 60 minute session

Keyworkers or those on Low Incomes please ask about  60 minutes charged at £55.00. I am limited to two reduced fee slots at any one time so there may be a short wait list.