Nicola Abbott

Online counselling across the UK and in-person counselling in Keynsham, conveniently located for Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas for anxiety, self-esteem, grief & life changes

I support adults who may be experiencing anxiety, grief and loss, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions.

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 anxiety and overthinking are making it difficult to switch off, a low mood that feels heavy, a sense that you’re just not quite yourself anymore, or feeling constantly on edge or worrying about things that once felt manageable. 

Maybe you’re trying to navigate a difficult life transition, a loss, a relationship change, or a period of uncertainty that you never expected.  Or you might be struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or a strong inner critic that’s hard to quiet.  You may constantly doubt yourself, struggle to say no, compare yourself to others or never feel "good enough."

How I can Support You

You don't have to make sense of everything on your own. Counselling can offer a space to slow down, be heard and begin to understand what is happening for you.  Many people tell me they arrive feeling emotionally exhausted, constantly overthinking or questioning themselves. Over time they begin to understand themselves differently, feel calmer, trust themselves more and find that life no longer feels quite so overwhelming.

I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard without judgement. It's a privilege to help people as they begin to understand themselves differently and reconnect with hope.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting.  I aim to offer you a space where you can feel safe, comfortable and able to be yourself.  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. Together, we can explore what is happening for you, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, develop new ways of coping, and begin to feel more confident, calmer and more connected with who you are.

Areas I Can Support You With
You don’t need to identify with a specific label to reach out; many people come simply because something doesn’t feel quite right.

• Anxiety Counselling - including overthinking, rumination, worry and feeling on edge
• Depression Counselling - including low mood, loss of motivation and emotional heaviness
• Life Transitions and Relationship Difficulties - including times of change, feeling stuck or people pleasing
• Low Self-Esteem Counselling - including self-doubt and confidence issues
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling, including loss and adjustment to change
• Burnout and Stress Counselling - including work-related stress,  emotional exhaustion and feeling overwhelmed

If your concerns are not listed above, please feel free to get in touch. We can discuss what is bringing you to counselling and whether I may be able to support you.

My Approach
As an integrative counsellor, I draw on CBT, person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, tailoring therapy to your individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

About Me

Earlier in my life, I had the privilege of representing Great Britain in artistic swimming at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. Although this was many years ago, that experience shaped my understanding of resilience, self-belief, managing pressure and the importance of having the right support around you. These are values I continue to bring into my counselling work today.

What to Expect from Counselling
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.

Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, especially if this is your first time. You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

If something you've read here has resonated with you, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

You don't need to know exactly what to say. Simply send me a message to let me know you'd like to arrange a free 20 minute, informal conversation. Together, we can explore what's been bringing you here, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels right for you.

£60 per 50-minute session.

Free initial consultation available.

I offer in-person and online sessions on a weekly basis. Please let me know what suits your needs, and I will try to accommodate.

I typically support people experiencing:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression and low mood
• Grief and loss
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Life transitions and feeling overwhelmed
• Emotional distress or feeling stuck
• Emotional well-being
• Relationship difficulties
• Personal challenges