Nicola Birch
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
If you are reading my profile then well done in taking the first step in looking for support. It’s a brave thing to do. You deserve to live the life you want. Is there something that is stopping you from living your life to the full? Perhaps you are feeling anxious, depressed, or lacking direction and motivation. Your life belongs to you, so let me help you take it back.
About me and how I work
My name is Nicola Birch and I am a fully qualified and insured counsellor working with adults and young people (9+yrs). I initially trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ('CBT') but have found myself utilising other counselling approaches with my clients. This means I am able to tailor my approach to each client, depending on what they are looking for.
With warmth and compassion, I will listen empathetically and attentively to you. I offer a safe and confidential space for you to share what has been going on for you. This could be anxiety, grief, or difficult emotions you are trying to make sense of (for example).
I have worked with both adults and young people (9+) who have been experienced a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges.
With young people, my approach is as above, but age dependent, more focus will be on helping the young person feel comfortable in opening up and exploring the difficulties they are facing. I employ creative approaches which may include drawing and games, to help with this.
Getting Started
If you are considering therapy, then please get in touch either by phone or email, so we can have an initial chat about what you are looking for (either for you or your child). I will then explain how I work, and you will get an opportunity to decide whether I might be the right 'fit' for you / your child. It's totally normal to be unsure about therapy. To feel nervous. Or uncertain. Which is why finding the right counsellor is so important, so make sure you feel comfortable in who you choose to work with.
If you do decide to start therapy, the sessions will typically be weekly and last for 50-55 minutes. In terms of duration of therapy, this totally depends on what you are experiencing. Some people can find that change happens quite quickly, whilst for others, it may take a little longer. And that's okay. I offer face to face sessions based in Coatbridge, and also online too so you can access support from the comfort of your home (or other safe place).
I will walk with you until you feel you can walk by yourself. Metaphorically speaking, of course. You just need to take the first step. But I will be there to support you on the rest of your journey.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Certificate in Counselling Children, Young People, and Families - Human Development Scotland.
- Online & Telephone Counselling, Counselling Tutor.
- Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Glasgow Cognitive Therapy Centre.
- Certificate in Counselling Skills - Glasgow Cognitive Therapy Centre.
I spent 15+ years working in HR for large corporate organisations where I enjoyed my role, but always felt my listening skills weren't quite matched to what I was doing. I spent a couple of years overseas with my young family and then returned to the UK where I decided to scratch an itch to see if counselling (which I had thought about many, many times) may be something for me. In 2017 I got a role as a voluntary counsellor for Childline where I discovered my ikigai and spent the next 18 months gaining as much experience as I could. I then decided to study for my qualifications and spent the next few years learning as much as I could, and all during Covid!
I have worked privately with adults and children since 2020, both online (telephone and video), and face to face, and my day job is working in schools providing counselling support to children and young people.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
£50 for 50-55 minutes.
Concessions available.
When I work
During school holidays I have more availability in the morning / afternoon, but this would only be for the duration of the school holidays. Please contact me for availability.
