Nicola McKirdy

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her/hers/she
BSc, Prof Dip Psy C, Dip Hyp CS Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

About me

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, panic and overthinking, including generalised anxiety (GAD), health anxiety and social anxiety. Anxiety is often maintained by interacting patterns — such as catastrophic thinking, uncertainty, avoidance, safety behaviours and how we respond to physical sensations.

A key part of my approach is mapping your individual anxiety cycle so we can understand what is keeping the anxiety going. From there, we work collaboratively to make changes to these patterns, helping you build greater confidence in yourself, your body and your ability to cope

Alongside private practice, I’ve worked within the NHS and currently work within a specialist trauma service in Brighton, providing psychological therapy for complex trauma and Complex PTSD.

I work in an integrative and collaborative way, drawing from Person-Centred Therapy, CBT and psychodynamic approaches, alongside mind-body techniques where appropriate. I also have training and clinical experience in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). Therapy with me offers a steady, reflective space to understand the patterns keeping you stuck, develop new ways of responding and build greater confidence in yourself and your ability to cope.

I work both online and in person in Brighton & Hove.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications

  • Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Prof Dip Psy C)
  • Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip Hyp CS)
  • Qualified Yoga & Meditation Teacher

Experience

  • Experience providing short-term counselling within NHS primary care
  • Private practice working primarily with anxiety, panic, overthinking and related difficulties
  • Currently providing psychological therapy within a specialist trauma service in Brighton, working with complex trauma and Complex PTSD

Additional Training & Professional Development

  • Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) – The Institute
  • Understanding Anxiety – Human Givens Institute
  • Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health – TQUK
  • Ongoing CPD focused on anxiety, complex trauma, Complex PTSD and mind–body approaches

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£60.00 per session

Additional information

Fee: £60 per 50-minute session
Payment: Online in advance via PayPal or bank transfer
Availability: Online across the UK and in person in Brighton & Hove
Cancellation: Please give 48 hours’ notice for cancellations
Ongoing sessions recommended to support lasting change

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I work with clients online across the UK and in person in Brighton & Hove. I offer a free 20–30 minute initial consultation to explore your needs. My approach is integrative and evidence-informed, with a particular focus on understanding and changing the patterns that maintain anxiety.

Hove, East Sussex, BN3

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

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Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

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You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp

Social