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, overthinking, low self-confidence, and emotional overwhelm. This can include generalised anxiety (GAD), where worry feels constant, hard to switch off, or always in the background. My approach combines psychological understanding with an awareness of how anxiety and stress show up in the nervous system and the body, helping you feel calmer and more able to manage your responses.

Alongside private practice, I’ve worked within the NHS and currently work with a trauma service in Brighton, offering emotional stabilisation and longer-term support for trauma-related difficulties.

I work in an integrative and collaborative way, drawing from Person-Centred Therapy, CBT, psychodynamic approaches, and trauma-informed practice, including Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). Therapy with me offers a steady, reflective space to explore anxiety, overthinking, self-doubt, and the patterns that keep you feeling stuck — supporting greater emotional resilience and a clearer sense of who you are and what you need.

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

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications

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

Experience

  • Experience working within the NHS, supporting clients with anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, and longer-term emotional difficulties
  • Currently working with a trauma service in Brighton, offering emotional stabilisation counselling and ongoing support for trauma-related challenges

Additional Training & Professional Development

  • Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) – The Institute
  • Trauma-informed approaches
  • Understanding Anxiety (Human Givens)
  • Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health (TQUK)
  • Ongoing CPD in trauma-informed practice, anxiety treatment, 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 30-minute initial consultation to explore your needs. My approach is integrative, evidence-informed, and tailored to support anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt.

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

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