Nicola Stephens

Couple Counselling - Individual Counselling . I am a qualified counselling therapist who has 16 years of working in the field of psychotherapy. I offer short or long term therapy for people who are struggling to make sense of their lives. I have a particular interest in working with clients whose lives have been impaired by ongoing anxiety or depression. 

 Regardless of age, gender or financial position, each of us will be presented with life challenges that can seem overwhelming. It is my belief that for change to occur we need to take small steps in accepting our lives could be improved, but we might need some encouragement and genuine support to overcome our fears and obstacles.

There are many reasons why we are faced with factors that can result in a bad, or an uncomfortable outcome.  The breakdown of any significant relationship, bereavement, life - changing injuries , mental or physical health problems, addiction, divorce, job loss. This is not an exhaustive list but a summary of the events that can impact on your overall health and sense of emotional well-being. This may result in anxiety related symptoms or depression. 

To understand how these changes affect our personal and professional lives we need to find a support group. The solution seems simple, yet when the GP surgery is always busy, and you cannot book an appointment, and you feel that you cannot burden yourself on family or friends, you may end up feeling extremely isolated. This feeling of uncertainty can compound a sense of loneliness, fear, anxiety and depression, and you can reach a crisis point. During our crisis points, we can reach for props to alleviate the pain, whether it’s food, alcohol, gambling, or any excessive behaviour that brings about a short- term fix but does not address the underlying issues.

Making the decision: I understand contacting a counsellor might seem overwhelming. I would like to offer some reassurance. I have been practicing as a qualified counselling therapist for sixteen years . I am deeply committed to the service I offer, and the therapeutic needs of my clients. I value how self- examination can enable a deeper understanding of our struggles,  and often without a warning life events can trigger many of our unprocessed emotions. My overall aim is to support you with the discomfort experienced, while accessing painful thoughts and unsettling emotions. Therefore creating a safe space that allows you to release your emotions, reassess and focus on what you wish to explore.

My personal life experience has taught me that sensitive topics-  however disconcerting lose their toxicity once acknowledged . I believe if sensitive issues are hidden they can have a negative impact-  on both our physical and mental health . It is not uncommon for people to believe they cannot share their experience's for fear of being judged . As a therapist I work to move away from limiting language and judgements that can trap us in our negative thought processes. Counselling can offer the opportunity to release past trauma  - how to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings , self management to develop skills and techniques that improve mental well being , and enrich our relationships. 

I charge the following fees - £30 for individuals on a low income - £50.00 individual fee -  £70.00 per couple

I understand approaching a counsellor can be a period of uncertainty . I will aim to respond to your enquiry within 24 hours and will arrange an appointment within 7 days of contact. If I am on annual leave I will post details on the counselling website .

If I am unable to speak to you immediately please leave your name, contact details and permission to leave a message on your voice mail. Alternatively please email me. All contact details will be confidential.