Nicola Swales MBACP (Accred) Psychotherapeutic Counsellor & Supervisor

Having qualified as a counsellor in 2011 I have a Diploma, Advanced Diploma and BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling. I also hold a Diploma in Clinical Supervision.

I am committed to continuing my professional development and am working towards a Doctorate in Psychotherapy. I have undertaken further group work training with The Gestalt Centre as well as an introduction to working with couples course at the Tavistock Centre.  I work with individuals and couples. I am a qualified clinical supervisor and am working towards a PhD in Psychotherapy, as a part of my continuing professional development.

I am currently working as a specialist counsellor within the NHS (part time) supporting individuals who have been sexually assaulted.  I have extensive group work and training/teaching experience and lecturer for Open University on their Counselling & Psychotherapy module.

Prior to this I worked within a health psychology service within the NHS in an acute hospital setting. I offered support and counselling to a variety of people and/or their families. This included people diagnosed or in remission from cancer, acute and complex trauma, stroke, MS and people who undergo plastic reconstructive surgery. In addition, I facilitated groups in relation to breast cancer, staff support (Incident debrief) and delivered training to staff around compassion fatigue and the impact of working with distress.

I have counselled individuals via the IAPT Service in West Essex and Tower Hamlets who suffer from anxiety and depression, often in the context of other emotional wellbeing concerns. I felt particularly passionate about this work, as it was an opportunity to work with mental health from the perspective that it is a community based issue, not just an individual concern. This very much speaks to my philosophy.

I worked within the Criminal Justice System (in a supportive role) for 13 years mainly drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Brief Solution Focused Approaches. This included facilitating groups to assist individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Specialisms included: working with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse, substance misuse and complex trauma.

I have specialised as a counsellor working with victims of domestic violence whilst undertaking a 12 month placement with Woman's Trust.

I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).

I work with couples and groups. Couple's work is a specialist area of counselling, and as such I have undertaken additional training to be able to better support clients throughout this process.