Nigel Cooke

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

BA (Hons) Dip.Coun. MNCPS (acc.)
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Ipswich IP3 & IP5
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

My approach to counselling is not a one-size-fits-all. I work with my clients in a supportive and collaborative way to find the best solutions that work for them and enable them to discover a less distressing or confusing way of living. My focus is on helping individuals cope with common life challenges such as strained relationships, trauma, difficult upbringing, loss of loved ones, chronic illness, stress at work, challenges as a parent, feeling unsure about the future, feelings of meaninglessness and isolation, difficulty in decision-making, or simply unexplained feelings of being off, which any of these can lead to distress and even despair. 

What does this mean for you?

Firstly, it is important to remember that whatever you are going through, you are not broken. It is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, despair, hopelessness, isolation, anger, or even numbness. These are all ways your mind and body communicate with you. Secondly, by creating a safe and supportive environment where you can slow down, reflect, and process, you will be able to gain a clearer understanding of your experience. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and adapt to a better version of yourself.

I understand how overwhelming it can be to have so much on your mind, and how this also affects your physical health. Thus, a vicious cycle is formed between mental and physical. And that is an exhausting situation to be in.

Counselling is helpful not because of any specific techniques or approaches, but because it creates a meaningful relationship where you can freely express yourself and feel heard. Being heard can be an incredibly powerful experience. Remember that this is your life, and you have a say in how you live it. I'm here to help by listening and responding to your voice and your needs.​

During the first meeting, I explain how I work and gain an understanding of the issues likely to be addressed in therapy. I offer both short and long-term face-to-face counselling (see Fees and Availabilty for further details).

My practice is on Ransome's industrial estate, easily accessible just off the A14. It is a quiet and confidential setting.

I offer a free phone consultation should you have any further questions or concerns.

Training, qualifications & experience

BA (Hons) Integrative Counselling

Counselling Diploma (12 month full-time)

NCFE Cache level 2 Counselling 

I am currently studying a Diploma in Existential Counselling (2024 - )

Alongside four years of full-time experiential study, both as a client and therapist, I also have two years experience as a practising counsellor at Suffolk Mind, Bury St. Edmunds and more recently in private practice. Along with a sound theoretical framework, I have 59 years of life experience.

I am lucky enough to be situated geographically central, covering Mid-Suffolk and East Coastal; example areas surrounding: Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge, Framlingham, Ipswich, Felixstowe. I have also had clients from North Essex. I am easily accessible via A12 and/or A14.

My client base presents with a broad range of issues. And my training covers several different modalities for me to draw upon.

I am fully engaged with my continuing professional development by staying up-to-date with research, attending workshops, and obtaining relevant qualifications.

How can counselling help?

“Talking therapies can help with many difficult life problems – from coping with traumatic experiences and events to dealing with depression and anxiety or managing harmful emotions and behaviours” (BACP, 2019).

According to the International Association for Counselling (IAC) counselling is the presence of a professional who relates and responds to a client, to help that client attain a more satisfying and resourceful life (Bond, 2015).

I  have regular supervision to ensure training and ethical standards are maintained.

DBS checked

Fully insured.

I am an accredited member of the National Counsellors and Psychotherapist Society. As such I abide their code of ethics and standards. 

Membership no.: NCS24-00363

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

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

All evidence suggests that Face-to-Face sessions have a greater effect in facilitating therapeutic change. However, I appreciate Face-to-Face is not always possible. So along with in-person sessions I also offer online sessions too.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration every week. However, in certain circumstances, we can arrange to adapt to your circumstances.

Cost: £55

Payment by bank transfer (details will be supplied). Payment must be received before the next appointment. You may also pay cash on the day.

​I offer a limited number of concessions.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Wednesday's and Friday's are face to face sessions. Flexible hour, morning, afternoon, evening, where slots are available.

Further information

A calm safe space.

I am fortunate enough to have an office situated in a quiet business centre. Parking is free for an hour.  However, if you do come by car I shall enter your car registration number into the system so your parking will be free and unlimited. So, added to the discretion of the building you will also have time on either side of your session. My office is quiet and has a calming atmosphere. Despite the industrial nature at the front of the building, trees and plenty of greenery can be seen from my large window. The building is safe and secure and offers a seated waiting area with refreshment facilities available both before and after the session. There is easy access off the A14 or via many other routes through or circumventing town.

Basepoint Centre, 70-72 The Havens, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9BF

Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

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

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

The reception and waiting area is open plan, and my office is ground floor (situated at the end of a long corridor). From reception to the office, it is well-lit. I can meet you in the waiting area if you require any help getting to the office.

Online platforms

Google Meet

Social

Nigel Cooke
Nigel Cooke