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Nicola Westwood

My name is Nicola and I am a warm, empathetic person committed to supporting my clients. I am a qualified BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 18 years experience of working as a therapist at Cornerstone. Much of my work has been supporting clients to find a more content way of being in their world.

How I work:
By increasing our self-awareness and uncovering the potential for increased choice and flexibility in life, we are able to break our old patterns and learn to appreciate and value ourselves. I have always been interested in the potential of us humans when all of our needs are met. If we have not had our needs met, we develop gnarled ways of being in the world, with ourselves and with others.

Counselling provides a safe space that allows you to explore your feelings. When we understand ourselves, we are more able to understand why we respond the way we do and therefore feel able to be more genuine and make the right choices for ourselves and our loved ones.

Life can be challenging to navigate, and for many of us who have had hindrances along the way. Life can feel distressing and we will find coping mechanisms. Some of these can cause further distress. I understand how trauma affects us and brings about distressing coping mechanisms.

Therapy offers the opportunity to explore how you can best support yourself and become better supported by those around you.

I have experience and training in various approaches such as CBT (looking at your narrative and behaviour) and Psychosynthesis (which can be helpful in understanding the different parts of us). These are particularly helpful approaches if someone is struggling to understand why they act the way they do, especially if their behaviour is self-destructive or parts of themselves are in conflict.

I truly believe that counselling provides an opportunity to progress towards a more connected and fruitful way of living life. A good, strong therapeutic relationship is vital to the counselling process.

I can offer you a supportive space and, by looking at our unconscious thoughts and behaviour, we can gradually develop insight and stop repeating the things that hold us back. I have found that through psychotherapy, clients become more aware of themselves and their behaviour and are able to take more control of what happens in their lives.

Issues I have experience with:

Anxiety.
Bullying.
Body Dysmorphia.
Depression.
Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Eating Disorders.
Family Tensions.
Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotional Dysregulation.
Negative Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Post Natal Issues & Loss
Self Harm.
Sexual Assault.
Sexual Abuse.
Sleep Issues .
Suicidal Ideation.
Trust & Jealousy Issues.
Sex Addiction.
Attachment Issues.
Birth Trauma.
Miscarriage.
Panic Attacks.
Flashbacks.
Psychosomatic Issues (body pain) M.E C.F.S and Fibromyalgia (Specialist Area)

 

My Qualifications:

BA (Hons) in Professional Development in Counselling.

Diploma in Counselling at Sheffield Hallam University (2004)

Clinical Supervisor- Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy

Accredited and registered member of British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

DBS Checked (Criminal Records Bureau)

What Happens Next?

There is no right reason or a ‘right time’ to start therapy. It is natural for you to wish to speak to me to see if you feel comfortable sharing your story before making an initial mutual assessment appointment.

I see clients on Wednesdays in person or I have online (Zoom) sessions with time flexibility Monday-Friday. I charge £70 per session.

Supervision for Therapists:

As a experienced clinical supervisor, I welcome the opportunity to support your practise in a safe, educative way. We will spend our time meeting your clinical needs as well as supporting your personal growth. Similar to therapy, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to our work together and it’s important to feel comfortable to be able to bring all of yourself to your supervision.

I support therapists from trainee to experienced. I offer supervision to therapists within the NHS, Headstrong, Snowdrop and Together Women. I supervise clinical and non clinical work. A safe supervision space is important for your work with clients and for your own personal growth.

I feel resourced from my own supervision over the years to be able to pass on my experience, especially learning and support from my current supervisor Babette Rothschild.

Consultancy:

I have experience of providing consultancy work for Counselling Service Managers, Occupational Health Professionals and Directors in voluntary and statutory organisations. I am well versed in supporting those with further clinical responsibilities and management issues, exploring managerial styles and discovering strategies for navigating relationships at work.

 

Current Availability

Monday evening
Wednesday afternoon
Wednesday evening
Thursday evening
Friday afternoon
Sunday evening