Hello, I’m Nicola

I am an experienced psychotherapist educated to MSc. level, Somatic Movement Teacher and Neurofeedback trainer. I worked in the NHS for a decade as a psychotherapist and have been in private practice since 2011. Being in private practice enables me to offer innovative approaches for the body, mind and the brain, including tools and technologies such as NeurOptimal Neurofeedback, Altitude or Intermittent Hypoxic Training and Somatic Movement, all of which are brain and nervous system approaches that help with bodily regulation.

My career has taught me, and science confirms, that the cumulative effects of stress, adverse experiences or pursuit of high performance can change the way the body and brain regulate the stress response and process information. In my time as a psychotherapist I have seen that many people present with not only issues of mind and emotions but also with body based reactions that represent an adaptation to coping with stress that has become wired into the brain. In short, in order to cope with high levels of stress or overwhelm, the body and mind have become depleted and stuck in defence. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, burnout, muscular and postural issues, over training syndrome,  nervous system dysregulation, dissociation, shallow breathing, fatigue, and sleep issues need body and brain based interventions to help the nervous system recover deeply and recalibrate its activity.  

While I no longer work as a traditional psychotherapist might, I still use my extensive, over 3 decades of study and work experience to help people understand how their body and mind are connected and to help them find a route to recover their performance and vitality for the long term.

My approach to wellbeing aims to help body, mind and brain return to balance as an integrated whole. When the body and brain perform at their best, managing stress and getting on with life becomes instantly easier.

I know what I offer probably looks somewhat different to what others are offering and this is based on many years of research and practice, so I offer a free 15 minute initial phone chat so that you can get a feel for me and my approach.