Nicola Dixon-Grainger

Life is particularly tough at the moment. Perhaps you are struggling to cope or are feeling overwhelmed; maybe your worries are weighing you down and preventing you from engaging in life. There are many ways in which you can feel lost, isolated, or not like your old self. If you need someone to talk to, I am here to listen, to understand, and to help you to find your way forward again. I offer you a space where it is safe for you to explore your concerns; a place where you will not be judged or dictated to. I will treat you as an individual, and help you to find your own two feet again. We will work through whatever is troubling you together, and I will support you through that process with empathy and compassion. You are in good hands!

I have been in the counselling world since 2000, and am a BACP Accredited, and Registered Person-Centred Therapist. Over the years, I have helped many people work through a variety of issues. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in many fields. I have worked with clients of all ages, from the Further Education sector, through to older adults, and have worked with various organisations, from government bodies, to private individuals. I have been in private practice for over 13 years. I can help with any problems you wish to bring into the therapy space. I am also a qualified nutritionist with ten years' experience. I have NHS training in working with issues surrounding food and eating disorders. I can help you to work through any form of eating distress that you may be struggling with, from anorexia or bulimia, to binge-eating, or any other difficulties surrounding food and eating. My main field of interest includes all facets of health, from food, to exercise, to sleep. I am interested in the impact that these factors have on general wellbeing, and on mental health in particular. This has led me to study various aspects of health psychology including neurology and dreamwork. I can help you to explore how your general wellbeing impacts upon your mental and emotional health, and to help you in making the changes you are striving towards. I work in an exclusively Person-Centred way; I see you entirely as an individual, and you are the focus of the therapy. I offer both long-term and short-term therapy, as well as time-focused and open-ended sessions. I am currently offering appointments via Zoom and telephone, and can continue to do so when life returns to its usual rhythm. 

The first session gives a good idea of what therapy will feel like, and gives us a chance to see how we will work together. 

In our initial appointment, we will create an overview of what you wish to bring to therapy; the reasons you are seeking appointments, the problems that you are currently experiencing, and what you wish to gain from sessions. I will tell you what you can expect from me, and our appointments. 

If you decide to continue with sessions, we will discuss a way forward together. 

I am a BACP accredited and registered Person-Centred practitioner with many years' experience. In my time as a therapist, I have worked with EAPs, government bodies, educational institutions, young peoples services, charities, and for private individuals. I have a good base of knowledge of the rigors of working in different settings. I have been a practicing supervisor since 2009, and have supported many therapists in their work.

I welcome supervisees of different professional orientations - sometimes, we see new possibilities in the reflection of difference. 

I also offer supervision to both coaches, and to other therapists who use coaching skills within their practice. I have experience of using both skills sets independently of each other, and of amalgamating the two into a coherent whole.

It can be challenging to find supervision which caters for both counselling and coaching, and I bring a knowledge of the challenges faced when working in more than one way.

I create a space in which we can explore your own unique style of working, as well as offering you support in your development and practice as both a therapist, and a coach. 

My main area of interest is in the health psychology field. I am a qualified nutritionist with ten years' experience. I have also completed CPD in many areas of health psychology, including dream work, and neurology. I have counselled a vast array of clients through many emotional and mental health issues. Our line of work can be tough, and I see my role as a supervisor as a supporting one; not just of your work, but of you as a practitioner within this field. 

Our first appointment will give an overview of your supervisory needs; what you want to get from supervision, the ways in which you work, and of the client work that you are engaged in. This session will give us a good idea of the working relationship we can build together.