Nicola Ovington

I am currently offering face to face and telephone counselling sessions. 

I have available day time appointments Monday through to Friday between 9 am and 4pm. I also have limited availability for evening session starting at 5.30pm or 6 pm. For appointments outside of these time please contact me and I may be able to be flexible depending on other commitments. 

I usually offer 50/60 minute session but can also offer 90 mins which is £70 per session.

Hello I'm Nicola, 

I believe that finding a therapist who is the right fit for you is the key to successful counselling work: feeling safe, comfortable and supported in every counselling session is essential. In my work, I ensure the relationship I have with my clients is warm, non-judgemental and honest. I adapt my style of counselling to each individual client, sometimes working creatively to offer alternative ways to help client's explore their issues and find their own resolutions. I also know how powerful it is to be listened to and heard or to be given the opportunity and understanding to sit in silence. My work aims to respect and support your own knowledge of what is right for you and to empower you to make the changes you need to make for your own unique situation.

I decided to retrain as a Counsellor after seeking help myself following a sudden bereavement. I qualified as a Person-centred Counsellor in August 2019.  Prior to my qualification I completed my training and worked on the crisis helpline for Rape Crisis for just over a year. When training I worked for Durham County Carers, a local charity,  as well as a short period supporting children at a local primary school.  I currently work in my own Private Practice as well as working on a self employed basis for a North-East charity. In my spare time I am a course moderator for North Lakes Counselling and Training in Cumbria.

If you decide to contact me I offer a free informal 20-30 minute telephone call, in order that we can assess whether we are a good fit and whether I have the right skills to meet your needs. If we were to start working together I would carry out regular reviews of our work together to ensure we can adapt our working style to meet your changing needs. I also encourage my client's to be honest about their needs and expectations throughout our time working together.

I started my practice in early 2020 after creating a purpose built Counselling room in our large and private garden. Due to the pandemic my vision and plans had to adapt and after completing additional online and telephone counselling training I began working with clients remotely, offering telephone counselling sessions.  I decided to return to face to face sessions in March 2022. Although I work primarily Face to Face, I still continue to offer telephone sessions, as I find this way of working has many positive aspects - it's convenient and it can feel less intimidating for clients: allowing client's to feel more able to share their feelings and fears. 

Reduced rates are available for student counsellors, please confirm you are currently training to be a counsellor when you make your initial enquiry.

The practical side of our working together will usually be discussed at our initial telephone call prior to your first session. All sessions are prepaid, 48 hours in advance. If you wanted to pay for multiple sessions at the beginning of the month this can be arranged for up to four sessions.

During your first session we would usually spend approximately 5-10 minutes discussing and agreeing our working contract. Once this formality is out of the way the session time will be yours to use however you feel is most appropriate for you. Sometimes client's like to get me "up to speed" with what is happening for them or share their reasons for seeking emotional support. Sometimes the first session can be a much needed chance to offload all the emotions and issues they are facing. My way of working believes that you are the expert in yourself. It is my role to stay with the you, work at whatever pace you choose and work with whatever you bring. This first session has no rules, if you find it difficult to share initially, we can take time for you to build your trust in me and the process. If you discover now is not the right time for you that is fine too. There is no agreed length of time we work together, this is your decision.