Nicolas Shearer Burgess

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I aim to make the process as straightforward and welcoming as possible. I offer both online and in-person sessions, allowing you to choose the setting that feels most comfortable for you.

Online appointments are currently available:

Monday and Tuesday evenings (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

Friday mornings (10:00 am - 11:00 am)

Limited Saturday morning appointments

In-person appointments are currently available:

Wednesday and Thursday evenings (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

At my practice room in Central Bristol (BS1)

As availability can change, please get in touch to enquire about current spaces and arrange a time that works for you. Please note that sessions are not available on Sundays.

Hello and welcome.

If you're here, you're likely looking for a counsellor. Taking the first steps towards therapy can feel difficult and daunting. Often, people come to counselling after spending many years managing complex thoughts, emotions, behaviours and life experiences on their own.

I believe that making the decision to seek support is a significant step, and one that deserves recognition.

So, let me tell you a little about who I am and what I offer.

I am an Integrative Humanistic Counsellor. While that may sound complicated, at its heart it simply means that my work is grounded in genuine human connection and the belief that each person is unique. I offer individual, open-ended therapy and have extensive experience working with a wide range of clients, specialising in Couples, adolescents and adults.

Together, we will create a therapeutic approach tailored to your individual needs. I see therapy as a collaborative process built on trust, honesty and understanding, where we work side by side to explore whatever has brought you to therapy. 

Over the years, I have worked with clients experiencing a broad range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, attachment and relationship difficulties, gender identity, sexuality, abuse, OCD, dissociation, bereavement, disordered eating, self-esteem, loneliness, cultural identity, life transitions, suicidal thoughts and emotional distress. In addition I have extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, including neurodivergent individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity. I strive to provide an affirming and adaptable therapeutic environment that respects each person's unique way of experiencing the world.

Whatever brings you to counselling, I aim to provide a warm, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can feel heard, understood and supported in making sense of your experiences and moving towards meaningful and lasting change.

I am deeply passionate about the work I do and believe that feeling genuinely heard, understood and accepted can be a powerful catalyst for emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As an Integrative Humanistic Counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to support each client's individual needs. The foundation of my work is rooted in the Person-Centred approach, which is based on the belief that you are the expert on your own life and experiences. 

Alongside this, I incorporate elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I believe that self-compassion, the ability to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, is often far more challenging than we realise, yet it can be a crucial part of healing, resilience and positive change. These approaches can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, build a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions, and discover new ways of responding to life's challenges.

Together, we will create a therapeutic approach that is as individual as you are. I see therapy as a collaborative relationship built on trust, honesty and genuine human connection. My aim is to work alongside you, supporting you throughout the process rather than leading the way.

I provide a warm, welcoming, safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can take time to explore the feelings, experiences and patterns that may be causing difficulties in your life. Through our work together, I hope to offer you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself, recognise your strengths, make sense of your experiences, and gain greater clarity about where you have been, where you are now, and where you would like to go. Ultimately, therapy can be a space for meaningful reflection, growth and change, enabling you to move forward and live your life more fully and authentically.

The process begins with an initial assessment session, either online or face to face. This gives us an opportunity to meet, explore what has brought you to counselling, and discuss how we might work together. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions and get a sense of whether I am the right therapist for you.

I offer this initial session at a reduced rate of £20 online or £30 in person, with the additional cost covering room hire.

Should you decide to continue, we can arrange ongoing sessions tailored to your individual needs. Online counselling is conducted via Zoom, while face-to-face sessions take place in a comfortable and confidential setting in Central Bristol. My session fees have been structured to reflect the different ways in which therapy is offered.

I am committed to making therapy as accessible and inclusive as possible. To support this, I offer a limited number of low-cost sessions for students, care leavers, and those experiencing financial difficulties. I also have a particular interest in welcoming referrals from marginalised and underrepresented communities, recognising that finding a therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard and understood can be especially important.

If you would like to discuss availability, fees, or concessionary rates, please feel free to get in touch. I would be happy to answer any questions and explore how I may be able to support you.

Whether you prefer to meet online or face to face, I offer flexible sessions designed to fit around your life and commitments.

I aim to make the process as straightforward and welcoming as possible. I offer both online and in-person sessions, allowing you to choose the setting that feels most comfortable for you.

Online appointments are currently available:

Monday and Tuesday evenings (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

Friday mornings (10:00 am - 11:00 am)

Limited Saturday morning appointments

In-person appointments currently available:

Wednesday and Thursday evenings (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

At my practice room in Central Bristol (BS1)

As availability can change, please get in touch to enquire about current spaces and arrange a time that works for you.                        Please note that sessions are not available on Sundays.

I believe that access to counselling is important. If cost is a concern, please feel free to get in touch to discuss the possibility of a concessionary rate. Where available, I may be able to offer a limited number of reduced-fee sessions.

I take a planned break over the Winter Holiday period each year to rest and recharge. If you are a current client, I will always give plenty of notice and discuss this with you well in advance so that we can plan accordingly.

I am a Humanistic and Integrative Counsellor offering individual, open-ended therapy for Couples, adolescents and adults. I have extensive experience supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of life experiences, challenges and concerns.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches within a humanistic framework. My practice is deeply rooted in the Person-Centred tradition, which places the therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work. Alongside this, I incorporate elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when appropriate, helping clients develop greater self-understanding, self-compassion and psychological flexibility.

Together, we will create a therapeutic approach tailored to your individual needs, goals and circumstances. I see therapy as a collaborative process built on trust, openness and genuine connection. My aim is to walk alongside you, providing a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space in which you can explore your experiences, gain insight and work towards meaningful and lasting change.

Over recent years, I have adopted a blended approach to therapy,  supporting clients through a wide range of personal, emotional and psychological difficulties.

I am deeply passionate about the work I do and believe that feeling genuinely heard, understood and accepted can be a powerful catalyst for emotional growth and wellbeing.                  

My aim is to offer a warm, welcoming, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can feel safe to explore whatever is troubling you. Together, we can explore difficult feelings, past experiences, present challenges and future aspirations at a pace that feels right for you. 

Throughout my professional practice, I have worked with a diverse spectrum of clients presenting with a wide range of issues and life experiences. I also have extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients, including those with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity.

Areas I have experience working with include:

Neurodiversity, including Autism and ADHD

Childhood and developmental experiences

Trauma and PTSD

Transgenerational trauma

Attachment and relationship difficulties

Abuse and recovery

Anxiety, depression and low mood

Anger and emotional regulation

ADHD and ADD

OCD

Dissociation and dissociative experiences

Bereavement, grief and loss

Disordered eating

Self-esteem and self-confidence

Loneliness and isolation

Bullying and interpersonal difficulties

Gender identity and sexuality

Cultural identity and belonging

Life transitions and personal growth

Loss of meaning, vulnerability and existential concerns

Suicidal thoughts and emotional distress

While clients often come to therapy with a particular issue in mind, our work together will always focus on your unique experiences, needs and goals. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship, built on trust, honesty and compassion, can create the conditions for lasting personal growth and positive change.

I encourage all prospective clients to attend an initial assessment session, which provides an opportunity for us to meet, introduce ourselves and begin exploring what has brought you to counselling. This session allows us to discuss your needs, consider how we might work together, and establish whether I am the right therapist for you. It also provides a space to agree a therapeutic contract and answer any questions you may have.

Initial assessment sessions are offered at a reduced rate of £20 online or £30 in person, with the additional cost covering room hire. Online sessions are conducted via the Zoom platform.

I currently have a limited number of online and in-person appointments available. Availability can vary, so please get in touch to discuss current openings.

I am committed to making therapy as accessible and inclusive as possible. To support this commitment, I offer a limited number of low-cost sessions for students, care leavers and those on reduced incomes. I have a particular interest in welcoming referrals from individuals and communities who may feel underrepresented or underserved within traditional therapeutic settings.

If you would like to discuss availability, fees or the possibility of a concessionary rate, please feel free to contact me for an informal conversation.