Nicola De Bell

Weekdays and evenings.

Life is full of change and uncertainty whether we want it to or not, such as changing education levels, relationships, family dynamics, marriage and divorce, moving home, empty nesting and financial challenges and concerns. This can feel unsettling and anxiety inducing however by talking about it with someone can sometimes help.

I practice as an independent psychotherapeutic practitioner and integrative counsellor working with a person centred, psychodynamic and creative approach which means that you as the client will be at the heart of the work, and that the therapeutic relationship we will create within the sessions, will be all about what you want to bring to them.

As the trust and comfort develops, we can explore deeper into what may be behind the topics you bring – sometimes it is just what is brought, but sometimes there is more and we find ourselves reflecting back through time and as well as the present.

We can work at your pace and I would welcome feedback along the journey to try and make this a positive counselling experience for you and something that could be life changing and empowering, if that is what you would like to achieve.

This can sometimes take time, but depending on what is brought and the individual themselves, I can help hold you in a safe and confidential space so you can be you – the complete you – while we work together.

Please note, that I will reply to your enquiry as soon as I can, but be aware that my reply may go into junk or spam email folders, so I would request you check there if you think you haven't been replied to within 48hrs. Thank you.

Anxiety and stress, exploring where this unsettled feeling comes from, why you experience this past and present.

Employment stresses and challenges, including burn out, redundancy and finding new work, plus difficult working relationships.

Difficult childhood where you still carry those experiences and/or expectations into your adult lives, such as pressures of achieving, surviving divorce or significant family loss, sibling rivalry, only child isolation, bullying, moving homes and schools.

Relationship challenges such as communication issues, sexual incompatibility, or trust concerns.

Sexual abuse and controlling relationships, for example financial, limited socialising or isolation from friends and family, both historical or current.

Gynaecological and urology impacts to self, family and relationships, including peri-menopause and menopause, family planning and sexual practice from health conditions, stress and surgery.

Neurodiversity challenges around managing suspected or confirmed diagnosis and how to bring your whole self into everyday life.

Loss and bereavement whether your experience was sudden or from a known prognosis such as a life limiting illness, loss can feel traumatic bringing changes for self, family, friends and pets . It can be all consuming impacting all areas of life whether its recent or years ago.

Support through illness, for example MS, dementia and cancer for the person with diagnosis and their loved ones. This can be long or short term.

Being a carer can be challenging, is often not by choice and can be both long and short term. Carers often forget about self-care and put all energy and focus into looking after others which can be exhausting. It may be beneficial to express associated frustrations and fears that otherwise may be held too tightly, often impacting the good intentions and carers health.

On even the sunniest days life can feel difficult and the simplest of tasks can become challenging. It might feel like there is a dark cloud following you for reasons known or unknown, or that something feels unsettled for you. Perhaps its every day concerns or maybe work or relationship challenges. It could be memories from your past that are troubling you or maybe even world events or economic pressures that are at the front of your mind, distracting you from enjoying your life. For example, feeling the impact of the pandemic and the loss of someone, a business or still reeling from the isolation and confusion of lockdowns and then re-socialising again.

There are many reasons a person can feel unlike themselves, off balance or feeling like something isn’t quite right. If you feel like you want to talk to someone who will listen without judgement or prejudice, and want to explore more about yourself then please get in touch. Even if you feel alone in your thoughts, it is important to know that you don’t have to try to manage them all on your own.

As a psychotherapeutic practitioner and integrative counsellor working with a variety of topics such as the ones above, we would start with reasons for seeking therapy and also some getting to know one another. We can explore goals and desired outcomes or just talk. Either way I will listen and offer my expertise but if I can’t help then hopefully, I could suggest someone or somewhere that could. 

Please contact me for any questions or queries about how I work or if ready, we can arrange a free conversation about the next steps to starting your counselling journey.

I look forward to meeting you,

Nicola