Esther Nixon

At the moment, I have availability on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 8 pm, Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm 

Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor & Senior Systemic Family Practitioner and Internal Family Systems Informed. 

My name is Esther Nixon. 

I have 20 years of experience supporting children, young people, individuals, couples and families across education, community, counselling services and local authority settings. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling, an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Family Practice. I am UKCP-accredited and a member of BACP and AFT, and I bring particular expertise in trauma, attachment, development of the self, depression and neurodiversity, having worked extensively with individuals and families navigating complex trauma and the impact of mood disorders, OCD, anxiety, self-harm and behavioural difficulties. 

My Integrative training means I integrate person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and psychodynamic theories to create a relational space attuned to my clients' needs. It's important to me that my clients feel safe, heard and affirmed so that we can develop a secure therapeutic relationship where, together, we explore the difficulties, problems and needs that led you to seek counselling, and work together to make sense of what's happening and understand yourself. 

My systemic training has enabled me to incorporate into my practice a way of understanding problems and difficulties arising from life transitions, unmet needs, breakdowns in relationships, neurodiversity, and sometimes tragic experiences, and to explore and be curious about the contexts of these challenges and their effects on wider systems. I have worked with many families with children and young people who present with mental health issues and conduct disorders, and can support families to work together to find solutions. 

I can work short- or long-term, depending on your needs. 

By drawing together systemic family practice and integrative psychotherapeutic counselling, I create a safe, relational space where change can happen. I work collaboratively and without judgement, listening to my clients, helping them understand their own patterns and nervous system responses, and unravelling the sometimes complicated threads of life to better understand themselves and what they need. In working with families and individuals, I can help reconnect with their strengths and re-author the stories they tell about themselves. I believe that lasting change grows from relational safety, and I am committed to walking alongside clients with warmth, patience and respect as they build a more hopeful future.

Sessions last 50 minutes for individuals and 60-90 minutes for joint/couple/, or family sessions. 

I offer a free initial 10-minute phone consultation, followed by a reduced-rate follow-up session to ensure we are the right fit for one another.