Nicola Swales

I work Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.  I currently have availability on Saturdays. 

Sometimes we feel stuck and can't put our finger on why, other times we could facing into something specific that takes it toll on our emotional wellbeing.  Counselling can help with either.  

The core of my philosophy is underpinned by relational theory, humanism and psychodynamic approaches and work with the unconscious. As a relational therapist, I believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and see this as the vehicle for change for the client. I have what I refer to as specific interventions I am able to offer within the therapeutic relationship. For example, if there is a specific need such as trauma related to a single incident, or complicated grief, I will be able to offer a trauma focused intervention such as; EMDR, to help you process the memories related to these experiences. I use specific interventions in a relational, integrative way and seek to help you wonder about the origins of the problem, not just focus on management.

Within my philosophy, I do not just work with the mind, but the whole self. This means I work therapeutically with the mind and body, focusing on the communication and messages that we hold. Our bodies can communicate the difficulties that we encounter in life and in many ways tells our story and the aspects that are not always known to us consciously.

Having been qualified for some 14 years as a psychological therapist, I have crafted my approach through not just my extensive core training but, continual professional development.  

This has enabled me to work therapeutically with couples, groups, specialise in working with psychological trauma and conduct research in the psychotherapy field relevant to my clinical practice. 

I hold the following qualifications specific to counselling/psychotherapy: 

• MPhil in Psychological Therapies (Middlesex University)
• Advanced Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• BSc (Hons) in Integrative Counselling (Middlesex University)
• Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP Accredited)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Supervision (UKCP & BACP endorsed)
• Post Graduate Certificate in Eduction (Open University)
• EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner

The first session is an initial assessment.  This is an opportunity for us to meet and see what has brought you to therapy, and if we are the right fit to work together, before looking at your therapeutic goals and what approach of therapy would be most helpful. 

Please be aware that should we agree to work together:

Individual Therapeutic Sessions

Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually weekly. T A commitment of at least six sessions is required and this can be extended as appropriate.

Couples Counselling

Initial assessment lasts for 90 minutes. Sessions thereafter last for 60 minutes and are usually weekly.

A commitment of at least six sessions is required and this can be extended as appropriate.

EMDR Sessions

Should we decide together that EMDR is the right fit for you, sessions last between 60-90 minutes and requires the commitment of at least 12-18 sessions on a weekly basis, this includes a complex assessment.

I work with adults, including trainee counsellors and psychotherapists.

Private Health Insurance

Please note that I am registered to work with AVIVA Health. Please contact me directly to discuss how to arrange sessions. 

My philosophy is firmly rooted within The Seven Eyed Model of Supervision (Hawkins and Shohet, 2012) integrating transpersonal psychosynthesis theory and understanding. This allows room for creativity and intuition in working with the soul and what it means to work with this both within us and within the therapeutic space. I often work with the imagination, the body, and what stories it holds, as well as talking through therapeutic work to make sense of the many dual processes that are at play.

 I have experience of supervising and holding group reflective practice sessions with (non therapeutic) health professionals with in the NHS and third sector organisations for trainee and qualified practitioners. 

Supervision session frequency will vary based on your needs and professional bodies guidelines. 

I can offer both online and face to face supervision sessions at a frequency that best supports your therapeutic practice.

I always offer an initial session which lasts for 60 minutes to allow us to meet and see if we are the right fit to support your clinical practice.