Amanda Nicholson

Mon to Thurs 12 - 10pm

I am currently operating a significant waiting list with an average wait of 6-9 months. I am at capacity and am unable to work with new clients until March 2023

I am a sensitive and empathic, approachable and experienced (5yrs) Humanistic Integrative (LGBTQ+ affirmative) Counsellor (I work with everyone not just LGBTQ+ people). I also integrate CBT into my practice particularly when working with anxiety. I have facilitated and established numerous successful Wellbeing Support Groups for Dorset Mind over a five year period including 2 x LGBTQ peer-support talking groups and anxiety and wellbeing support groups. Throughout this time I worked with people who have dissociated or experienced a variety of responses to trauma.  

My private counselling practice was based at Over the Rainbow LGBT+ Sexual Health Clinic in Bournemouth for 5 years where I had the privilege of working with a variety of LGBTQ people experiencing numerous Wellbeing Challenges including: Post Traumatic Injury, OCD, Depression, Social Anxiety and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.

I have worked with people who have experienced trauma and dissociation including people experiencing PTSD, OCD, EUPD, Social Anxiety and Chronic Depression. 

Many people struggle to identify, connect with, explore and express deep-seated emotions due to feeling or being made to feel different or unacceptable by society, family or friends. This is particularly common with the LGBTQ+ community.

I provide a safe space to help people connect with, explore and express their feelings at their own pace and this process often helps people to recognise that their feelings and experiences are not unusual. 

I can offer a free initial assessment to meet and discuss what has prompted you to consider having counselling and to see whether you feel comfortable having me. I provide a holistic, sensitive confidential and safe space, free from judgement and shame so people feel able to connect with their deepest truest selves and find new, helpful ways of coping.

I offer a free initial assessment of 45 minutes through the usual formats (Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp Video and Phone currently)

The assessment gives us a chance to meet and to discuss how counselling may be beneficial for you. It also enables you to consider if you think you may feel comfortable working with me and enables me to assess whether I am