Jay Nicol

Hello and welcome, I'm Jay.  

If this is your first time looking for counselling or psychotherapy services you might be asking yourself what is psychotherapy? What does it mean to have counselling? Put simply both words describe the experience of talking with a trained therapist to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It's having a trusted presence alongside you to help you to navigate through life's challenges, to help you to better understand yourself and to help you to develop healthier coping strategies. Psychotherapy or counselling is a collaborative process aimed at improving your mental and emotional well being.

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist using an integrative approach which allows for a flexible, informed approach placing your unique experiences at the centre of our sessions.

Whether you're encountering challenges, struggling with anxiety and depression, experiencing symptoms of grief, have suffered trauma or if you're facing a time of significant change, you don't have to work things out alone. 

I have experience of issues that arise around adoption for all concerned, first or birth families, adopters and adoptees.

I can provide a safe and confidential space to listen to you and support you, giving you the chance to take a breath, recover your balance and see a way forward.

Qualifications

BSc Psychology (London South Bank University)

Post Graduate diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy, (BACP accredited course at University of East London)

I'm currently completing an MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP accredited course at University of East London)

Experience

I have volunteered for and been a trustee of an adoption support charity for six years and have worked with them for a further four years.   I provided short term therapy sessions for the NHS for two years and have been in private practice for a further two years.

I offer online counselling sessions via Zoom which offers safe and secure technology that protects your confidentiality and data.

This means you can access counselling sessions from the comfort and safety of a place you choose.   Zoom allows us to see each other during sessions.

All you will need is a reasonably good internet connection (such as would allow you to watch BBC iPlayer) and a private space where you can speak without being overheard.

Having experienced first hand the transformative power of therapy, I am committed to providing a non-judgemental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences.  I believe in the inherent resilience of individuals and work collaboratively with clients to identify strengths and overcome obstacles.

I recognise the importance of inclusivity and diversity, I'm dedicated to creating an environment that honours and validates the experience and identity of each individual.  

Above all, I'm committed to empowering my clients to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.  It is a privilege to walk alongside another on their journey towards self-discovery, healing and personal transformation.

I provide a 15 minute telephone conversation free of charge to give you the chance to ask questions and to identify whether or not you feel we might work well together.

What happens next?

If we both decide that we would like to go ahead and schedule a counselling session I will email you a welcome pack to read, complete and sign ahead of our first session.    We can talk about any aspect of this during the session.   This initial meeting will give us an opportunity to get to know each other a little and to see if we really feel that we are a good fit.   I'll ask you about yourself and what you would like from counselling.