Nicole Barclay

Finding the right therapist can make all the difference. It’s widely understood that the quality of the relationship is what determines the success of therapy. This is why I offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can see if I am the right person for you. What you can expect from me is a warm, safe, compassionate space to explore your thoughts and feelings. I hold a flexible yet philosophical attitude, often curious about what it means to be oneself, to be human. As a humanistic and integrative counsellor, I place special emphasis on cultivating a caring, honest, dynamic and very real relationship with you. I draw upon a rich, diverse range of theories to suit your individual needs. With courage, respect, openness and humility I commit towards assisting your self-discovery.

Your reasons for seeking therapy will of course be highly unique. I’m aware that contending with life’s challenges can be tough at times and I am also attuned from my own lived experiences, to the ways in which social context and culture can shape our lives. My hope is to better understand your own perspectives and ways of seeing the world. This is why therapy is very much a collaborative effort. If desired, I will work in partnership with you, gently guiding you towards self-awareness. Our work together will help you make sense of your inner world so you begin to discover who you really are. Identifying outdated patterns, beliefs and values can be incredibly insightful. It can fuel empowerment, encouraging significant change. Other times, therapy is about affirming, learning to tolerate so you can embrace your chosen ways of living.

I have worked within the mental health charity Mind for 3 years meeting a diverse group of people with wide ranging issues some of which include anxiety, depression, attachment trauma, narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse, anger, stress, struggles with sexuality/identity, bereavement and grief. I have always contextualised my work within a socio-political-cultural framework and have supported people through varied forms of crisis. Many of my clients were survivors of C-PTSD so working collaboratively towards strengthening their sense of self was an important part of the work. Therapy can help restore self-agency and self-esteem. It is not only for people in crisis however, individuals often seek it for personal growth, to enhance their overall well-being.

I have come to appreciate that striving for authentic expression isn’t always easy. Understanding and becoming aware of our attachment patterns requires time, effort and self-compassion. How we talk to ourselves during difficult moments is incredibly important. It’s also normal to encounter resistance within yourself sometimes, or to feel uncomfortable when confronting deep-seated issues, but fear not as this is often a sign of growth.

I offer both short and long-term therapy where we are either specific about issues discussed or we can work in a more explorative fashion. There are rarely quick solutions but with persistence, hope and a willingness to be curious, we can begin shining a light on any darkness. I strive to help you make the most out of the life you have. 

In our first session I will carry out an assessment in which I will find out more about what brings you to counselling. Expect to discuss goals, expectations, pace and depth throughout our time together as monitoring progress is important. It’s also worth noting that although therapy is sometimes challenging, the ways in which we struggle can alert us to something profound about ourselves. In my experience, working through, embracing and accepting emotional difficulties can root us in resilience. It can help us mobilise “stuckness”. There is also something really powerful about living an examined life.