The journey through adolescence and early adulthood can be intense, beautiful, and often overwhelming. For many young people, this is a time of profound change — emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually — as they begin to shape a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging in the world.
Counselling offers a space where young people can slow down, explore what they’re feeling, and begin to make sense of their experience — away from the pressures of school, family dynamics, or social expectations. Sometimes just having a consistent, trusted adult who listens without judgment can be deeply healing in itself.
How I Work:
My approach is warm, creative, and grounded in respect for each young person’s inner world. I work relationally — which means I place the therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work — and draw on a broad range of tools to meet each person’s unique needs and way of expressing themselves.
Sessions might include:
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Talking therapy (Person-Centred and trauma-informed)
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Drawing and creative expression (especially helpful when words are hard to find)
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Mindfulness and body-based practices to support regulation, grounding and self-trust
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Psychoeducation to help understand emotions, anxiety, or trauma responses
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CBT and ACT-informed strategies for managing difficult thoughts and behaviours
Above all, I offer a safe, accepting space where young people can be themselves, explore what matters to them, and develop the tools to navigate life with more confidence and self-awareness.
I work with young people aged 11 and upwards — including those in the important transitional
years of emerging adulthood (18–25) — and I’m deeply committed to creating an affirming space for neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and sensitive or highly empathic teens and young adults.
Common concerns I work with:
Difficulty coping with day-to-day life; Social anxiety or panic; Low mood, withdrawal, or disconnection; Self-harm or references to suicide; Challenges with identity, sexuality, or gender; Trauma and family breakdown; Academic pressure, perfectionism, or burnout, Sleep or eating difficulties; Grief and loss; School avoidance or bullying; Separation, divorce, or significant life changes.
For Parents and Caregivers:
If your teenager is struggling, it can feel incredibly hard to know how to help. Please know you’re not alone. I aim to offer a steady, compassionate presence for both the young person and the wider family — and I’m happy to offer an initial call to discuss your concerns, what counselling might look like, and how best to support your child.
In the Words of Young People & Their Families:
“Thank you for helping to make me the happier person I am today.”
— Lucy, age 15
“You have provided me with the tools to work through my anxiety and try to accept what I am feeling – good or bad. I’ve really valued the space to talk, be heard, and all of your advice.”
— Young person, age 19
“We are just so proud of what our daughter has achieved and how she is flourishing… You have been such a vital lifeline for her and taught her strategies for resilience that she can now carry into adulthood.”
— Parent of 16-year-old
“Despite being a reserved character, my son is now able to communicate his feelings and has a multitude of strategies to draw upon when feeling anxious… His weekly sessions were a real comfort blanket for him during his most difficult times.”
— Parent of 13-year-old“I can not recommend Nikki highly enough. Following a difficult few years witnessing his Dad go through an operation, pneumonia and intensive chemotherapy, my son was overwhelmed by the demands secondary school. Despite being a reserved character, he is now able to communicate his feelings and has a multitude of strategies to draw upon when feeling anxious. We still have some way to go, but I am confident that we now have a boy who is more self-aware and is better equipped to deal with the pressures of life. This is all thanks to Nikki’s warm and gentle approach. Her weekly sessions were a real comfort blanket for him during his most difficult times”.
– Parent of 13 year old
Qualifications and Experience
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Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling
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Advanced Diploma in Counselling Children & Adolescents (PQC)
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Somatic Trauma Training with Babette Rothschild
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Extensive experience working in private practice and as a school counsellor in a Gloucestershire secondary school
If you’re a parent or caregiver and would like to explore whether counselling might be right for your child or teen, I’d be happy to talk further. Please feel free to get in touch.
Location: I work from a room in my house in a conveniently located part of Stroud, there is free on-street parking available.
Fees:
The initial telephone consultation is FREE. For counselling sessions the investment is £60.
If you are a young person (under 25) paying for your own counselling and on a low income, please feel free to contact me about reduced rates.
I am a registered provider with Aviva healthcare and BUPA so if you have cover you may be able to claim for the sessions.
If you would like to find out more or to book an initial consultation please feel free to contact me.
Tel: (07984) 164 135 Email: nikki@space2b.org.uk Web: www.space2b.org.uk
