Nicola Barnard , BACP

Nicola Barnard is a counsellor who uses practical, evidence-informed approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety and low mood. She works with clients on relationship difficulties, grief and loss, self-esteem and motivation. Nicola uses clear, straightforward language so conversations feel easy to follow.

Nicola has four years of professional experience and is registered with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She has supported people dealing with trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, anger and career pressures. She also helps those facing neurodiversity-related challenges and clients living with chronic illness or long-term conditions.

Her approach focuses on creating an open, non-judgemental space where people can talk about difficult thoughts and feelings. Nicola draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to introduce practical exercises and ways of thinking. She also uses Attachment-Based and Client-Centred ideas to build trust and explore relationship patterns.

Sessions aim to be collaborative and goal-focused. Nicola will work with each person to set realistic steps and to practise new skills between meetings. This makes progress feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

People often come for help with life transitions, compassion fatigue, ADHD-related concerns, abandonment or adoption issues, and body image. Nicola listens for what matters most and tailors sessions to each individual’s needs.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

Nicola uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. This approach invites small, real-world experiments and mindfulness-style practice to reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and to practise different responses. CBT often involves short exercises and step-by-step skill building, which can be reviewed and adjusted between appointments.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Nicola will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaborative planning helps make sessions feel relevant and practical.

Online therapy with Nicola is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between meetings. These options aim to make counselling more flexible and easier to fit around work, parenting and daily life.