About Nicola
Nicola Barnard is a BACP counsellor who focuses on clear, practical support for everyday problems. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, low mood, grief and confidence issues. Nicola aims to make the first step easier by offering calm, non-judgemental conversations.
Clients can expect a plainspoken style that centres on what matters to them. Nicola listens to current worries and helps identify small, manageable steps. She draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques and acceptance and commitment ideas to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different ways of coping.
Nicola also uses attachment-informed and client-centred ways of working. This means she pays attention to relationship patterns and what felt safe or unsafe in the past, then links that to present concerns. Sessions focus on practical moments that make everyday life harder, such as low motivation, parenting stresses, or ongoing worry.
Her background includes experience supporting people through trauma, bereavement and issues around adoption and foster care. Nicola has worked with neurodiverse clients as well as adults and children, and she adapts her pace to each person’s needs.
Her aim is straightforward: to help people feel steadier and more able to manage daily life. Conversations are collaborative, and therapy plans are shaped around the client’s goals and what feels workable for them.
How Nicola's approaches work in online counselling
Nicola uses cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in ways that suit each person. Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions, and helps people try small behavioural changes to reduce distress. Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages noticing difficult thoughts and choosing actions that match personal values, which can help with anxiety, low mood and motivation.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Nicola will talk with you about your goals and preferences and decide together which methods to try. This collaborative process means plans change if something is not helping and techniques are adapted to your pace.
Session formats are not specified here, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and reduce travel time. It can also allow shorter check-ins when time is limited or sessions that do not require being on camera. Many people find remote sessions helpful for staying consistent with therapy alongside everyday commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Nicola help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem. Other areas include parenting, trauma and relationship difficulties.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is straightforward and collaborative. She uses listening, practical tools and gentle challenge to help people make changes.
What is Nicola's professional background?
Nicola has four years of experience working with adults, children and neurodiverse clients. Her work includes supporting people after loss and with trauma-related issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the BACP and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She does not take international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.