Nicola Willoughby, BACP

Nicola Willoughby is a BACP-registered counsellor who has been practising since 2020, offering a flexible and person-centred approach that adapts to each individual's needs. Trained as an integrative counsellor, she combines different methods to tailor therapy to the person in front of her rather than applying a single rigid model. Her training includes a higher diploma in CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy - and a foundation certificate in working with children and teenagers, alongside further training in bereavement and loss, domestic abuse, anxiety, anger, and emotional regulation.

Across her work she has supported many children with ADHD or ASD diagnoses as well as adults who have received recent diagnoses, helping them recognise their strengths and unique qualities. Nicola focuses on trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, career transitions, and coping with life changes, with additional attention to attachment issues, communication difficulties, relationship breakdown, eating and fertility concerns, shame and guilt, hoarding, narcissistic dynamics, panic and phobic symptoms, pregnancy and childbirth, self-esteem, social anxiety, and women’s issues.

She believes clients often hold the answers to their difficulties but may need support to find them. Working collaboratively, Nicola aims to help people discover their strengths and practical ways to make meaningful changes that address their challenges.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online support

Nicola draws on integrative counselling and evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy to support clients online. Integrative counselling mixes techniques from different therapeutic models so the approach can be adapted to each person - this helps when someone’s needs span emotional, relational, or behavioural concerns. CBT focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and patterns, offering practical strategies for anxiety, panic, phobias, and mood difficulties. Nicola also applies bereavement-informed methods when supporting loss, using sensitive, paced conversations to help process grief and rebuild daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Nicola works collaboratively with clients to explore their goals, preferences, and how they respond to different methods, adjusting the plan together as understanding grows. This partnership helps ensure therapy feels relevant and effective for each individual.

Online therapy by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexible options for engaging in this work. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, access support from home, and maintain continuity of care when life changes occur. Licensed professionals can use these methods to deliver structured, evidence-informed therapy that meets a range of needs.