Hello - my name is Nicola Priestman. I am an experienced integrative psychotherapist, counsellor. I am 39 years old, I live in Lancashire. This page is an introduction to myself and the services that I offer. I hope that it will answer any questions that you may have. However, please contact me, should you have any further questions - I will be happy to answer them for you.
I have over 10 years experience of working in the mental health care industry in various roles - both in education, health and charitable settings. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I was a residential social worker and a community, family support worker.
I initially trained as a counsellor and throughout my journey I became aware of my growing interest in psychoanalysis, I recognised the limitations that I had within my current level of training. At this stage, I decided to return to university to do my clinical training to become a psychotherapist.
I will be honest, entering therapy can be a difficult decision to make. Equally, it can be an enriching experience that has the capacity to change not just your life, but also of those around you! It will however, require a level of commitment from you, not just financially, but emotionally and physically.
Your therapy is completely led at your pace. I do not set a number of sessions for you. Please be rest assured that I will be with you every step of the way!
Thank you for your visit
About
Experience
I have a wide range of experience working with people of various ages, on both a short term and long term basis. I have worked as a therapist in private practice for several years working with both private clients and EAPs (professional assessment and referral and/or short-term counselling services).
Qualifications
I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with honours in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (BACP Accredited) and a current enhanced DBS certificate - among other qualifications relating to my craft. Alongside my practice, I continue my academic and research commitments at the University of Central Lancashire.
Professional Membership
I am registered as a psychotherapist with the (BACP) British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am on the Counselling Directory. They are both public records of psychotherapists and counsellors who have met the standards for professional registration. Which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
Therapy
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counselling and psychotherapy treatment, it may help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. Therapy may help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
As every one of us is a unique human being, we will all have a different style of relating to certain types of/or methods of therapy. Therefore, by integrating an array of techniques within integrative psychotherapy, it can be tailored around an individual client covering a wide spectrum of needs and concerns offering greater, flexibility, adaptability and the promotion of wellness.
Psychotherapy, counselling can liberate you from the isolation and loneliness of living with what can often seem unbearable by providing you with an opportunity to explore those feelings with someone, who is completely on the outside looking in, rather than with a friend, family, work colleague or other. It also offers you a safe, non judgemental and confidential space.
Services
Free Consultation
This provides an opportunity to establish what the problem/s may be, what we can do about this and to see whether we can work together.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a form of therapy in which a client is treated on a one-on-one basis with a therapist, which may encompass various treatment styles including psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioural therapy.
FQA's
Who seeks psychotherapy & Counselling ?
People seek psychotherapy and counselling for a variety of reasons. They may be experiencing difficulties or may want to discover more about them self.
Referral
Self-referrals
Simply contact me by email or telephone to discuss your needs.
Referral by your GP
I am not an NHS clinic, however you can be referred privately to us by your GP. We have close links with GPs across the region who regularly refer their patients to us.
Business / Corporate Referrals
I work locally with various local companies who refer staff to us via Occupational Health or Human Resources departments.
Other Professional Referrals
You may be referred by your insurance company or workplace perhaps and they may be funding your therapy. Please call to discuss this option.
Whats happens next ?
To ensure your your needs are being met appropriately, and you find the right therapist for you. I prefer to undertake an initial clinical assessment at your first consultation appointment.
The assessment enables me to assemble information about you, your background, your medical history, your current and past difficulties and how you have manged your needs to date.
I would like to know what your expectations are from your treatment and to understand your goals. It may also be helpful to you to consider your needs and the different options that may be available to you.
* I aim to respond to any enquiries with a telephone call or an email within two working days.
Do you offer Advice ?
No - a therapists role is to facilitate your awareness, growth and psychological development - by listening, reflecting, offering clarity, perspective. The uniqueness and strength of working together forms a vehicle for therapeutic inquiry and growth.
How many sessions do I need ?
I do not set a number of sessions for you, therapy is run completely at your pace, and we will work together on deciding how many sessions you may need. However, ultimately it is your choice, as to how many sessions you have.
What are your fees ?
Individuals -
£50 per session (50 minutes)
£80 per session (80 minutes)
EAPs - by negotiation.
Counsellors or therapists in training a fee reduction is offered -
£40 per session (50 minutes)
All new clients are offered a free face to face consultation
Cancellation
When an appointment is made, this time is reserved exclusively for you. A full 48 hours is required for cancellation.
Cancellations less than 48 hours will incur the full cost. This is because 48 hours may allow me to reschedule my diary.