Nikki Johnston
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS16-02977
Location: Donaghadee
As we journey through life, we often face difficulties, and at some point most of us will experience a situation or crisis that we feel unable to share with friends and family. This can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and preoccupied with distressing thoughts. If left unresolved, these issues can undermine our health and well-being.
Psychotherapeutic Counselling allows you to explore these problems in a safe and confidential environment, enabling you to better understand the situation, and to improve your ability to cope both now and in the future. Making initial contact with a counsellor may, however, feel daunting, but it can be an important first step in getting help with the problems or difficulties you are facing. Working with a trained therapist will create a safe space for you to have a voice, be heard and gain a new perspective. This can help you make sense of the issues you are facing, and explore ways to move forward with an improved sense of well-being.
It goes without saying, therefore, that it is important to find the right counsellor for you.
How I work:
My work is based on an integrative, person-centred, whole-body approach which is designed to deal with both specific, on-going difficulties, and more deeply rooted, longer-term problems, including low mood, low self-esteem and confidence, stress, anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, and relationships issues. I draw on a variety of different counselling models and theories, so sessions can be tailored to meet your particular needs, and are built on the foundations of a close and trusting relationship between client and counsellor. This enables the exploration of problems in an empathetic and supportive environment, and without fear of judgment or prejudice.
I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS), and I abide by their Code of Ethics. I engage in monthly clinical supervision and regular professional development, I am fully insured, and I hold an Enhanced Access NI Certificate.
Who I work with:
My counselling experience is in private practice, as well as the voluntary and statutory sectors, where I have worked with a range of problems including low mood, low self-esteem and confidence, stress, anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, and relationship issues. I have experience of working with specific groups, including children, carers, and individuals who have experienced trauma, and I have specialist training in Couples and Families, Play Therapy, the Psychology of Eating, Insomnia Relief, Mindfulness and Mindfulness Based CBT, and Meditation.
As a practicing therapist and mental health trainer, I am committed to continuous professional development, attending conferences, workshops and training in a wide range of areas, including counselling practice, emotional and mental health, effective support, and wellbeing. This enables me to maintain best practice, and to keep up-to-date with current research and changes in the field of Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
