Nicola Ellis, BACP
Experienced person-centred counsellor for life changes
Continue with Nicola
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- Warm listening style
- Practical coping help
- Works with midlife change
About Nicola
Nicola Ellis is a counsellor based in Colchester with six years' experience. She trained in person-centred counselling and holds a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. Nicola aims to make reaching out straightforward and approachable for people feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about next steps.
She offers a warm, non-judgemental space for conversations about anxiety, low mood, grief and relationship worries. Nicola also supports people facing stress, addiction, ADHD, bereavement and midlife changes. Her style is client-led and conversational, with an emphasis on listening and practical next steps.
Nicola blends person-centred practice with other approaches to suit each person’s needs and pace. That means sessions can focus on exploring feelings, building coping strategies, or working through patterns that cause distress. She uses psychological knowledge alongside a compassionate way of working.
People can expect clear, straightforward explanations about what happens in sessions and why certain ideas might be tried. Nicola is comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as trauma, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, and caregiving strain.
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted. The service uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and Nicola is available for a short introductory conversation to see if her way of working is a fit.
She offers a warm, non-judgemental space for conversations about anxiety, low mood, grief and relationship worries. Nicola also supports people facing stress, addiction, ADHD, bereavement and midlife changes. Her style is client-led and conversational, with an emphasis on listening and practical next steps.
Nicola blends person-centred practice with other approaches to suit each person’s needs and pace. That means sessions can focus on exploring feelings, building coping strategies, or working through patterns that cause distress. She uses psychological knowledge alongside a compassionate way of working.
People can expect clear, straightforward explanations about what happens in sessions and why certain ideas might be tried. Nicola is comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as trauma, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, and caregiving strain.
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted. The service uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and Nicola is available for a short introductory conversation to see if her way of working is a fit.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyHypnotherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
How Nicola’s approaches translate to online therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and how early bonds shape current reactions. It can help people understand repeated relationship difficulties and work on building safer emotional connections.Client-Centred Therapy puts the person’s experience at the centre. The counsellor listens without judgement and follows the client's pace, which can be useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase calm. This approach is often helpful for stress, sleep problems and persistent worry.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Nicola will collaborate with each person to decide which methods suit their goals, background and preferences, adjusting the plan as things progress.
If you are considering online work, check which session formats Nicola currently offers before booking. The biography lists online video, telephone and text-based sessions, but confirming options is recommended. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow a shorter check-in when time is limited, or let someone choose not to use video. Many people find these practical benefits help them sustain regular sessions and make steady progress.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Nicola help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, ADHD and midlife changes, among other concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her work is person-centred and client-led, with an integrative feel that adapts to each person's pace and needs.
What is her professional background?
She has six years' counselling experience and holds a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology.
Is she registered with any professional body in the UK?
She is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and Nicola is able to work with international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography mentions online video, telephone and text-based sessions; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Nicola?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to the therapist's availability.