About Nicky

As a British expat living in the Netherlands, and Germany too in the past, I have experienced first hand what it means to be detached from your roots and origins. Like many others who have crossed cultural borders, I have had to identify, work on and sustain a personal identity which can be compounded by other underlying challenges and issues. But I made it work. Read here about my specialist counseling for 'expat anxiety'. 

How I got where I am

After gaining academic linguist qualifications in the Netherlands, I spent many years in international organisations training Dutch and German professionals to advance their English speaking and writing skills. At the same time I was a qualified translator and worked in numerous sectors and industries ranging from the airline industry to broadcasting. I also spent five years teaching English and mentoring secondary school pupils with learning difficulties. Later I ran my own translation business. Along the way I struggled and coped with family and personal issues. I learned that once we decide to strive for change, the first hurdle is already overcome. 

Working so closely with individuals for many years kept alive the passion I had, since my teens, for psychology and trying to understand why we do what we do. I eventually listened to my heart and trained at the reputable Europees Instituut De Baak near Utrecht where I gained my Master Coach and Master Counselor qualifications. I am currently studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology with The Open University in the UK. My special interest is mental health and identity. I am a student member of The British Psychological Society.

Through ongoing study, reflection and my belief in lifelong personal development I aspire to give the best of myself as a human being and help my clients on their personal journey. 

"I believe in each individual's innate strength and power to move forward. My approach is strongly person-centred (we talk and you determine what about) and I may integrate techniques from areas such as positive psychology, cognitive behavioural, and psychodynamic."