Welcome to Pensieve
Hi, I'm Nicky
Counsellor, Life & Health Coach and also a Supervisor.
I hope to answer some of the questions you may have through my website, but if not, please feel free to reach out — I’ll do my best to help.
I’m a person-centred counsellor with experience in neuroscience and the nervous system. Somatic awareness — noticing the sensations in your body in the present moment — is a key part of my work. It can help you start to separate and make sense of your thoughts, emotions, and physical responses, making them feel more manageable.
I hope to answer some of the questions you may have through my website, but if not, please feel free to reach out — I’ll do my best to help.
Even if you feel numb, shut down, or disconnected from your emotions, this is a normal protective response — it doesn’t mean therapy won’t help. Together, we can work at a pace your nervous system can tolerate, making space for your experiences safely.
I also work with attachment patterns, which are the ways we learned to connect and relate to others in early life and continue to do so as adults. Understanding these patterns can help explain why certain relationships or situations trigger strong reactions.
Another approach I use is parts work, sometimes called Internal Family Systems (IFS). This recognises that we all have different “parts” inside us — some that carry pain, some that protect us, and some that hold our strengths. These parts can conflict, contradict, or layer over each other, which can make your thoughts and feelings confusing at times. By noticing and gently working with these parts, we can better understand ourselves and respond to our experiences in a supportive, compassionate way.
Counselling. Life & Health Coaching. Supervision
Adjusting Sessions to Meet Your Needs
Everyone experiences therapy differently, and sessions can be tailored to what works best for you. This is especially important for people with ADHD, Autism, or other neurodiverse experiences, as traditional session formats may not always feel comfortable or effective.
Please let me know if you need adjustments or if you’d like to work in a specific way. For example:
- You might benefit from shorter or more frequent sessions instead of the usual 1 hour.
- You might prefer a visual or hands-on approach, or having written summaries of what we discuss.
- Sometimes, a quiet space with minimal distractions or the option to move around during sessions can make it easier to engage.
- You are welcome to bring objects that help you feel safe or grounded, such as a cuddle toy, blanket, or knitting.
"Talking therapy is the approach most of my clients use successfully to explore and process their feelings at their own pace. However, for those more visual or creative, you may prefer a different style. This is your space, and the way we work together should feel safe, supportive, and accessible for you. I’m happy to explore different ways of working so that therapy fits your needs, not the other way around."
I often use metaphors, visualisations, and imaginative exercises in my work — drawing on stories, TV shows, or pop culture to make points relatable. You might hear references from Doctor Who, Stranger Things, Big Bang Theory, alongside other creative examples. These help explore feelings, thoughts, and patterns in ways that are safe for your nervous system, which makes complex experiences easier to understand.
You may also find you naturally connect your work, hobbies, or passions to what we explore in sessions. For example:
- An architect might relate feelings or relationships to structural designs or foundations.
- A gardener might think about emotions like plants, noticing what’s thriving, what needs attention, or what conditions allow growth.
- A cook might use recipes or ingredients as metaphors for combining different parts of yourself or managing emotions.
- You may love music and relate to specific lyrics, songs, or orchestral pieces, finding ways to express or understand your feelings through sound.
Using Metaphors, Visualisations, and Imagination in Sessions
I encourage you to bring your own references or creative ideas if it feels natural — your imagination and personal interests are powerful tools in therapy. But if this style isn’t for you, don’t worry — my point is that I adapt to your style and what works best for you.
For some, this way of working can feel unusual or even alien at first. That’s completely normal. Using creativity, metaphor, and imagery is a very effective way of connecting emotions and cognitive parts, helping you process experiences without feeling overwhelmed or triggered. Over time, many clients find it helps them make sense of difficult feelings and understand themselves in a new, accessible way.
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re welcome to get in touch — we can figure it out together.
Here are just a few of the counselling & coaching services I can offer:
Nicky x