Nicola Ellis, BACP

Nicola Ellis is a counsellor based in Colchester with six years of experience. She holds a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, and works in a warm, non-judgemental way. Nicola aims to make it easier to ask for help and to listen without rushing.

She uses a person-centred, client-led style that adapts to each person's pace and needs. That means sessions focus on what matters most to the client and move at a practical, manageable speed. Nicola draws on attachment-based ideas to look at relationship patterns and on mindfulness to help with stress and anxiety.

People come to her for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, intimacy-related issues and relationship worries. She also supports those dealing with ADHD, addictions, eating and sleeping problems, and major life changes. Nicola has experience with additional issues such as abandonment, adoption and foster care, and caregiver stress.

Her approach includes narrative work to help people tell and reframe their story. Hypnotherapy is also part of her practice where it fits the client’s goals. Sessions are delivered in ways agreed with the client to suit day-to-day life.

Nicola encourages an initial brief conversation to see how she might help. International clients can be accepted, and sessions take place in English.

How her approaches translate to online work

Nicola uses attachment-based ideas to look at patterns in relationships and how those patterns affect feelings and behaviour. This approach can help when trust, closeness or repeated conflicts are causing distress. She also works in a client-centred way, which means sessions focus on what the client brings and move at their chosen pace. That style supports people who need time to reflect or who prefer a gentler, less directive approach.

Mindfulness is another strand she draws on to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness techniques teach simple ways to notice thoughts and bodily sensations, which can reduce rumination and help with sleep or emotional overwhelm. These methods are practical and can be practised between sessions to build coping skills.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Nicola will discuss what seems helpful and adapt the method to match the client’s goals and preferences. That collaborative process means the plan can change as progress is made or needs shift.

The biography notes online video, telephone and text-based sessions are offered, so please confirm which formats are currently available before booking. Online options can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time. Many people find remote sessions help maintain continuity when life is otherwise crowded.