About me

Hello, and welcome. I'm Nicola Jeffery, a counsellor, coach, and trainer. I work online across the UK and in person in Exeter.

​

Who I work with

I work with people from all walks of life. I have a particular interest in working with people who are neurodivergent, learning disabled, or living with chronic illness, and those who care for them. 

 

​How I work and how I can help

 

My counselling is grounded in person-centred therapy: a warm, collaborative, non-judgemental way of working that is led by you. I believe people already carry much of what they need within them, and my role is often to help make space for that to emerge.

 

Alongside this, I draw on ideas and techniques from:

• Gestalt therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Creative and reflective approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

​

This means the work fits you as an individual, rather than fitting you into a single model.
​

What makes my work distinctive

 

I bring together professional training and lived experience.​ Academically, my background is in psychology, medical research, and counselling, with many years in research, teaching, and reflective practice. I am informed by evidence and theory, but always grounded in the realities of everyday life.

Alongside my professional roles, I am a parent and long-term carer to neurodivergent and learning-disabled family members. This experience has shaped how I understand resilience, identity, and what it means to live meaningfully under sustained pressure. It has also taught me that growth rarely comes from quick fixes. More often, it comes from being met with understanding, respect, and patience.

 

My practice is:

​

• Trauma-informed

• Relational and reflective

• Neurodiversity-affirming

• Grounded in evidence, led by real life

• Adapted to fluctuating health and energy

 

Clients often tell me they value the way I can hold depth without heaviness, and support exploration without rushing to solutions.
​

Counselling, coaching, or both​

 

Many clients find that counselling and coaching work naturally together.

Counselling makes space to explore feelings, experiences, and what shaped them. Coaching supports clarity, confidence, and practical change. Together, they help you both understand yourself and move forward.

Our work might involve talking, reflection, emotional processing, creative or practical tools, goal clarification, or life review. Whatever we do, it is always shaped around your pace and your priorities. We check in regularly, and adapt as your understanding changes.