Victoria Nelsen

We all possess strengths and resilience, and a desire to live fulfilling lives that reflect our unique dreams and values. However we can also reach those moments in life (and perhaps these moments have become a more permanent experience) when we experience challenges, feel overwhelmed, alone or seem to repeat self-defeating patterns of behaviour. Sometimes the methods we adopt to fix things become counterproductive.

If you are reading this, chances are you're facing some life hurdles. Whilst the nature of these will be as unique as we are, please be encouraged that we all possess the capacity to overcome and arrive at our hoped for destination.

I offer a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental space for you to explore where you're at and where you'd like to go. Whilst theoretical approaches in counselling are multiple and can be tailored to suit each individual, I believe the most fundamental aspect is for you to feel seen, understood and gain a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Starting the counselling process can feel daunting and I'd like to commend your courage for taking the first step. It's a privilege for me to hear and share in your story, so if today feels like the day I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Having worked in Equine Assisted Therapy as a PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor, I felt drawn to a more in-depth and relational therapeutic focus. In 2016 I obtained my Masters in Counselling (specialization in Forensic Psychology) and worked for a number of years in residential rehab at Gateway Foundation, on Chicago's west side. Following relocation back home to the UK, I established a private practice. I work from a phenomenological, insight oriented and Existential perspective, informed by Psychodynamic curiosity, which means collaborating together to explore and hold whatever is coming to the foreground for you. The Existential thread allows us to consider purpose, meaning, freedom, isolation and relationship, responsibility and growth, and to identify and make central to our process your personal values and vision. The Psychodynamic element holds the therapeutic relationship as a valued place of growth and insight, and allows for curiosity about early relationships and experiences, unconscious processes, and exploration of potential defense mechanisms. I feel privileged to join with clients in exploring their inner world, identifying any unwanted patterns of behavior or areas of stuckness, recognising strengths and resilience, and integrating hope for the future.

Finding a therapist can feel daunting, and the last thing you need is to book multiple full price sessions with various people whilst trying to find the best fit for you. I offer a free, no obligation initial phone call, which allows us to connect, discuss any questions you might have, and get a feel for how we might work together.