Welcome to A Step at a Time Therapies

Having worked with children and teenagers for over 24 years, I’ve watched with my own eyes the impact mental health has had on our current generation. Which is why I’m passionate about building strong, trusting relationships with the young people I work with to help them navigate through their worries and overcome the emotional challenges that are associated with trauma, anxiety and life’s obstacles.

You’ll find me working with my trusty side kick, Brian, my therapy dog, who is frequently found in the office to support children to find the confidence to talk and to support their emotional needs. Brian also features in his very own book collection the ‘Adventures of Brian’.

With a background in childcare and education, from 0-19years, being a qualified early years professional, lecturer (teaching A-levels) and previous inspector, I couple my knowledge of the mind and body with qualifications in hypnotherapy, life coaching, BrainWorking Recursive Therapies, IEMT and NLP to provide unique, tailored and personalised sessions for every child I work with. I have worked with thousands of children over the last ten years and endeavour to offer a unique and personalised approach to every client session that I offer.

Child & LEGO Therapy

Treatments for children to resolve their thoughts, worries and fears through Hypnotherapy & BWRT which offer techniques and approaches to resolve their issues and worries quickly, effectively and safely whilst taking part in interactive therapy sessions. LEGO Therapies also now available! Sessions are held Monday to Wednesday from 2pm-9pm.

Adventures of Brian

The Adventures of Brian are our children's therapeutic story book collection. Every book in the series explores a different thought, worry, fear or situation which children have to navigate. Brian, and his trusty friend, Blue Butterfly work together to explore each feeling and how to work through them.

Teen & Young Adult

Navigating a new society full of unknown triggers and unexpected obstacles has seen a rise in mental health difficulties for teenagers and young adults. I offer a range of therapies to support this age group benefitting from the 10 years I have spent working specifically with the age group to release the heaviness and burden on the mind to bring clarity, peace and take back control in the least distressing approaching possible.

Parent Coaching

Parent Coaching offers 1:1 support to parents and carers who are wanting to develop a greater understanding of their children, and enhance their family dynamics. Over a course of sessions we will review the challenges that you are having, and identify targets and steps forward.

Testimonials

Nicky, we can’t express in words the happiness we feel. We were so close to losing (child) on several occasions and when all else had failed we were so lucky to find you. Your unbelievable commitment, counsel and BWRT treatment plan has given them a bright new future and our (child) back. We can never repay what you have done for them, us and the family and you will always be in our thoughts. I pray that others are as fortunate to find you as we have been.

Client Testimonial

From the first moment I talked to Nicky over the telephone, she was instantly empathetic, supportive and had a real desire to help our family and most importantly, help my son. We began with a group session, where Nicky quickly unpicked with us all what the issues where and focussed on a collective end-goal. We continued to work together for approximately 6 months. Each session was planned in so much detail, and completely bespoke for my son. Nicky worked out what made him ‘click’ so that he could open up about his worries and talk to her confidently, in an environment and with activities that interested him. Nicky completely understood him and built on his passions and strengths to help him move forward – so much so, that he looked forward to the sessions! The time between each session extended over the months we worked together. Initially meeting fortnightly, and towards the end, we were meeting every 3-4 weeks. By the end of the programme, my son was in a position to be able to plan his own next steps and confidently articulate his strategies for the future – a moment that continues to fill me with pure joy and pride. I am certain that without the therapy provided, my son would not be the confident 11 year old that started at secondary school this term. She saw exactly what a wonderful young man he is becoming and brought out the best in him so that he saw that for himself! I would not hesitate to work with Nicky again in any capacity – and would most certainly consider using her skills in my own professional organisation.

Client Testimonial

We were happy, small family of three until I was diagnosed with the cancer. Our daughter was only 10 years old. We tried to get help through my hospital, our daughter's school, NHS, CAMHS, private counselling sessions...Not only that nothing seemed to be helping - our daughter lost her trust in the whole process. She didn't believe that anyone can help or make it better. We were left with few incorrect diagnosis, a few unkind comments about our parenting skills and ...a daughter that we felt we are failing as we couldn't find a way to help her! That is where I have heard about this Nicky. Our daughter made a choice of going to sessions with her. Sessions were very structured. In a space of few sessions we could notice the difference in our daughter's behaviour. Nicky gained our daughter's trust and respect. With time, we could see how bit by bit Nicky managed to "untangle" all the build up over the years! Nicky would give our daughter all the help and practical tools, and she will send her off to have a practical go, by herself, in a real world. She showed our daughter, how the “labels” from the misdiagnosis in the past had affected her and helped let them go. She set her free from all the "baggage" she carried behind from the past years. She stays in touch with Nicky and will not want to speak to anyone else when she has a problem. Nicky is always there for her and helps and supports her. She always finds a time, when she is needed Words cannot describe how highly we think of Nicky and of everything that she has done for our family. Our daughter is now at one of the top Universities and just before we met Nicky we thought, that she will fail GCSE's. We do sometimes have nightmares thinking, where would we be, if we haven't found Nicky? We also sometimes wonder how different our lives would be if Nicky was the first person that we turned for help to? We truly wish that every child in need of help, that is facing a problem or trauma, could have Nicky's support straight away. Why?.. as our daughter said, "It’s just that Nicky cares!"

Client Testimonial