Vitality Counselling in Telford

I am a professional, compassionate Clinical Psychologist with seventeen years experience in helping people improve their mental health. I am also the director of a busy private psychology practice called www.malvernhillsprivatepractice.co.uk based in Malvern, Worcestershire. We have a team of friendly, highly qualified Associates. We see clients for a whole range of difficulties, mild to severe, short to long term - children, adolescents and couples. We see clients daytime, evening and weekends.

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and have worked in NHS adult psychological therapies services since that time. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead Clinician for an NHS service in West London before re-locating to the South-West and working in private practice.

Hi there, I'm Nicola and a very warm welcome to my page here at Psychology Today. You have taken the first step in moving forwards towards a more full filling life. Within our counselling relationship your issues, whatever they may be, can be discussed, acknowledged, accepted and addressed. Whether these are the bigger life transitions such as bereavement or relationship breakdown, or everyday frustrations such as breaking free of habits that no longer serve you.

I assist adults and older adults to reduce distress, improve awareness, connection, functioning and QoL through face-to-face and online counselling and psychological therapy. You can explore and address your concerns safely with session materials to take away for future reference. I offer evidenced approaches. Since 1998 I have worked with many people in their recovery from a range of emotional, behavioural, personality and mental health issues across various settings to Consultant level. Hopefully, I maybe of assistance to you also. Dr Maria Thompson BSc (Hons) MSc Post-MSc DCounsPsych CPsychol AFBPsS. Desideratum P&C Services Ltd.

For some time now you might have been struggling to make sense of how you are feeling and wish to talk things through with a professional. This could relate to difficulties with your mood and some behaviours you are not happy with and want to explore and work on these. Perhaps this was because of a recent event, or something that is related to your early childhood experiences, or even a combination of different life circumstances. You may be thinking that despite already seeking help for some of the issues that you have been facing, you feel unfulfilled and think that something is missing in terms of healing.

One way to think about looking after your mental health is like servicing a car. You need the right specialist to identify and treat specific problems to get back on the road safely. I am an experienced, part-time lead clinical psychologist in an early intervention psychosis team. I offer an excellent understanding of why your problems have not gone away and how to intervene effectively. I work with anxiety disorders (social, OCD, panic, GAD), PTSD, depression and other problems. I target factors (e.g. fear of failure, fear of the unknown) that fuel multiple issues. Your quality of life can be damaged by how you think about things.

Therapy and/or counselling is for anyone People come for therapy for all sorts of reasons, and in all sorts of states. And I meet all sorts of people in my consulting room. You don’t have to be ‘ill enough’ or ‘sane enough’ or ‘distressed enough’ to make use of therapy: you just have to want to come and talk… or even not talk, if that’s what you need to do.

Standard or nature-based art therapy & mindfulness for stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, family issues or work-related issues. Having a safe non-judgemental space to explore challenges, memories or traumas can help us heal & move forward. We can start wherever you are, you choose the pace. Deepening nature-connection can help manage difficult feelings as well as uplift/soothe us. Sometimes it is difficult to describe emotions with words, that's where art can help. It's not about creating masterpieces. Using art & nature online might seem counter-intuitive, but it works surprisingly well. No need to be outdoors during the session

Relationship struggles? Turn a good relationship into a great relationship. Resolve long standing difficulties. Relationship near break-up and you want to decide if the relationship can be saved? Imago Relationship Therapy can help towards more safety, connection, empathy, compassion & understanding in your relationship. Anxious, worrying a lot, stressed, low in mood, irritable? CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can help. Be in touch for a free initial discussion.

I view seeing a psychologist for ones’ mental well being in the same way as having a personal trainer for physical fitness. It makes good health sense. How many sessions and how often depends on the issue and what works best for you. If you have difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, complex trauma, PTSD, OCD, stress or just want to learn more about yourself, I’m here to help. As a psychologist, I’m able to help increase our understanding of ourselves and how any issues have come about and developed in the first place. This understanding can offer much relief in itself but also help to guide the treatment.

ANXIETY SPECIALIST: Knowing how frightening and scary suffering with Anxiety can be. I specialise in helping you to understand the root cause of you’re issues, giving you the necessary tools to reduce the frequency and intensity of overwhelming feelings. Empowering you to take back control of your life and learn how to manage your anxiety affectively. Working at your pace to discover what will help. I tailor my approach to meet your needs. Developing an understanding of what is happening for you in a safe, supportive space, where you can begin to heal.

Life can be tough at the best of times and there are all sorts of reasons why we may need to seek support. I appreciate that taking the first steps in doing this can be daunting, which is why I offer a flexible approach tailored to each individual. I am passionate about the work that I do and feel privileged to be someone that people I work with describe as warm, down to earth, compassionate and easy to work with. I am open and transparent and will work at your pace bringing my 20 year’s experience working in mental health to reduce your distress and support you to reach your personalised goals.