My name is Nova Nolan, I am a humanistic, integrative counsellor working in Brighton, Hove and online. I provide a therapeutic counselling service for people who feel they need support, guidance, a safe space to explore themselves or simply a need to be witnessed and heard.
I aim to provide a space that feels safe, warm and free from judgement, criticism or discrimination...with these conditions in place, we can start to explore.
About me and my practice
It all begins with me listening carefully, as your thoughts, feelings and stories begin to emerge, we choose which paths to follow. Sometimes this might include some creative experiments, perhaps a writing exercise or playing with objects, it's not always talking and listening.
I will also pay attention to your body, perhaps to the way your breath is moving or noticing what a clenched fist might be trying to communicate, your body expresses in all sorts of ways.
At the centre of my practice is a compassionate curiosity and a desire for all the different parts of you, to take up space and be heard. I invite you to contemplate that we are not a singular self, but a collection of selves. Some parts are more dominant than others, but all are valuable and have something useful to communicate. It may have value to do some reorganising, to allow quiet and perhaps denied parts to be heard too. Welcoming all of our selves can feel like a homecoming, a settling into an experience of self that makes sense.
I work from a position of 'what has happened to you?' not 'what's wrong with you?' We are moulded by our experiences and relationships, so we might visit your history and your family stories in order to better understand how you relate to yourself and others. Gathering information can provide a sense of choice, you may want to update some strategies that no longer serve you...what could be different? Safety and choice also come from connection and the relationship...not being alone with sadness, distress and challenge is so very important.
Experience
I have been working with clients since 2018. I began my training in placement with Change Grow Live, an alcohol misuse service in East Sussex. I then moved into a second placement with Ochre House (formerly UMEUS CIC). Ochre House offers a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychological and somatic therapies, yoga, Pilates and mindful movement, nutritional, herbal and touch therapies. I continue to work with Ochre House alongside private practice.
My experience with clients includes work around;Depression, anxiety, OCD, loss and bereavement, childhood trauma, abuse, family dynamics, relationship issues, neuro diversity, narcissistic parents, low self-esteem and identity exploration.
To put oneself into context, feel the roots of your experience and create fertile ground for fresh growth is both a challenge and a gift. I feel privileged and excited to share this process with my clients.
Qualifications
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills CPCAB
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies CPCAB
Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling CPCAB
Professional Membership
Registered member BACP
Professional Register
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Verified by Counsellingo on Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Initial Consultation
The first session or initial consultation, is a chance for you to share something of what is bringing you to therapy, and a chance for us to decide if we feel like a good fit. It's also an opportunity to share hopes (and maybe fears) for counselling and to explore how we might work together.
I will ask questions to guide the session, including information about your physical as well as mental health, check in around risk factors and ask a little about your history and impactful experiences. If you are a person that menstruates, I will be curious around how you experience your cycle and your relationship to it.
I offer this initial session at the discounted rate of £50 for a 50 minute session.
Fees
I charge £60 per session. Reduced fees are sometimes available upon request, depending on circumstances/income.
When I Work
My diary is always changing, please get in touch to determine availability.
Therapeutic Approach
Integrative
Video Platforms
Zoom
Pronouns
She/Her
Area
Brighton & Hove
