Nicki Summerson:

Trainee Humanistic & Integrative Counsellor (BACP Student Member)

Hello. My name is Nicki Summerson and I am a trainee humanistic and integrative counsellor working in the low-cost therapy and counselling service at HQ Therapy Rooms in Haggerston and Dalston, Hackney, London E8.

I am currently studying for a Diploma in Humanistic, Integrative Counselling at CPPD, London, and I am a student member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) who is also DBS checked.

I have volunteered over a number of years for a local charity – working with a diverse group of young people, with a variety of issues. And I have often had the opportunity to work creatively with young people, using photography, to explore their emotions and give them an alternative way to express themselves.

I also volunteer for Alumina, a national, online, support service, working with young people who self-harm. Where we help them explore the subject of self-harm, in a safe, non-judgmental way, and give them an opportunity to explore alternative coping mechanisms and share their experiences.

With the aim of empowering them with practical support, and helping them to find alternative coping mechanisms and to move towards recovery.

All these experiences have inspired me to study counselling and work with people of all ages and with different life experiences.

Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially with everything that has been happening over the last few years, and it can be really beneficial to have a safe space to talk.

I have the experience of being a client in therapy and appreciate how intimidating it can feel at first. So, it’s really important to me to provide you with a confidential, non-judgmental, and empathetic therapeutic environment, where you can feel able to be yourself and talk about anything you need to, at a pace that suits you.

My training is in Integrative counselling, which includes Person-Centered, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Transactional Analysis, and I approach each relationship from a Person-Centered perspective.

I also have experience, (both professionally and/or personally), with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, self-harm, sexuality, gender (LGBTQIA+), relationship issues & divorce, mental abuse and gaslighting, parenting, being a carer, bereavement, grief, and loss.  

My father is Italian, so I also have experience of growing up with two different cultural influences. 

I enjoy working with people from all cultural backgrounds and am happy to explore with you whatever you would like to talk about in therapy. I am empathetic, kind, and attentive, and I know that being able to talk and having the experience of really being heard can be incredibly powerful. 

I am available to work with you in person or online, whichever works best for you.