Directory entry

Nicola Barker, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 14 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, Anxiety Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changes

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Nicola Barker helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and life changes. She is a warm, direct counsellor who aims to make starting therapy straightforward. Nicola uses practical tools alongside talking to help people feel steadier and make small changes that add up.

She is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, often referred to as BACP, and has 14 years of experience. Her work supports people dealing with depression, grief, sleep problems, anger and compassion fatigue.

Background and approach

She also focuses on concerns such as career strain, relationship difficulties, and trauma and abuse. Nicola draws on several ways of working depending on what a person needs. Sessions are shaped around the individual, with space for talking, guided techniques and skills practice.

She sometimes uses eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing to address distress linked to traumatic memories and draws on mindfulness and hypnotherapy for calming and self-regulation. Appointments are adapted to what each person prefers, and Nicola pays attention to what is practical and achievable between sessions. People can expect straightforward suggestions, short exercises to try, and regular check-ins about progress.

The aim is to build coping skills and restore a sense of control. Her additional areas of focus include chronic pain and illness, caregiver stress, isolation and issues linked to prejudice and discrimination. Sessions are offered in English and Nicola accepts clients internationally from the United Kingdom.

How Nicola’s approaches translate to online therapy

Nicola uses client-centred work that focuses on what matters most to each person. This approach involves listening carefully, reflecting what is said and helping people set clear, achievable goals; it can help with anxiety, low mood and improving self-esteem.

She also uses eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, often called EMDR, to address distress linked to upsetting memories. EMDR sessions combine focused recall with guided bilateral stimulation and can be helpful for people carrying strong emotional reactions to past events.

Mindfulness therapy is used to build present-moment awareness and reduce rumination. Simple breathing and attention exercises are practised in session and set as short between-session tasks to support sleep, stress and panic symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Nicola will discuss options and tailor methods to the person's goals, needs and preferences, making decisions together about what to try first and how to adapt over time.

Online sessions can be easier to fit into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions suit people who prefer not to be on camera or who have lower bandwidth. Live chat or text-based messaging offer brief check-ins, shorter sessions and flexibility across different time zones.

These formats make it simpler to keep momentum between appointments and to practise techniques in everyday settings, while the therapist and client adjust the plan as progress is made.

What kinds of problems does Nicola work with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, grief and sleeping issues. Nicola also helps with trauma and abuse, anger, compassion fatigue and relationship or career strain.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is warm and practical with a focus on what helps now. Sessions combine talking, short exercises and techniques chosen to suit the person's needs.

What experience does she have?

Nicola has 14 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns and client needs. That background informs a flexible, person-focused approach.

What professional credentials does she hold and where is she based?

She is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises from the United Kingdom.

In which languages are sessions offered?

Sessions are offered in English and Nicola accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

People can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging depending on what suits them best.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Self esteem
Career difficulties

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 14 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Nicola

Nicola takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Nicola Barker, BACP

Background and approach

How Nicola’s approaches translate to online therapy

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety