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Welcome to Stepping Stones Psychotherapy
Trauma-informed therapy for stress, anxiety and recovery
Helping busy professionals regain a sense of calm, confidence and control in their lives.
Taking the step to seek therapy can feel daunting, especially if you are used to coping, managing and pushing through. You may look like you are functioning well on the outside, while inside feeling overwhelmed, anxious or exhausted.
At Stepping Stones Psychotherapy, I offer a calm, supportive and professional space where you can slow things down, make sense of what is happening for you, and begin to feel more settled and in control again.
You might be here because…
You may recognise yourself in some of the following:
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Anxiety, stress or panic feel like a constant presence in your life
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You struggle to switch off, relax or sleep well
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You feel on edge, irritable or easily overwhelmed
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Past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think or respond
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Your confidence or self‑esteem has been affected
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You are coping, but it takes a huge amount of energy
These experiences are more common than many people realise, particularly when life has involved prolonged stress, pressure or difficult experiences. Therapy can help you understand what is happening and find more effective, compassionate ways to support yourself.
How therapy with me can help
I work with people experiencing anxiety, stress and trauma to help them feel calmer, more regulated and more able to manage life’s demands.
Therapy with me is not about quick fixes or simply talking things through. Instead, we work collaboratively to:
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Understand how anxiety, stress and trauma affect your mind and body
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Reduce feelings of panic, overwhelm and constant alertness
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Develop practical ways to calm your nervous system
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Build emotional resilience and confidence
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Feel more grounded, balanced and in control of your responses
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We move at a pace that feels right for you, always prioritising safety, choice and collaboration.
Meet your therapist
Nicole Valens
I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor and hypnotherapist, trained in EMDR, and specialising in trauma, stress and anxiety.
I have over 15 years’ experience supporting adults who are struggling with anxiety, the impact of trauma, and the cumulative effects of ongoing pressure. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help, and I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported and never judged.
My approach is calm, compassionate and professional, helping you to feel safe enough to explore what you are experiencing and to work towards meaningful, lasting change.
What I can help with
I commonly support people with:
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Anxiety and panic attacks
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Stress and burnout
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Trauma and PTSD
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Low self‑esteem and confidence
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Sleep difficulties and insomnia
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Work‑related stress and pressure
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Phobias and persistent fears
If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you or your situation, a brief consultation can help you decide.
How I work
I use an integrative approach, drawing on EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness and psychotherapeutic counselling. This allows therapy to be tailored to your individual needs, rather than following a one‑size‑fits‑all model.
Sessions are available:
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Online via Zoom, allowing you to attend from the comfort of your own home
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Face‑to‑face at my comfortable Finchley Central location
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Evening appointments are available to fit around work and family commitments
Online therapy is just as effective as in‑person sessions and offers flexibility for busy professionals.
Taking the next step
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step. I offer a free 15‑minute telephone consultation to give you the opportunity to ask questions, talk briefly about what you are experiencing, and see whether working together feels right for you.
SELF-HELP RESOURCES
If you would prefer to begin independently, or to complement therapy, I also offer a range of downloadable resources designed to support relaxation, stress reduction and emotional wellbeing.
In addition to my clinical work, I also provide safeguarding training for therapists and professionals.