About Nicola Griffiths, Relationship psychotherapist, and her approach
Hi, I’m Nicola, a UKCP-accredited relationship psychotherapist
I help individuals and couples heal the relationship patterns shaped by trauma, strengthen emotional and physical intimacy, and overcome sexual difficulties.
Over the years, I've come to realise that the difficulties people bring to therapy are rarely the whole story. Whether you're struggling in your relationship, feeling disconnected from yourself, caught in painful patterns, or finding intimacy and sex difficult, there's often a deeper reason why.
Perhaps you find yourself putting everyone else's needs first until resentment builds, having the same arguments over and over, struggling to trust, or feeling like you're never quite enough. You long to feel close, yet somehow end up feeling disconnected, anxious or alone.
These patterns often develop as ways of coping with earlier experiences where your emotional needs weren't consistently seen, understood or met. What once helped you survive may now be making it difficult to express your needs, trust others, feel emotionally safe or enjoy fulfilling intimacy. For many people, this also affects their sex life, showing up as a loss of desire, anxiety around sex, differences in libido or feeling emotionally disconnected from a partner.
How I work
In our work together, we begin to make sense of how these patterns developed and why they continue. From there, we work to shift the emotional experiences that drive them, so you can begin to respond differently rather than being pulled into the same cycles.
My work is grounded in evidence-based approaches - Attachment-Focused EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Schema Therapy. This allows us to work at both a relational and deeper emotional level, supporting meaningful and lasting change.
Over time, you gain a stronger sense of self, more open and honest communication, and a greater capacity for emotional and physical intimacy. As the work deepens, you begin to feel more secure, more connected, and more at ease both within yourself and in your relationships.
Location and therapy options
Sessions are available in person at my private practice in Cubley, Derbyshire, or online across the UK and Europe via Zoom. I’m conveniently located just 10 minutes from Uttoxeter and Ashbourne, and within 20 minutes of Stoke-on-Trent, Burton upon Trent, and Derby, just five minutes off the A50 Sudbury roundabout.
I offer mid to long-term therapy, which gives us the space to explore the roots of challenges, whether from early experiences or from painful events later in life. Together, we can rewire unhelpful patterns and create meaningful, lasting change. This work is an investment in yourself and your relationships, offering not just short-term relief but a profound shift in how you experience life.
Your sessions are most commonly held weekly; this consistency creates focus and continuity for meaningful, long-lasting change.
Inclusive and affirming practice
I welcome clients from all backgrounds and am a neurodivergent- and LGBTQ+ friendly therapist who values openness, honesty, and authenticity in the therapy relationship.
You're welcome to contact me by email, text, or phone if you'd like to ask any questions or arrange a brief introductory chat before booking a first session.
Prices
Individual & Couples Therapy - £110 per 50-minute session
Qualifications
-
Advanced Patterns in Psychotherapy Level 7 PG Dip (UKCP Accred)
-
Advanced Diploma in Relationship Psychotherapy Level 7 PG Dip NCSP) Accred)
-
Integrative Counselling Level 5 (NICP Accred)
-
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing EMDR (Both EMDRIA & EMDR EUROPE/ UK Approved Training)
-
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship EFT (ICEFFT Approved)
-
Schema Therapy Module 1, 2, and 3 (ISST Approved)
-
Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 & 2
-
Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy (BPS Approved)
-
Young person and adolescent counselling Level 5 (CPCAB Accred)
-
Coaching (Business & Life Coach) (BPS Approved)
-
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (BPS Approved)
-
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)/Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) Diploma (The College of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies)
-
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (BAMBA Approved)
-
Clinical Practitioner Neuro Linguistic Programming (UKCP Accred)
-
Psychosexual Diploma Level 7 (ongoing COSRT Accred)
As part of my commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care, I am currently working towards a Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, COSRT Accredited, further developing my specialist knowledge in supporting individuals and couples with intimacy and sexual wellbeing.
Continued Professional Development
-
Healing in Couples Therapy: New Strategies to Rebuild Trust, Overcome Trauma & Save Relationships
-
Advanced course in trauma treatment
-
Attachment-focused EMDR therapy - Laurel Parnell Master Class
-
Rupture and repair in relationships
-
Somatic therapy - Peter Levine's Trauma Master Class
-
Healing Trauma with Janina Fisher: Essential Strategies for Shame, Self-Loathing & Working with the Body
-
Internal family systems
-
The Treating Trauma Master Series
-
The Neurobiology of Trauma
-
Working with attachment EMDR with Mark Brayne
Governing Bodies
As a fully qualified accredited registered member of UKCP and a member of the COSRT, ICEEFT and EMDRIA, I adhere to all ethical conduct standards. Maintaining professional integrity and ensuring client confidentiality are paramount to me at Live Life Happy Therapy.
.png)
