Lou Nicholls

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

Lou Nicholls is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), currently in the final stages of completing her BABCP accreditation. She has over 15 years’ experience working therapeutically with young people and adults who present with dual diagnosis and substance misuse concerns.

Lou has extensive experience delivering recovery-focused, structured clinical interventions across both the NHS and independent sectors. She has worked in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, GP practices, health centres, and children’s residential settings, supporting individuals with complex emotional, behavioural, and relational needs.

Her work is underpinned by psychological formulation-driven assessments, ensuring that therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique experiences, strengths, and difficulties. This approach allows Lou to develop a shared understanding with individuals and services, guiding effective, evidence-based intervention and meaningful change.

Her specialist interests and passion lie in working with substance misuse, addiction, and self-harm. Lou takes a compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and containing therapeutic space where individuals feel understood and supported.

Alongside her clinical work, Lou is an experienced team leader who regularly delivers reflective practice sessions to staff teams working in high-pressure and complex environments. She also has significant experience providing both clinical and management supervision, supporting staff wellbeing, professional development, and reflective practice within services.