Quiet Guidance Practice

Counselling and Coaching in East London, Essex and Online

CALL 07572111374CONTACT ME BY EMAIL

Welcome to Quiet Guidance

— a space for reflection, understanding and growth.

Counselling and Coaching in East London, Essex and Online

Nick Young, MSc, MBACP

If you’re looking at this page you may be feeling in need of some extra support right now. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, uncertain, or simply ready to make sense of what’s next. Whatever brings you here, taking this step is already a way of beginning to understand what’s going on and prioritise yourself.


I offer counselling and coaching that gently combine emotional insight with practical direction, helping you understand yourself more deeply and move towards meaningful, lasting change. Together, we’ll take time to listen to what’s happening for you, explore what may be getting in the way, and find new ways forward that feel authentic and sustainable.


My approach blends the depth of counselling with the focus of coaching. It’s reflective and empathetic, yet oriented towards growth — helping you restore balance, rebuild confidence, and create positive transformation.


MORE ABOUT ME
Nicholas Young Counsellor Headshot
BACP logo for Nicholas Young
Cherry Tree Therapy Centre Logo
Quiet Guidance Practice Favicon Green

Our work often unfolds across four interconnected stages:

1.

Listening

Creating space for your story and needs.

2.

Rebalancing

Exploring perspective and patterns.

3.

Generating

Uncovering new options and directions.

4.

Supporting

Sustaining progress with confidence and self-compassion.

Wherever you’re starting from, this is a place to slow down, think clearly, and reconnect with yourself.

What my clients say

"It is difficult to put into words how impactful my counselling experience with Nick was. His ability to hold a space with such warmth, skill and compassion is a real art. Through our work together, I developed a sense of self determination and growth that I didn't really know was possible. I look forward to continuing that journey with him in the future."

(Female client)

"Having worked with female therapists in the past, I was initially unsure of what it would be like to open up to a male therapist—but from the very beginning, Nick created a space that felt safe, nonjudgmental, and deeply respectful."

Read more

"What stood out to me was the balance Nick brought: a calm and steady presence, paired with genuine empathy and insight. There was something uniquely powerful about receiving that kind of understanding and emotional attunement from a male therapist—it challenged old beliefs I had around vulnerability, masculinity, and trust.

Through our sessions, I was able to explore parts of myself I hadn’t accessed before. Nick helped me build greater self-awareness, process difficult experiences, and feel more emotionally grounded. I’m incredibly grateful for his support and would recommend him to anyone looking for thoughtful, compassionate guidance regardless of gender."

(Female Client, Online)

"I found working with Nick online to be genuinely transformative. His professionalism, and excellent time management made every session smooth and focused. He’s extremely knowledgeable, open-minded, and always created a safe space for honest conversation. Nick’s supportive and understanding approach, made our sessions both insightful and empowering."

(Male Client, Middle East)

"As a primary school teacher, the demands of my job can sometimes feel overwhelming. For over a year now, I’ve been speaking with Nick once a week, and it’s made a huge difference in how I manage stress and navigate challenges. He creates a safe space for me to talk things through and has helped me gain perspective during times when I felt like giving up the career altogether. With his support, I’ve been able to find practical ways to cope and reconnect with why I love my work. I always come away from our sessions feeling lighter and more positive. I would thoroughly recommend Nick to anyone needing support and clarity in their life."

(Male Client, London)

"Nick, I feel that having you to talk to and listen to has helped me immensely. I never thought that therapy would do anything for me so to come away from your sessions with some different perspectives on how to look at things has been eye opening to say the least. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and believe me if I ever need to see you again I definitely will. I hope this is okay and will recommend you to any one of my friends who could be struggling."

(Male Client)

"My appointments with Nick helped me talk openly and put things in perspective. Having someone to just listen in the way that Nick did made a big difference to my situation and helped me gain confidence and work through a tough time."

(Male Client, Essex)

What I can help with

People come to me for many reasons. Some arrive in crisis; others feel stuck, restless, or simply curious about themselves. There’s no right or wrong reason — if it matters to you, it matters.

I regularly work with people navigating one or more of the following:

Anxiety or persistent low mood

Grief, bereavement or loss

Stress and burnout

Relationship or family difficulties

Self-esteem and confidence struggles

Life transitions and decision-making

Feeling lost, stuck or emotionally overwhelmed

Career or work-related challenges

GET IN TOUCH

Frequently asked questions

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions cost £75 for 50 minutes (a standard counselling hour) and are payable 24 hours in advance.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions are available in-person or online (via Zoom or Teams), allowing me to work with clients locally, across the UK and abroad.

In-person location:

The Cherry Tree Therapy Centre

2 & 5 Station Parade, Cherry Tree Rise,

Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 6EU

What should I expect in the first session?

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and explore what’s brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your priorities and hopes, and begin to identify what might be most helpful for you. It’s a gentle introduction — no pressure, no commitment — just a space to see if the fit feels right.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

I am a fully qualified Psychotherapist-Coach with an MSc (Distinction) in Integrative Counselling and Coaching from the University of East London, and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills from City Lit.

I also hold:

  • BA (Hons) in Public Policy (Goldsmiths College)
  • PGCE (Institute of Education, UCL)
  • QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills)

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its ethical framework for good practice. I hold full professional indemnity insurance and an up-to-date DBS certificate.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your goals and situation. I always recommend a minimum of 4-6 sessions in order to experience meaningful change. Some people prefer short-term work (4–6 sessions) with a clear focus; others choose open-ended therapy, continuing for as long as it feels useful. We’ll review progress regularly so the work remains meaningful and relevant to you.

Cancellations

Therapy works best with consistency. Appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, are charged in full. I’ll do my best to offer a rescheduled session where possible in cases of illness or emergencies.

What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

The two often overlap. Counselling tends to be shorter-term and issue-focused; psychotherapy looks more deeply at underlying patterns and processes. We’ll naturally find the right balance based on your needs.

What is coaching?

Coaching focuses on clarity, goals and action — helping you create and sustain positive change. When combined with counselling, it supports both insight and progress, ensuring that understanding leads to practical transformation.

What does “integrative” mean?

Being integrative means drawing from multiple therapeutic models, tailoring the approach to each person. This might include Person-Centred understanding, Psychodynamic reflection on the past, CBT techniques for shifting thought patterns, and coaching strategies for forward momentum. It’s flexible, holistic, and designed to meet you where you are.

Do I need counselling or coaching?

Therapy helps you explore and heal emotional patterns. Coaching focuses on moving forward and achieving goals. Often, the two overlap — and we’ll work together to find the right balance for you.

What happens in a session?

Each session is unique. We’ll talk about what feels most important to you, explore patterns, and work at a pace that feels safe. Over time, we may use different therapeutic or coaching tools to help you gain insight and confidence in applying change.

Will I be challenged?

Yes — but gently, and only when trust is established. Challenge is part of growth, but it’s always offered with care, curiosity and respect, never judgement.

Confidentiality

Everything you share is confidential. The only exceptions are if there is a serious risk of harm or a legal obligation to disclose. I am fully insured and a registered member of the ICO for data protection.

What if I am in Crisis?

If you’re in immediate danger, please call 999 or 111 (select the mental health option).

You can also contact:

I aim to respond to new enquiries within 12 hours.

The approaches I draw from

I work as an integrative practitioner, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic models depending on what will best support you. These include Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis, and solution focused elements of coaching.

Blending these approaches allows us to explore both the deeper emotional patterns that shape your life and the practical steps that help you move toward meaningful change. Rather than using a fixed method, I tailor our work to you — your needs, your pace, and your goals — creating a flexible, responsive way of working that supports your growth on multiple levels.

Quiet Guidance Practice

Self-understanding

Sometimes life feels confusing, overwhelming, or uncertain. In our work together, I’ll help you slow down and make sense of what’s happening — to understand your patterns, emotions and needs with greater clarity and compassion. Self-understanding is often the first step toward meaningful change.

Woman taking deep breath
Rebalancing

As you gain insight, we’ll explore how different parts of your life fit together — and where things may have fallen out of balance. This stage is about perspective and awareness: finding steadier ground, restoring confidence, and learning to respond rather than react.

Path going forward
Moving forward

When you’re ready, we’ll focus on the practical side of change. Drawing on coaching tools and reflective practice, we’ll identify small, sustainable steps that help you move forward with purpose and self-belief — creating a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are.

More about me

I’ve always been drawn to understanding people — supporting them through life’s challenges and helping them reconnect with their strengths. My career has reflected this: I began as a teacher in the UK and abroad, before moving into leadership and development roles within the charity sector, where my focus remained on people and their growth.

Having lived and worked across five countries and three continents, I bring an open-minded, culturally sensitive perspective to my work. These experiences have deepened my belief in the value of listening, empathy, and human connection as catalysts for change.

My own journey into counselling began through volunteering with the More to Life organisation, supporting adults with their mental health. A chance conversation during lockdown with a trainee psychotherapist reminded me how powerful it can be to be truly heard — not judged or advised, but listened to with full attention. That conversation set me on a new path.

After training at the City Lit in London, I went on to complete an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Coaching at the University of East London — a unique programme that blends the depth of counselling with the forward momentum of coaching. I now work with clients in private practice, guided by the BACP Ethical Framework, offering a reflective and supportive space for personal growth and transformation.

Why “Quiet Guidance”?

The name Quiet Guidance reflects how I work.

Real change often begins not with noise or force, but with stillness — the quiet space to pause, reflect and listen. Within that space, we start to notice patterns, reconnect with what matters, and rediscover our own direction.

Guidance, in this sense, isn’t about being told what to do. It’s about being gently supported to find your own answers, your own balance, and your own way forward.

That combination of calm reflection and purposeful direction is at the heart of my practice — counselling and coaching that help you move towards greater clarity and confidence, quietly but powerfully.

You’ve Already Taken the First Step

Reaching out for support takes courage. Many people live with uncertainty, sadness, or self-doubt far longer than they need to. Talking to friends can help — but sometimes, it’s not quite enough.

Recognising that you might benefit from professional support is not a sign of weakness; it’s the beginning of change. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply want to feel more balanced and in control, starting therapy is the first step towards understanding yourself and moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Quiet Guidance Practice Favicon Green

Get in touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling or coaching works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.


You can also call me on 07572111374 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.


All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.

© Quiet Guidance Practice

Powered by WebHealer