About Nicki Cawood
I provide the prompts. You find the meaning.
About You
Journal therapy is flexible by design, shaped around what you need rather than a fixed programme. You might be a midlife woman working out who she is in this new chapter. You might be gearing up for a career change. You might be dealing with something hard and looking for a non-clinical way through it. Or you might simply want to take an existing journaling practice further.
Whatever's brought you here, you don't need your thoughts sorted or a plan already worked out to start.
What we work on together
As an Accredited Practitioner in Therapeutic Journaling (MCMA), I use structured, evidence-based frameworks to help you move past the blank page and into real understanding. Sessions are shaped around what's going on for you right now. That typically looks like one or more of the following:
Reclaiming identity and self-knowledge
Moving past surface-level diary writing to explore who you are under your everyday roles. We use structured journal therapy to uncover your core values, reconnect with what makes you feel like yourself, and build a kinder relationship with the person you're becoming.
Working through transitions
Slowing down enough to process major life pivots, career changes, new chapters, or a body and identity that are shifting under you. We use the page to get what's tangled in your head onto paper, so you can make decisions from a steadier place.
Care, boundaries, and burnout
A private, structured space to hold onto your own identity, protect your boundaries, and process what complex caring and SEND advocacy demands of you, without losing yourself in the process.
Sessions are private, non-clinical, and led entirely by you. I provide the structure and the prompts. You provide the honesty. Together we move the noise from your head onto the page and find out what it is telling you.
Choose from 1:1 sessions via Zoom, contained and structured sessions via email, workbooks and free resources, all available remotely across the UK.
Not sure if this is for you? That is exactly what the free call is for.
How Journal Therapy With Nicki Works
About Me
I'm Nicki Cawood.
Based in North Yorkshire with my wonderful family, when I'm not helping women through journal therapy, you'll usually find me walking our beautiful bit of the world, lost in a book, deep into a geeky hobby, or writing on Substack.
Behind the Notebook: This is Nicki
Hello, I'm Nicki
I’m an accredited practitioner in therapeutic journaling (MCMA), and I help women find quiet, perspective, and grounding when life feels loud. My approach is built on professional training, absolute privacy, and genuine life experience.
After twenty years as a professional copywriter, turning forty prompted me to realign my focus. Following intensive retraining, it became clear that combining decades of working with words with my own reflective practice gave me the perfect toolkit to support women looking to write their way through life's transitions.
I don’t offer clinical analysis, and you won’t find a dynamic where I pretend to have all your answers. What I offer is a structured, intentional space designed to help you ground your thoughts, make sense of transitions, and find your own answers.
Home in North Yorkshire is my absolute anchor. I’ve been married to Roy for 23 years, and our two grown sons completely tower over my 5ft 2" frame. Our household is kept appropriately grounded by our rescue cat, Flint.
To slow the noise of daily life, I lean into yoga, long walks, and daily mindfulness. I’m a natural introvert who thrives in quiet spaces and deep, one-to-one connections. When the notebook is closed, you’ll usually find me lost in a good book, playing board games with friends, or unwinding with a cosy video game like Palia.
A structured space to think can be quietly transformative. Whether you’re navigating a major transition or simply looking for a practical way to ground yourself, I’m genuinely glad you’re here.
The Formal Bit…..
Professional Qualifications & Accreditations
The Foundation
Accredited Practitioner: Therapeutic Journaling (CMA Accredited)
Narrative Practice: Trained in the Dulwich Centre Narrative Therapy approach
Bibliotherapy (Skills & Theory): Certificate in Bibliotherapy, Literature and Mental Health - Bijal Shah (Book Therapy)
Bibliotherapy (Group Facilitation): Certificate in Group Bibliotherapy Skills – Book Therapy (Bijal Shah, 2026)
Counselling Skills & Theory: NCFE 3
MA in Creative Writing & Wellbeing (Teesside University, Sept 2026)
Through this Masters programme, I am furthering the scope of my therapeutic work, studying advanced frameworks for how structured writing supports personal growth, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
Specialist Training
Mindfulness Practitioner: Diploma in Mindfulness | Art of Zen (Plum Village tradition)
Mental Health First Aid: Qualified Mental Health Advocate (NCFE/CACHE Accredited)
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Specialised training in promoting independence and equitable access
Professional Memberships
CMA: Full Member of The Complementary Medical Association
Lapidus International: Member of the Association for Writing for Wellbeing
Certified Reading Wellbeing Practitioner™: Trained in The Book Therapy Method™
Fully Insured: Professional Indemnity & Public Liability via Westminster Insurance
Specialisms & Frameworks:
Journal Therapy: Structured writing for personal clarity.
Bibliotherapy: Curated reading for perspective and insight.
Narrative Practice: Re authoring personal and professional stories.
Mindfulness: Grounded presence in the Plum Village tradition.
SEND Support: Practical navigation and emotional resilience for carers.
Are you ready?
You don't need to have a clear plan or the perfect words to get started. Just bring your notebook, your curiosity, and whatever you are carrying today. If you want to know more about me or journal therapy, send me a message.
