Mental Health Specialist
Welcome to Pondering Therapies
Hello, I'm Nicole Ponder, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Counsellor based in Brandon, Suffolk.
I provide therapy for adults and young people experiencing anxiety, panic, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, life challenges, and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD).
Seeking support can feel daunting, especially when you've been struggling for some time or feel stuck in patterns that are difficult to break. My aim is to provide a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as we work together towards meaningful change.
I hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling and have experience working within NHS services, charitable organisations, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have supported people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, helping them develop practical skills, greater self-understanding, and increased confidence in managing life's challenges.
Specialist Support for PPPD
I have a particular interest in supporting individuals living with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and other vestibular difficulties.
Living with persistent dizziness, imbalance, or feelings of motion can be exhausting and frightening. Many people find themselves constantly monitoring symptoms, avoiding situations, losing confidence, and becoming trapped in cycles of anxiety and fear around their symptoms.
Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy alongside vestibular rehabilitation, I help clients better understand the relationship between the nervous system, anxiety, attention, and physical symptoms. Together, we work to reduce fear, build confidence, reconnect with meaningful activities, and support the nervous system in settling over time.
How I Can Help
I support clients experiencing:
• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Panic attacks and health anxiety
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Low self-esteem and self-criticism
• Relationship difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions and personal challenges
• Stress and burnout
• PPPD and vestibular-related difficulties
My Approach
My work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps us understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviours, physical sensations, and life experiences.
Alongside CBT, I draw upon my training in psychodynamic counselling where appropriate, helping clients explore how past experiences and relationships may continue to influence their present-day difficulties. This allows us to develop both practical strategies for change and a deeper understanding of the patterns that may be keeping problems going.
Therapy is not about being told what to do. It is a collaborative process where we work together to understand your experiences, identify what is maintaining difficulties, and develop realistic steps towards the life you want to live.
I offer both in-person sessions in Brandon and online appointments across the UK.
If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, I would be happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.
Why Therapy?
It can help with
Anxiety and Worry
Constant overthinking, worrying about the future, and feeling unable to switch off can be exhausting. CBT can help you understand what keeps anxiety going, develop practical coping strategies, and regain confidence in managing uncertainty.
Panic and Health Anxiety
Panic attacks and worries about your health can feel frightening and overwhelming. Together, we can explore the cycle of fear, reduce symptom monitoring and reassurance-seeking, and help you feel more confident and in control again.
Trauma and PTSD
Difficult life experiences can continue to affect us long after the event has passed. CBT can help you understand trauma responses, reduce distressing symptoms, and gradually move towards feeling safer and more connected in everyday life.
PPPD & Persistent Dizziness
Living with persistent dizziness can be exhausting and frightening. CBT can help reduce symptom monitoring, fear, avoidance and nervous system sensitivity, working alongside vestibular treatment to help you regain confidence and get back to living your life.
Self-Esteem & Perfectionism
Do you often feel not good enough, put pressure on yourself, or worry about letting others down? Therapy can help you challenge self-critical patterns, build self-confidence, and develop a more balanced and compassionate relationship with yourself.
Relationships, Grief & Life Changes
Life transitions, loss, and relationship difficulties can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. Therapy provides a supportive space to process emotions, gain perspective, and navigate life's challenges with greater confidence
Client Stories
