top of page

About Nikki

"Twenty years of clinical experience, a lifetime of lived experience — I understand trauma because I've walked through it myself."

I’m Nikki Gurd, an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years’ experience in adult mental health across NHS inpatient and community settings.

 

I also have lots of lived experience. I’m a mum to two teenagers, including one with severe learning disabilities, Autism and ADHD, so I understand how burnout, trauma and chronic stress feels.

​

I don't just have lots of training and experience but I am living proof of someone who has overcome PTSD and burnout. I practice what I preach because I know first hand that my approach works!

​​​

I'm a true believer in connecting with nature and I'm a HUGE animal lover!

​

When I'm not at work, or hanging out with the kids you'll find me at the stables with the horses or at the reserve looking for peregrine falcons.

IMG_1592_edited_edited.jpg

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications
​

Occupational Therapy, B.Sc (hons) University of Southampton 1999

HCPC Registered: OT30063

​

​​

Neurodiversity
​

  • ADI-R & ADOS-2 Autism Assessor — Autism Services Group

  • ADHD Assessor Training (DIVA-5) — The Spectrum Clinic London

  • Neurodiversity Masterclasses: PDA, anxiety, trauma & school avoidance

  • Polyvagal-Informed Therapy for Neurodivergent Clients

  • ADHD Clinical Services Provider Certificate (Strength-Based Interventions for Adults & Children)

​​​

​

​

​​

Trauma Therapy
​

  • Advanced Flash Technique — Phil Manfield

  • EMDR Parts 1–3 — Alexandra Richman

  • Attachment-Focused EMDR — Dr Laurel Parnell

  • Flash Technique for Trauma

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Practitioner Training

  • Complex Trauma Certification Levels 1 & 2 — Janina Fisher

  • Trauma-Informed CBT & CBT for Psychosis

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

​​​

​

bottom of page