Hello, my name is Xzarina

Xarina Nicholson, Transpersonal Trauma Therapist. A woman in a white shirt standing confidently with crossed arms, outside in a garden with trees and bushes, and a house in the background.

I’m a transpersonal psychotherapist who works mostly with relational and complex trauma and the symptoms: e.g. addiction, anxiety, stress, illness.

Originally from Australia, I now live and work across Scotland, England, Thailand and Australia.

My approach blends evidence-based clinical and holistic therapies to treat underlying causes of distress.

My experience comes from working as a therapist and trainer internationally, in humanitarian organisations and luxury rehabilitation centres, conflict zones and refugee camps, yoga teacher trainings and wellness retreats. Now, I work with carefully chosen clients in private practice.

My work has taught me that the human spirit has an innate capacity to heal, transform and regenerate, no matter the context. I’m constantly inspired and humbled by the people I work with in therapy.

My job is to help people face deeper struggles, reclaim their lives and transform their relationships. Healing happens from within when we’re witnessed and supported in spaces of safety, connection and acceptance.

I invite you to discover a deeper, more genuine self and way of living and being in this world. Through courage, presence and compassion, we uncover our essence. We become real.

  • MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology (current)

    Liverpool John Moores University, UK

    Advanced Diploma in Transpersonal Therapy & Counselling

    College of Complimentary Medicine, Sydney, Australia

    Bachelor of Arts (Honours First Class) in International Relations

    University of Queensland, Australia

    Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Culture and Religion

    University of Queensland, Australia

  • Holistic Therapists Australia Inc.

    EMDR Practioner Training (Levels 1 & 2), EMDRIA

    Internal Family System (Foundational), IFS Institute

    Relational Life Therapy (Foundational), RLT Institute

Simple line drawing of a person bending over a shoreline reaching towards a floating flower with a pearl in the centre.

Who I work with . . .

  • Those struggling with symptoms of trauma & PTSD.

  • Those experiencing prolonged fear, chronic fatigue, pain, etc.

  • Individuals/couples struggling in love, relationship & intimacy.

  • Anyone navigating spiritual emergence or seeking to transform their lives at a deeper level.

  • Those suffering from burnout, anxiety or depression.

  • Those experiencing grief or a sense of emptiness, hopelessness or low self-esteem.

  • Anyone in recovery from addiction who wishes to dissolve and heal the core wounds: Thriving beyond sobriety.

  • Anyone wanting to infuse more joy and meaning into their lives.

“Xzarina is extremely intelligent, highly intuitive, has a big heart and natural compassion. She understands what deep soul work is and what it entails and has a great capacity to quickly understand complex issues.”

- Serge Beddington-Behrens M.A. (Oxon.), Ph.D., K.O.M.L.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is trauma?

I view trauma as prolonged, negative effects of adverse life experiences that a person is unable to overcome. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, addictions, disordered eating, self-harm or self-sabotage, pervasive fear and relating issues.

Big ‘T’ (acute) traumas are single-event, life-threatening events that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are obvious traumatic events like accidents, war, disasters, divorce, etc.

Small ‘t’ (chronic/complex) traumas occur repeatedly over a period of time, affecting our sense of self, belonging and well-being. They can be detrimental to health, identity and relationships.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

It requires minimal talking and is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a powerful, evidence-based therapy for trauma treatment.

It’s not for everyone though. If suitable, we will discuss how to integrate EMDR into your treatment plan after consultation.

What is transpersonal therapy?

Transpersonal therapy is a holistic, integrative, transformational therapy that works with all dimensions of a human being and beyond. It literally means ‘beyond’ (trans) + ‘the ego’ (persona)’.

Our aim is to transform and move towards wholeness by considering all of the human experience — body, mind, heart, environment, culture, family history, etc.

Some people call it ‘spiritual psychology’. I like to think of it as ‘soul’ therapy.

We’re so much more than we ‘think’ we are.

How many sessions will I need?

Again, this depends on you and the nature of what you’re working through.

Big ‘T’ traumas can be treated relatively quickly with EMDR (6—10 sessions).

Small ‘t’ traumas are easily dismissed but can contribute to complex PTSD (CPTSD). These usually take time, patience, trust and safety to heal, but it’s worth it.

What do sessions involve?

That depends on you. Every human being is unique and comes to therapy with his/her own story, history, family, challenges, resources and needs.

It’s important to find the right ‘medicine’ for the wound. We’re complex creatures with infinite resources in our toolbox. I work in the ‘here and now’, listening carefully to help you discover what works for you.

This might involve talk, breathwork, creative expression, music, somatics/movement, EMDR, guided meditation/visualisation, dreamwork, ritual or emotional regulation.

What if I cannot afford therapy?

My experience is that a quality therapist is one of the best investments a person can make. I also understand that the cost of quality therapy is beyond many people’s budgets.

If you feel you would benefit from working with me but are not able to afford the standard rate due to financial hardship, please enquire about my sliding-scale prices.

*NB. There is a waiting list for these spaces.