Meet 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 an experienced transpersonal psychotherapist trained in evidence-based trauma therapies.

My unique approach blends clinical and holistic modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Relational Life Therapy and somatic therapies, to treat the underlying causes of distress.

I’ve worked internationally in medical humanitarian organisations, rehabilitation centres, conflict zones and refugee camps, yoga teacher trainings and retreats and private practice.

I’m constantly inspired and humbled by people. The human spirit has an innate capacity to heal, transform and regenerate, no matter the context.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been through hell and wish for something better. Let’s honour that.

It takes courage to ask for help and be vulnerable — to embrace one’s messy human self and surrender old defences and stale habits.

I offer individuals and couples a safe and compassionate space to share experiences without judgement, as well as the necessary support, guidance and skills to navigate their unique challenges.

My job is to help people reclaim their lives and transform their relationships.

I believe every human being deserves to experience safety, connection and belonging in this world.

It begins, here and now, with a genuine desire, intention and commitment to be free from outdated stories and limiting beliefs.

Together, we bring heart and soul back into this world. 

  • 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.

    Just Therapy UK

    EMDR Practioner Training (Levels 1 & 2), EMDRIA

    Internal Family System (Foundational), IFS Institute

    Relational Life Therapy (Foundational), RLT Institute

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Who I work with . . .

  • People struggling with the effects of trauma (e.g. addiction, relationship issues, fear, chronic fatigue or pain, self-harm or sabotage).

  • Those intentionally seeking to enhance their lives through transformation and change.

  • Individuals suffering from burnout, depression and/or anxiety.

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

  • 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.