Nicky is a registered Clinical Psychologist, professional speaker, and founder of the non-profit organization, Nicky’s Drive. Nicky has a passion for challenging our perceptions of ABILITY. She is a firm believer that it’s not our situation, but how we THINK about our situation, that determines our emotional well-being. Nicky is a sought-after inspirational keynote speaker who gained international recognition following her TEDx talk, "Driving Dreams." 

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Nicky was born with a physical disability (she was born without arms and shortened legs) which had no medical explanation. She believes supportive parents, a determined personality and inclusion in mainstream education were key factors in overcoming her physical limitations. Through her Psychology studies, she realised that she had been applying many Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills in her life. She believes that it’s not her situation, but how she thinks about her situation, that determines her  emotional wellbeing. Nicky recognises that positive thinking is helpful, but we also need to be rational and realistic. Positive Psychology has also contributed to Nicky’s theoretical approach where she highlights that we must not ignore what is wrong, but focus more on what is right.

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If you are looking for a STANDOUT inspirational speaker, Nicky is your ideal candidate. Her expertise as a Clinical Psychologist places her at an advantage; not only does Nicky have an exceptional personal story to tell, she does so in a way that enables the audience to take away key skills to create sustainable change in our attitudes, beliefs and emotions. Nicky is always commended on being a “credible” agent of change whether you are connecting with her one-on-one or from an audience. When you meet Nicky, it is hard not to recognise that she puts her message into practice!

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Nicky delivers a message that is authentic and captivating, with lessons that are easily translated into actions in our careers and personal lives. With her witty sense of humour and natural speaking ability, Nicky not only keeps the attention of the audience, but also spurs them to action! 

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As a registered Clinical Psychologist, Nicky’s therapy areas of interest include:

- Anxiety
- Depression/Mood Disorders
- Relationship problems
- Stress and Anger management
- Perfectionism, Procrastination, Work Productivity
- Adjustment to chronic illness, injury and disability
- Insomnia and sleep disorders

Nicky’s primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT). It is recognised internationally as effective in treating emotional and behavioural problems including depression (mood disorders) and anxiety disorders such as social phobia, panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

CBT is a practical and goal-directed therapy with the aim of helping the client to become their own therapist. It is based on the premise that it is not our situation, but how we think about our situation, that determines our emotional well-being. Nicky has been fortunate to train with local and international practitioners in the field of CBT. Her practice focuses on individual therapy with adults. 

 

By booking Nicky, you are automatically supporting her registered non-profit organization, Nicky’s Drive. Nicky drives a specially adapted car “hands-free” that was donated to her some time ago. This act of generosity and the freedom that driving gave to her, inspired Nicky to start Nicky’s Drive. The organization funds car adaptations for people with disabilities in South Africa. A portion of Nicky’s presentation fee is donated to Nicky’s Drive, enabling others with a #dreamtodrive.