Nicola has supported survivors of gender-based violence along their
healing journeys for six years. During this time she has learned the
importance of self-talk and self-compassion.

It’s possible that survivors of domestic abuse might leave an abusive
situation having internalised the abusive messaging that was received
in the relationship. An abuser may no longer be a part of someone’s
life, but the abuse can carry on through one’s own thoughts, beliefs
and self-talk.

Using self-talk as a tool to be more self-compassionate can be
transformative in recovering from abusive contexts.

As well as supporting survivors to bring more self-compassion into
their lives, Nicola has also been on her own journey with
self-compassion, practicing it imperfectly since 2017. Having
experienced the benefits first-hand, she is an enthusiastic advocate
of self-compassion.

Realising the power of choosing to bring kindness for ourselves into
daily life, Nicola considered the importance of guiding children
towards self-compassion as they develop their own self-talk. And so,
The Squishles were born.

Nicola enjoys playing the piano, guitar and ukulele, exploring in
nature, dog snuggles, and getting lost in the world of The Squishles.