Member Article

Independent psychologist secures funding boost

Independent psychologist secures funding boost

A Derbyshire-based independent psychologist has secured a £74,000 funding package from NatWest to help purchase land to expand her business.

Dr Nichola Marchant, clinical psychologist, and owner of Ruby Psychological Services, has used the NatWest funding to buy grounds she previously rented. The land will be used to offer a range of her psychology treatments, and act as home to her therapy horses, which she uses for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). She practices in Belper.

Nichola works with around 20 to 25 clients per week, ranging from primary school-aged children through to teenagers and adults. Ruby Psychological Services offers a range of psychotherapy treatments to individuals, couples and families who experience mental health difficulties.

Therapies available include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy and mindfulness, among others. The funding has enabled the business to expand its offering, adding EAP, connecting with nature therapy, and corporate-focused teambuilding sessions to its portfolio.

Officially qualifying in 2010, Nichola has been self-employed since 2011 after she noticed an increase in people turning to independent services. She deals with a range of mental health issues every day, and offers counselling such as couples psychotherapy.

She said: “Therapy is a very personal process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all way of dealing with people. My business offers a compassionate approach for a host of different mental health issues.

“I am grateful for the funding from NatWest, which will help me make a difference to more individuals. Currently, most of my work is conducted indoors. The land I have purchased will be used to treat people in a natural environment, and continue the effective work with clients and my therapy horses.”

Sarah Malkin, Agricultural Relationship Manager, said: “We’re proud to support Nichola and the positive change she makes to many people and families’ lives in the Derbyshire community. We wish her all the best with her business. It has been extremely rewarding to work with her to help grow the company.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by tim malseed .