⎯ ABOUT
Nikki Williams counsellor, retreat host and memoir author in Byron Bay

I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a psychotherapist or yoga teacher or even working in wellness…

Honestly, I was just trying to survive.

By my early twenties, I had already lived a lifetime: addiction, toxic relationships, and the crushing weight of secrets, including placing two children for adoption (miraculously with the same family).

For years, I people-pleased my way into burnout, lived under the shadow of narcissistic dynamics, and avoided my pain with all the numbing tools I could find.

But pain has a way of demanding your attention. Eventually, I had to face mine.
Yoga cracked me open. Psychotherapy and counselling gave me language. Community gave me courage.

Slowly, through a lot of unlearning and re-learning, I began to rebuild.

How I got here…

  • Told I had meningitis..

    Had a false diagnosis of meningitis and had a blood test and a spinal tap without a parent or guardian present in the room.

    I developed a severe medical phobia or a “white coat phobia” following this incident. I just a knot in my neck.

  • Drugs, alcohol, poor relationshps, overworking myself, hyperindependence.



    ✦ 2009
    Finished school / Parents divorced

    ✦ 2011
    Lived in New York for the year

    ✦ 2006-2016
    Running a muck

    ✦ 2012-2019
    Did about 4 jobs including hospitality, kids yoga mat business, wedding photography

    ✦ 2019
    Key relationship break up

  • Had 2 kids in secrecy, didn’t feel as if I could get help for myself. Both kids were adopted by the same family.


    ✦ 2011
    Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations), RMIT Melbourne

    Started my first business, Milk Bottle Projects

  • Hit rock bottom. Relationship breakdowns, drinking and cocaine in excessive amounts.

    ✦ 2020
    Started therapy
    Covid hits, difficult relationship and started yoga.

    ✦ 2021
    Idea for Mentwell sparks during Covid
    200HR Yoga Teacher Training at House of Om, Bali 

    ✦ 2021-2022
    Relationship breakdown

  • Found yoga, health and wellness, moved locations, travelled the world, wrote a book, started Mentwell. Graduate Certficate of Counselling and Masters of Psychotherapy and Counselling (Holistic Practice). Travelled for a year in a van, flood efforts, Europe, Bali


    ✦ 2023
    Launched Mentwell
    300HR Yoga Teacher Training at Byron Yoga Centre, Byron Bay.
    Swedish Massage Certificate, Byron Bay.

    ✦ 2024
    Mental Health Aware Yoga Teacher Training, Byron Bay
    Started teaching at Byron Yoga Centre, Byron Bay

    ✦ 2025
    Graduate Certificate Counselling Brisbane
    Started teaching Transform Active and other venues

    Edited my book!

Nikki Williams psychotherapist, retreat host and memoir author in Byron Bay
Nikki Williams counsellor, retreat host and memoir author in Byron Bay

And while my story might look different from yours, here’s what I know:

Healing is possible.
If I can rise, you can too.
Now, I help others create their own turning points.

Psychotherapy and counselling with me isn’t stiff, clinical, or full of jargon. It’s real. It’s a space where you can laugh, cry, swear if you need to, and finally exhale without fear of judgement.

My job is to walk beside you, not “fix” you.

PSYCHOTHERAPY / COUNSELLING
Nikki Williams counsellor, retreat host and memoir author in Byron Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is your counselling practice best suited for?

    My practice is a dedicated space for individuals navigating big life transitions, exploring LGBTQIA+ matters, and seeking support through personal growth. I have a particular passion for working with women, leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are looking to ground themselves while expanding their potential.

    Where do sessions take place? I offer a flexible approach to suit your lifestyle:

    • Online: I conduct digital sessions via Zoom, available to clients anywhere.

    • In-Person: For those located in the Northern Rivers region, I offer face-to-face sessions. Please contact me directly to confirm the specific location for in-person bookings.

    Do I need to be "in crisis" to book a session?
    Absolutely not. While I am here to support you through difficult times, many of my clients—especially creatives and leaders—work with me proactively. We can focus on strategy, emotional regulation, identity, and navigating change before it becomes overwhelming.

  • How do I make a payment? To secure your appointment, payment must be made in full at the time of booking. I accept digital payments only (credit/debit card) via my secure online booking system. This streamlines the administrative side of things so we can focus entirely on our work together during your session.

    What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy? I understand that life happens. If you need to change your appointment, I require at least 24 hours' notice.

    • Rescheduling: If you notify me more than 24 hours in advance, we can move your booking to a different time without penalty.

    • Late Cancellations/No-Shows: Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed appointments, will forfeit the session fee. This policy ensures I can respect my own time and potentially offer the slot to another client who needs it.

    Do you offer refunds? Please note that I operate with a strict no-refund policy. Once a session is booked and paid for, the fee acts as a commitment to your time and mine. If you are unable to attend, please prioritize rescheduling within the 24-hour window.

  • How long is a session? Standard sessions run for 50 minutes. I ask that you arrive (or log in) on time to ensure you get the full benefit of our session, as I cannot extend sessions for late arrivals.

    Is our work confidential? Yes. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the counselling relationship. What we discuss remains private. There are very rare legal exceptions to this (such as an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others), which we will discuss in our initial agreement.

    What do I need for an online (Zoom) session? To get the most out of online counselling, you will need:

    • A stable internet connection.

    • A device with a working camera and microphone.

    • A private, quiet space where you will not be disturbed for the duration of the session.

    Do you offer a sliding scale or accept insurance? 

    At this time, I am a private-pay practice and do not process insurance claims directly.

  • Counseling / Coaching sessions:
    First sessions are $175 + GST for 50 minutes and following sessions are $150 + GST for 50 minutes.

    Yoga Therapy sessions:
    $150 + GST per session

❋
Let’s work together.

Whether you're looking for counseling or yoga therapy support, you love my book or want to work together, send me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.