New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling

07/05/2026

’s edited book is now available in paperback for £24.99. There is a further discount if you use the code below.

This book offers a new perspective on the motherhood experience. Drawing on existential philosophy and recent phenomenological research at NSPC into motherhood, the book demonstrates how motherhood can be understood as an existential crisis. It argues that an awareness of the existential issues women face will enable mothers to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted aspects of their experience. The book is divided into four sections: Existential Crisis, Maternal Mental Health Crisis, Social Crisis and Working with Existential Crisis. Each chapter is based on either experiential research or the author’s extensive therapeutic experience of working with mothers and reflects different aspects of the motherhood journey, all through the lens of a philosophical existential approach.

The contributors are:
Claire Arnold-Baker
Josephine Coates-Davies
Miriam Donaghy
Aoife Gaffney
Victoria Garland
Susan Harris
Naomi Magnus
Julie McCarthy
Jennifer Ofori
Farasat Sadia
Romy Shulman
Elizabeth Simmons
Naomi Stadlen

11/04/2026

You are invited to the online launch event of Emmy van Deurzen's new book Beginning to Live: the art of existential freedom on Thursday 7th May. You can also come to the Existential Academy on Monday 18th May when you will be able to buy copies of the hardback, which she will sign for you in person between 1-2pm.

26/01/2026

As we mark 30 years of NSPC, Claire, our Principal, reflects on our journey and offers thanks to the many people who have shaped the school over the past three decades.

NSPC’s story is one of community, thoughtful engagement, and shared commitment - and this anniversary year is an opportunity to recognise everyone who has contributed to who we are today.

16/01/2026

Existential therapy teaches us that healing isn’t about becoming perfect - it’s about becoming present.

Like kintsugi, our cracks and scars can be honoured and celebrated, showing that wholeness includes imperfection.

To be here, now, with all that we are, is a profound act of acceptance.

15/01/2026

The paradox of being human

We long for connection and independence.

We seek certainty yet crave freedom.

Existential practice doesn’t try to resolve these paradoxes - it helps us live them with awareness.

14/01/2026

Birth Trauma and Existential Crisis: How Becoming a Mother Involves a Confrontation with Existence

NSPC Principal & DCPsych Programme Leader Claire Arnold-Baker reflects on her chapter exploring how becoming a mother can trigger an existential crisis, particularly when birth is experienced as traumatic. She emphasises that trauma is individually lived and cannot be judged externally, highlighting the profound personal, social, and spiritual changes that accompany childbirth.

🎥 Watch the insight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGsYPi7LXK8

📖 You can read more and buy Simon's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychological-Growth-After-Trauma-Phenomenological/dp/1032791233

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13/01/2026

📅 Join our Virtual NSPC Open Day!
Discover our courses, meet staff, and explore how NSPC can support your professional development.

🗓 Tuesday 10th February
⏰ 12 noon – 1 pm (UK Time)
💻 Online event

Register here: https://nspc.org.uk/course-directory/open-days/

12/01/2026

Every logo tells a story.

Over the years, our visual identity has evolved, reflecting how NSPC has grown and changed – while staying true to our core values.

Watch this space as we take you through 30 years of our journey in logos and milestones.

09/07/2025

Dilemma Consultancy is supporting the Hurst Folk Festival.
Emmy van Deurzen will give a free existential coaching session to the lucky winner of the crowdfunder.

🧭 Life Coaching Session with Dilemma Consultancy – HURSTfolk Crowdfunder Prize

We’re so grateful to have support from the brilliant local team at Dilemma Consultancy, who are generously offering a one-hour life coaching session (worth £120) as part of our crowdfunder.

Whether you're facing a tricky decision, feeling stuck, or just want some expert guidance, this could be a real game-changer.

Support the HURSTfolk crowdfunder to enter – and help make this year’s festival possible.

👉 crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hurstfolk2025

25/05/2025

There was a wonderful turnout of NSPC staff, students, faculty and graduates at the recent FETE conference in Rome. All presenting thoughtful and inspiring talks.

It is also wonderful to be reminded of how our students have gone on after graduation to do amazing work. Gideon Menda a graduate of ours set up an existential training in Israel, as did Jaq Icoz in Turkey. Mai Kabbani is doing excellent work in Egypt too. Our students continue to push the frontiers of the approach and we are proud of them. But also proud of our inspiration without whom the British School of Existential Therapy would not have existed.