About Us
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive.”
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The NEST offers a warm, welcoming space—whether in person, online, or over the phone.
At The NEST, therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Dedicated to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges using an integrated person-centred approach to meet each client’s unique needs. This flexible approach helps foster communication and expression in many forms - especially when words can be difficult to find.
The NEST is proud to work collaboratively, and continues to build strong connections with educational specialists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and other professionals — offering holistic, integrated care, tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your family, The NEST provides a nurturing space for your journey toward wellbeing, grounded in warmth, respect, and professional expertise.
Lucy Duckett
PG Cert, BA (Hons), Dip. Couns., MBACP
Founder and Clinical Lead
Registered with the BACP, Lucy is a Psychotherapeutic Integrative Counsellor and Play Therapist. Working in-person in Maidstone ME14 and online UK wide. She works with children, young people, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including neurodiversity, developmental conditions, anxiety, emotional regulation, and low self-esteem.
With a warm, collaborative approach, Lucy offers therapy at your pace and tailored to your unique needs. Her practice is grounded in empathy, safety, and the belief that healing is possible when we feel truly seen and supported.
Drawing on a rich background in education, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and wellbeing support, Lucy brings extensive experience in working not only with individuals and families, but also in partnership with schools and NHS services. Whether you're navigating difficult emotions, seeking support for your child, or looking to find meaning, Lucy is here to help you find a path forward.
- Donna Ashworth -
Qualifications and Experience
- Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Integrative, Creative and Play Therapy*
- Certified Online and Telephone Counsellor
- Youth Mental Health First Aider
- Emotional Awareness Facilitator - backed by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)
- PG Cert in Education (PGCE)
* currently in case study
Lucy has advanced training in a wide range of areas, including (but not limited to): supporting those navigating ADHD and autism, anxiety and emotional regulation, grief and loss, child and adolescent mental health, self-injury, and gender diversity — with particular experience in supporting Trans and Non-binary clients.
Committed to the highest professional standards, Lucy is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and holds a full, enhanced DBS certificate, providing a foundation of safety and trust for all her clients.
Alongside her work at The NEST, Lucy volunteers with a small charity offering affordable phone and video counselling to individuals who may not otherwise be able to access private therapy. She also serves as Vice Chair and SEND Governor at a Maidstone primary school, contributing her expertise to support inclusive education.
Testimonials
“Lucy has been so welcoming with our son, working at a pace and being adaptable to not only suit his needs but in a way that makes him feel comfortable and enjoy the sessions.
From not wanting to open up or be able to understand all of his emotions when we first started, he will now happily say and calmly explain what’s wrong or how he is feeling, even being able to understand it’s ok to feel more than one emotion at a time is absolutely amazing and proved to be a real lifeline at school,
We are so proud of how far our son has come and would highly recommend Lucy to any child that is struggling.”
Parent of Client D
“I wouldn’t be here today without Lucy. She has been ‘my second brain’. I feel really listened to and heard, like a person again – in control and able to challenge my thoughts. A heavy journey that now feels lighter.”
Client S
“I understand myself! Lucy supported me through my ASD diagnosis, enabling me to feel better in control of managing my overwhelm and negative thinking.”
Client E
“Lucy has been brilliant with our daughter, who takes her time in getting to know people and opening up. Lucy is so patient with her, and goes at our daughter’s pace. She is flexible in her approach and finds ways to relate things that make sense to kids. Lucy has helped her develop new strengths, and we’ve seen a 100% improvement in her approach to life in general. She’s become happy and bouncy again, and she even received an award at school recently for her excellent attitude!”
Parent of Client T
