Sam McNicholas counsellor
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Welcome to Pathways to Wellbeing

At Pathways to Wellbeing, we believe that every person deserves a safe, supportive space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. If you are navigating overwhelming, uncertain or heavy life experiences like loss, stress, anxiety or trauma, or are simply seeking a deeper sense of balance and clarity, we are here to walk alongside you.

Our Approach

We offer a compassionate, human and grounded, professional counselling service, guided by the belief that you are the expert in your own life.

Our role is to support you as you explore your experiences, understand your patterns, and move toward meaningful, sustainable change. Counselling sessions provide a confidential, non‑judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Alongside our counselling work, Pathways to Wellbeing also offers alternative therapies as a path to healing. We recognise that talking therapies are not for everyone. For those seeking a more holistic route, we offer Reiki treatments, restorative wellbeing sessions, workshops, forest‑bathing experiences and group events designed to nurture connection, calm, and personal growth.

Who We Are

Pathways to Wellbeing is led by a qualified, insured counsellor Sam McNicholas who is also an experienced holistic practitioner with over 25 years’ experience across personal development, Reiki, and therapeutic wellbeing modalities. Our practice is informed by professional training, lived experience, and a deep respect for the resilience and potential within every individual.

Working With Us

You can choose to work with us one‑to‑one through Counselling, Reiki, or Forest Therapy, or join one of our group offerings for a more communal, nature‑based or experiential approach to wellbeing. Whatever path you take, you will be met with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to your growth.

If you’d like to explore whether our services are right for you, we offer a free 15‑minute phone consultation to discuss your needs.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

— Carl Jung

Reiki Treatments

My journey and knowledge as a Reiki practitioner brings a wealth of experience - I’m able to offer one-to-one sessions or training to become a practitioner yourself.

  • A gentle, restorative session tailored just for you. Through calming energy work, you’ll be guided into deep relaxation, helping your body and mind release tension, rebalance, and reconnect with a sense of inner ease and wellbeing.

  • Step into a nurturing journey of self-discovery and healing. Through gentle, supportive training, you’ll learn to channel Reiki with confidence, deepen your intuition, and develop the skills to offer calming, restorative energy to yourself and others.

Events & Workshops

  • ‘Seasoning’ Series - Summer – Blooming | Saturday 4th July from 10.45am to 1.45pm | at Michaels Folly (Strawbale Studio) SG13 8NE | Cost: £45 per person (maximum 12 participants per workshop)
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

    Mindfulness & Reiki Drum Meditation | Friday 10th July from 7.30pm to 8.30pm | at Studio 2, Peack Performance, 1268a Whetstone High Road, N20 9HH | Cost: £15 per person
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

    Reiki Course Level 1 | Saturday 11th July from 10am - 5.30pm | at Studio 2, Peak Performance, Whetstone, N20 | Cost: £175 (£75 deposit to be paid on booking, the rest in person)
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

  • A relaxed, guided workshop where participants can explore various materials and mediums at their own pace. Perfect for creatives of all skill levels looking to reconnect with their craft—or try something entirely new.

  • ‘Seasoning’ Series - Autumn – Letting Go | Saturday 3rd October from 10.45am to 1.45pm | at Michaels Folly (Strawbale Studio) SG13 8NE | Cost: £45 per person (maximum 12 participants per workshop)
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

    Reiki Course Level 2 | Saturday 17th October from 10am - 5.30pm | at Studio 2, Peak Performance, Whetstone, N20 | Cost: £255 (£75 deposit to be paid on booking, the balance in person)
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

    1 DAY WOMEN’S RETREAT | Saturday 14th November from 10am to 5.30pm | at Fickle Field, Norton Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0LN | Cost: £145 per person (maximum 12 participants per workshop) This is a women only event.
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

    ‘Seasoning’ Series - Winter – Stillness | Saturday 20th December from 10.45 a.m. to 1.45 p.m | at Michaels Folly (Strawbale Studio) SG13 8NE | Cost: £45 per person (maximum 12 participants per workshop)
    FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOU SPACE > CLICK HERE

Client Testimonials

  • Reiki Treatment

    I started seeing Samantha for Reiki treatments at a time in my life when I was facing a number of emotional struggles. I had no particular belief in this form of therapy, and had sought no other forms of therapy to deal with the depths of turmoil I was feeling. Hence, I approached Reiki with a level of scepticism. Samantha’s grounded approach to me, during the course of the ensuing treatments, allowed me to feel totally at ease. Samantha’s calm, deeply intuitive way of being, combined with her obvious innate abilities as a Reiki master, allowed me to connect with myself, thus allowing my internal turmoil to calm and for me to feel at peace. I had lived with chronic, and periods of acute, pain in my back and shoulder for a long time, for which traditional medicine offered no relief. During the course of treatments with Samantha, this pain was significantly reduced. I still have no idea how Reiki works, nor how Samantha is able to work her magic! I just know that seeing Samantha has changed my life.

    Bridget, North London

  • Reiki Training Level 1

    My journey from Reiki Level 1 to Master with Sam has been profoundly transformative. They provided a nurturing, safe environment that helped me grow at every stage—from building my initial foundation to deepening my practice and eventually stepping into my own power as a Master. Sam is an exceptionally gifted, supportive, and knowledgeable mentor who teaches with deep integrity. I feel fully prepared and inspired to share this healing work, and I cannot recommend their training highly enough. 

    Deborah, North London

  • Reiki Workshop

    Sam is an extraordinary drummer and facilitator whose work goes far beyond rhythm; it becomes a deeply personal and transformative experience. From the moment she begins, it’s clear that her gift lies not just in her skill, but in her intuition and presence. She has an incredible ability to truly see each person in the space, adapting her drumming in a way that feels entirely unique to the individual.
    Each journey with Sam feels different, as though her drum is speaking directly to you, shifting tone, pace and vibration in response to your energy and intention. There is something profoundly moving about how she creates these soundscapes; it’s as if the drum itself comes alive, guiding you exactly where you need to go.
    Sam holds space with such care and awareness. She gently invites you to set an intention, and somehow, through her intuitive rhythm, you are carried towards it, whether that’s a sense of calm, clarity, renewed energy or deeper purpose. Her sessions leave you feeling aligned, grounded and often quietly transformed.
    She is a truly gifted light worker, someone who facilitates deep inner connection and meaningful shifts for those open to the journey. Working with Sam is not just an experience, it’s something that stays with you long after the final beat fades.

    Thea, Twickenham

  • Reiki Drum Session

    I’ve attended several of Sam’s workshops and drumming circles and what strikes me most is the extraordinary space that’s created from the moment you arrive. There’s a warmth and intentionality to everything - everyone feels genuinely held and welcomed.

    Having never experienced drumming before I wasn’t sure what to expect and definitely couldn’t have imagined what the journey was going to feel like. It built in a way that was almost primal, drawing something out that I didn’t even know needed to be released. Each session since has brought something different but the end result has always been one of feeling deeply settled and exhilarated!

    Liane, Essex

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