Supervision

Oliver de Nicolai

Oliver de Nicolai is an experienced, ACA-registered counsellor with a diverse professional background spanning mental health, law enforcement, and consulting. He brings over 15 years of service as a Police Officer with the Western Australia Police Force, alongside experience in corporate and consulting roles. This combination of frontline and professional experience informs a practical, grounded approach to counselling that is both compassionate and evidence-informed. Oliver is also an author and advocate in the mental health field, contributing to broader conversations about emotional wellbeing, trauma, and sustainable practice.

Oliver works with adults, couples, and men, with particular experience supporting individuals who struggle with anger, emotional reactivity, stress, and relationship strain. His law enforcement background has shaped a strong understanding of crisis, trauma exposure, high-pressure environments, and the impact these experiences can have on the nervous system and relationships. Clients often seek Oliver’s support because they want a space that feels calm, non-judgemental, and practical, where they can speak openly without needing to justify or minimise their experiences.

Clients describe Oliver as an attentive and insightful listener who creates a sense of safety and clarity in sessions. His counselling approach supports people to understand what is driving their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, particularly when long-standing patterns are no longer serving them. Rather than focusing on labels or quick fixes, Oliver works collaboratively with clients to develop awareness, emotional regulation, and practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life.

Oliver’s work is guided by a person-centred, trauma-informed framework that recognises how life experiences, beliefs, and coping strategies develop over time. He supports clients to reconnect with their values, unhook from unhelpful patterns, and move toward lives that feel more balanced, intentional, and meaningful. His commitment to ethical practice, reflective learning, and ongoing professional development ensures that clients receive care that is thoughtful, respectful, and responsive to their individual needs.

Oliver’s publications are available on Amazon.

The Counsellor’s Toolkit: From Law Enforcement to Counselling – Practical Advice for New Counsellors and Ideas for Career-Changing First Responders.

The Counsellor’s Toolkit: Metaphorically Speaking a Counsellor’s Guide to the Art of Metaphors

The Counsellor’s Toolkit: Couples Counselling Through a Mental Health Lens