Counselling & Therapy
Healing That Meets You
Where You Are
Compassionate, evidence-based counselling for individuals, couples, families, and youth — rooted in 24+ years of transforming lives across St. Maarten and the Caribbean.
Children & Adolescents
Age-appropriate counselling for children and teens (ages 7–young adults) struggling with ADHD concerns, anxiety, depression, peer difficulties, grief, and identity questions.
- ADHD-related focus & attention challenges
- Anxiety, panic, and depression
- Behavioural challenges & peer conflicts
- Grief, loss, and trauma recovery
- Self-esteem & identity questions
Couples & Family Therapy
Evidence-based relationship and family counselling to strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild intimacy. Also helps families navigate role changes and generational dynamics.
- Family systems theory
- Lifestyle prescription medicine
- EFT for somatic release
- Conflict resolution & communication skills
- Gottman Method
Begin your couples assessment →
Book a couples / family session →
Perinatal Support
Specialised coaching for expectant parents and new mothers navigating pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, bonding, anxiety, and perinatal mood concerns. A critical season that deserves expert, compassionate support.
- Pregnancy anxiety & labour fears
- Postpartum anxiety & depression
- Bonding difficulties & identity shifts
- Partner & family education
Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Professional mediation for couples, families, organisations, and community disputes. Dr. Francis Cotton is trained in democratic dialogue, restorative practices, and trauma-informed mediation — integrating EFT where appropriate.
- Divorcing couples needing co-parenting agreements
- Organisations with interpersonal conflict
- Families navigating transitions
- Community dispute resolution
Lifestyle Wellness Coaching
Lifestyle medicine coaching supporting sustainable behaviour change around nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and chronic disease prevention using motivational interviewing and evidence-based health coaching frameworks.
- Improved energy & stress management
- Sustainable nutrition & movement habits
- Diabetes, hypertension & metabolic health
- Chronic disease prevention & longevity
For Organisations
Employee Mental Health & Wellness Programs
VLF offers contracted Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services — providing confidential counselling, referral, and organisational consultation to support employee mental health, productivity, and workplace culture.
- Confidential counselling for employees at all levels
- Strategic consultation & utilisation reporting for leadership
- Tailored for small businesses (6–25 people) to mid-market (50–300+)
- Measurable ROI on employee retention & engagement
- NET 30 payment terms for corporate clients
Practitioner Team
Meet Your Counsellors
Marriage & Family Therapist | Master Therapist of 25+ years
Certified Lifestyle Prescription Medicine Wholistic Health Coach | Gottman Approved Member
Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton
Dr. Nicole is a #1 bestselling author who has been empowering couples, youth, families, and individuals as a marriage and family therapist since the turn of the century. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Tampa, a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oral Roberts University, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Grace Hill Bible University. As an Emotional Freedom Techniques practitioner specialising in trauma therapy, she helps clients overcome emotional pain, trauma, and phobias. She understands marriage from the inside: she is happily married to her husband and co-therapist, Mr. Roy Cotton, Jr.
International Coach & Radio Host | Lead Perinatal Coach | Systemic Therapy Practitioner
Mr. Roy Cotton, Jr.
Mr. Roy Cotton, Jr. is VLF's Lead Perinatal Coach, bringing compassionate, specialist support to individuals and couples navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal loss. He is also an interpersonal and professional development coach, youth specialist, motivational speaker, and international radio host of Love & Inspiration — with over 2 million dedicated listeners — fully dedicated to transforming lives through authentic coaching and inspiration. Mr. Roy Cotton, Jr. conducts co-therapy with Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton in marriage and relationship counselling.
Access & Availability
Clinical Service Hours
All services are delivered by appointment. Extended or emergency referral services are available through partner crisis resources when needed.
Fridays by exception — please enquire
The Sacred Yes
Covenant Pre-Marital Preparation Program
Where God, Wisdom & Love Build Your Forever
8 modules · 20 sessions · 3–6 months. Led by Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton & Mr. Roy Cotton, Jr. In-person, virtual, and cohort options available.
Learn From Our Sessions
Relationship Insights on Video
Watch this presentation by counselling degree students of Grace Hill Bible University, St. Maarten Campus — covering evidence-based principles for building stronger marriages.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Client Voices
What Our Clients Say
April 23, 2019
Nicole Erna Mae Francis Cotton, thank you so much for teaching me how to deal with my grief. I was at a dark empty place but you helped me to see life at a different angle. May God continue to bless you with your gift of helping others; forever grateful.
November 1, 2017
I was introduced to VLF's services at a point when my outlook on life was extremely dim. Being a part of a dynamic group of positive young people helped to restore my sense of purpose, responsibility, and leadership. I am now a holder of a PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Had I not been a part of Y2X, my life's journey might have been quite different.
Scientist, Educator & Quality Leader in Laboratory Medicine | Former Dean, University of St. Martin