Nicola Peltz Beckham has been seen embracing a 'softer, almost childlike identity' during her 31st birthday celebrations, a leading psychotherapist has revealed, as the model appears to seek comfort amid an ongoing, highly publicised rift with her in-laws, David and Victoria Beckham.
A Nostalgic Celebration Analysed
The American socialite, who turned 31 on Friday, shared intimate glimpses of her early festivities on Instagram. In one poignant image, she is seen clinging affectionately to her 83-year-old father, Nelson Peltz, while wearing a dusky pink glittery top. The celebrations featured a nostalgic confetti-decorated cake and a second, elaborately decorated pastel pink cake topped with a feathery ballerina.
"Best birthday yet," she wrote in her caption. "I'm so grateful." However, psychotherapist and certified hypnotherapist Marygrace Anderson told the Daily Mail that the imagery conveyed a deeper psychological narrative. "Her presentation also leans into a softer, almost childlike identity - the nostalgic cake, the affectionate pose, the tone of the caption," Anderson explained. "That kind of imagery can reflect a return to an earlier version of the self, one tied to comfort and familiarity."
Seeking Anchorage in Familial Turbulence
The expert suggested that presenting in a more youthful manner can be a common coping mechanism. "When there’s a need for reassurance or self-care, it can be normal for adults to unconsciously adopt behaviours that appear younger," Marygrace continued, noting Nicola's physical positioning—looking up at her father, crouching beside him—as cues that make her appear smaller and more playful.
This behaviour, she argues, is less about staging a perfect scene and more about 'grounding herself with her loved ones around her'. This analysis arrives against the backdrop of intense media speculation regarding a feud between Nicola, her husband Brooklyn Beckham, 26, and his parents. Reports have claimed Brooklyn has declared his relationship with his parents 'over', with both David and Victoria reportedly blocked on the couple's social media accounts.
"From a psychological perspective, birthdays often bring out a need for familiarity, and comforting symbols can play a big part in this, which may be why she opted for a ballerina cake," Marygrace revealed. "Moments like this tend to bring identity and belonging into focus, especially when there's tension elsewhere in someone's life."
Experts Agree on Search for Security
Educational Psychologist Dr Ahmar Ferguson concurred with this assessment. "Nicola Beckham leaning into her father during a birthday celebration can be read symbolically as a moment of anchoring, a quiet return to a relationship that feels safe, steady, and unconditional," he explained.
He elaborated that such gestures speak to core attachment needs. "In times of relational turbulence, people often gravitate towards figures who represent security, acceptance, and emotional grounding. Leaning into a parent can symbolise seeking reassurance, strength, and a reminder of who we are beyond current conflicts." Dr Ferguson described the instinct to reconnect with emotional anchors as 'deeply universal' when other relationships feel fragile.
The birthday party, attended by dozens of guests including Brooklyn—who shared a kiss with his wife—was filled with balloons, cupcakes, and Oreos. Meanwhile, the Beckhams spent New Year's Eve at their Cotswolds home, while Brooklyn and Nicola partied in South Florida, watching 50 Cent perform in Miami.
Despite David Beckham sharing nostalgic family photos online, including a throwback of a teenage Brooklyn, insiders suggest the rift remains. A source stated that while Brooklyn's relationship with his parents may be strained, his fondness for his grandparents remains strong. The source added: "David and Victoria will never give up trying to secure a reconciliation... He will always be their son."
Nicola's pointed New Year social media message, which tagged Brooklyn and her close family and friends but not her in-laws, further underscored where her current loyalties lie as the new year begins.
