Holly Dickinson

Holly Dickinson- Children and young peoples counsellor

Qualifications and professional membership- BA Hons Early Childhood Studies 2010. Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling 2017. Advanced Certificate in Working with Children and Young People 2022. I am accredited with the National Counselling Society and adhere to their code of ethics.

My background is varied, having worked in education, residential care and youth work before deciding to become a counsellor. I currently work for a youth based charity offering counselling in primary and secondary schools, as well as being based at the Phoenix practice. Although my initial training was in Psychotherapeutic counselling with adults, I retrained to be able to offer counselling to children and adolescents. I work with children and young people with a variety of issues including those who have social, emotional and behaviour problems, are struggling to attend or stay in school, have experienced bereavement or separation, suffering with anxiety, depression and low self esteem, trauma and abuse, disordered eating, sleep problems, attachment problems, SEN, neurodiversity, dissociation, self harm and suicidal thoughts.

Every child is unique and I adapt my approach to meet the individual needs of the child. I look to gain an insight into the inner world of the child and meet the child where they are.

Life can be challenging and confusing at the best of times but particularly when we are growing up and trying to make sense of ourselves and the world around us. I will offer you a safe space to be and gently explore whatever it is you are struggling with. I gently challenge where appropriate and invite you to begin to explore relationships  and behaviours, without judgement, encouraging you to treat yourself with compassion and kindness, in order to heal and grow. Counselling is a process and a journey of self discovery.

The relationship between the child and counsellor is key to the therapeutic process and therapy  isn’t all about talking. We can learn a lot about ourselves through connecting with our playful and creative side. Sometimes things can be difficult to verbalise and using creative media, such as painting, clay and sand, can help us to explore our feelings in a safe way. This is something you can explore if you feel comfortable to do so.

I look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you on your journey.