About Me
Hello, I'm Holly (she/her), an Integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor, Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner, and Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher. I have over 24 years' experience supporting children, young people and adults across educational, therapeutic and community settings in the UK and internationally.
My therapeutic training at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) underpins my creative, relational and integrative approach. I combine evidence-informed practice with compassion, curiosity and creativity, while recognising that every person brings their own experiences, strengths and ways of understanding the world.
My Professional Experience
Throughout my career, I have worked across education, mental health, therapeutic and community settings, supporting people with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and wellbeing needs.
I have worked in both state and independent schools, including two private schools where I helped to establish and develop wellbeing services. My work has included 1:1 counselling, drop-in support, group work and wider wellbeing programmes, working alongside teachers, families and other professionals to support children's and young people's emotional wellbeing.
I have experience supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and a range of social, emotional and behavioural needs. My approach is strengths-based, neurodivergence-affirming and responsive to the individual rather than focused solely on difficulties or diagnoses.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I founded and directed HollyTree Yoga and Wellbeing Services, a Community Interest Company providing yoga, mindfulness and creative wellbeing programmes for children, young people and families. Through this work, I developed accessible programmes focused on emotional literacy, self-esteem, resilience, body confidence and emotional wellbeing. Although HollyTree closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, its values continue to influence my practice.
My wider experience includes long-term voluntary work mentoring adults recovering from eating disorders, arts-based educational programmes in Central America, and conservation volunteering. These experiences have shaped my belief in the importance of connection, creativity, community and our relationship with the natural world.
My Training & Professional Development
I hold professional qualifications in counselling, wellbeing practice and yoga, alongside specialist training in areas including trauma, neurodivergence, bereavement, mindfulness, creative approaches and nature-based practice.
I am committed to ongoing learning and regularly undertake CPD in areas including safeguarding, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice, and First Aid. For a full overview of my qualifications and specialist training, please visit Qualifications & Professional Training.
Professional Membership & Safe Practice
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I undertake regular clinical supervision and maintain an Enhanced DBS certificate through the Update Service.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in relation to my data protection responsibilities and take confidentiality, safeguarding and the privacy of those I work with seriously.
My Journey
My passion for this work is also shaped by my own experiences.
Growing up, I experienced challenges with confidence, self-esteem and feeling connected to others. Like many people, I have experienced periods of emotional difficulty that have deepened my understanding of how important it is to feel genuinely seen, heard and understood.
Through my own experiences of therapy, creative practice, mindfulness and connection with nature, I discovered that change and healing are possible. These experiences continue to inform my work with warmth, humility and compassion, while recognising that every person's journey is different.