Psychotherapy with Nicky...

Nicky is an integrative creative therapist and Dance Movement Psychotherapist. She

attained her DMP training at Goldsmiths University, London.

She offers dance movement psychotherapy and counselling/psychotherapy sessions

for children, young people and adults

Nicky is registered with The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK

(ADMP) https://admp.org.uk/

I consider collaboration, compassion, curiosity and “unconditional positive regard,” at

the heart of my role as a therapist. I’m truly passionate about supporting mental

health and the holistic wellbeing of people. I feel It’s a privilege to hold space and

work alongside people within the therapy process. I hope through offering a meaning

making framework, which honours an individual’s difficulties and validates their lived

experience, I can make a positive difference to the lives of all those I work with.

I use an intersectional, person-centred, trauma informed approach in all my work,

which is underpinned by the psychodynamic framework of my DMP training. I draw

from the embodiment techniques, understanding of the inter-relationship between

mind-body and the empathic creative process of DMP to enable the delivery of

creative therapeutic approach which sits alongside verbal psychotherapy. My

integrative model of practice, draws from multiple therapeutic perspectives, offering

the flexibility to adapt to the specific needs of the individual. I have also trained in

MBT (mentalisation based therapy) with the Anna Freud centre, transformational

Breath, yoga and mindfulness.

As an embodied practitioner I believe we can only connect with others when we feel

safe and secure in our own body. I believe all therapy is based on a felt sense of

safety. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment which cultivates trust,

integrity and commitment. Which provides understanding during times of challenge,

gives space for complex emotional material to be processed, promotes a deeper

sense of conscious awareness, encourages listening to the body, endorses self-care

and nurtures a pathway towards healing, recovery and growth.

I hope by supporting people to authentically appreciate the rich tapestry of their lives

and develop the ability to connect with their body. They can begin to heal, and

integrate mind, body, spirit and soul. Recognising their value, feel empowered to

embrace and accept their unique identities, experience greater clarity, confidence,

balance, and purpose. Acknowledge their capacity for change, discover their ability

to develop effective ways to circumnavigate the complexity’s life can bring and feel

held in the quest towards self-actualisation.

Over the past 10 years Nicky has worked as a therapist in schools

(primary and secondary), CAMHS, specialist educational settings, refugee Camps,

NGO’s and community settings. The last four years of which, she has worked within

two charitable organisations, as an integrative creative therapist at OTR Bristol and

as a sibling support worker at Children’s Hospice South West. Both these

organisations specialise in supporting children, young people and their families.

I’m thankful to have met Stefano and Natalina through our time together at Children’s Hospice

South West. This setting gave me extensive experience, knowledge and insight

around the cycle of life, death and grief models. Working alongside siblings of

children with life limiting conditions, in the provision of support as they navigate their

‘lived experience’. My encounter with this service has been both profound and one I

regard as invaluable in my professional development. Themes presented in this work

included; end of life, death, bereavement, medicalised care, young carers, family

systems, school life and using a hospice. Integral to this work was being able to create meaningful connection through a relational process. Meeting the child/young person where there are, working with what they bring, listening to their voice, attunement to their needs, recognition of their specific needs and giving permission to “just be” - are all elements I regard as essential in my psychotherapeutic practice.

I’ve found that encouragement and engagement with creative expression and the

imagination; through movement, play, music, drama, and nature aides

children/young people to value their story, bring awareness to the interrelationship

between their thoughts, feelings and body, support them to regulate emotions, build

resilience, feel empowered, discover effective coping mechanisms and process their

unique journey. Working with movement and the body can be particularly useful

when working with complex issues related to attachment, gender, sexuality, eating

disorders, self-harm, trauma and abuse.

Prior to her role as a therapist at OTR. Nicky worked for Inspiring kids, Bath,

delivering DMP sessions for children in their homes. Before she trained as a DMP

Nicky was an adult dance and fitness teacher, performer and workshop facilitator.

What is DMP

Dance Movement Therapy (DMP) is a creative, body movement evidence-

based Psychotherapy. DMP “is a relational process in which client(s) and

therapist use body movement and dance as an instrument of

communication during the therapy process” (ADMP)

No dance and movement experience are required.

How can DMP be Helpful?

We experience the world through our bodies. Movement plays a central role in how

we express ourselves and connect with others. Working together creatively in DMP

can help:

 Express and manage emotions.

 Make sense of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences.

 Understand how movements are connected to the way you think (mind) and

feel (body).

 Control impulsive behaviour and ability to maintain focus and attention

 Develop social and communication skills. Explore how we interact with others

and increase ability to verbally communicate.

 Improve motor, gross skills

 Develop self-confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem

 Improve body image.

 Recognize and build strengths.

Further information on DMP can be found here

https://admp.org.uk/what-is-dance-movement-psychotherapy/