As a dramatherapist and yoga teacher I offer a holistic and integrative approach to therapy. I also offer outdoor therapy where we respond to the natural environment. This is a deeply embodied approach and I encourage all clients to try an outdoor session. Outdoors we can use metaphor, ritual, symbolism, movement, and breathwork.
What is Dramatherapy?
In Dramatherapy we can use arts, drama, and theatre processes to explore experiences, stories, relationships and problem-solve. This creative approach helps express feelings, unresolved issues, and narratives in a subconscious and often non-directive way. It is an embodied practice that is active and experiential. We may use role play, storytelling, voicework, movement, puppetry, or mask work. Music, poetry, writing, costume, theatre-making, and art can also be used. We can explore verbally and non-verbally. Dramatherapy is often very client-centred, with the therapist taking the lead from the client and picking up on metaphors, stories, feelings, and visual cues. The therapist and client work creatively together. The therapist is a facilitator and guide. We observe and witness both the process, the journey, and the outcomes providing a safe, respectful, and confidential space guided by the client. Ultimately any therapeutic work is about relationship, relationship to self, each other, the space around us and our everyday experiences. As a yoga teacher and bodyworker I work to help the client to be in the present moment. Often when we are confused, anxious, upset, stressed or traumatised this can be a very difficult place to inhabit. It can feel overwhelming and unsafe. I do this by connecting to the breath and the body to become grounded and to find a safe place.
Outdoor Therapy
Outdoor therapy, also known as ecotherapy or nature therapy, involves therapeutic practices conducted in natural settings. It integrates the healing benefits of nature with psychological support. This can include activities like hiking, gardening, wilderness therapy, or simply spending time outdoors while engaging in therapeutic conversations.
The core idea is that being in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. It can be particularly beneficial for issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma, as it encourages mindfulness and connection with the environment. Outdoor therapists often combine elements of traditional talk therapy with experiential activities, promoting both mental and physical health.
Where to Begin?
We have an initial meeting to introduce the therapy space and connect to each other and the environment. It is essential that a client feels comfortable and that there is a connection between the client and the therapist. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I recommend having 3 initial sessions and if we agree to continue I usually see clients weekly or fortnightly. You will be sent a form to gather information about what brings you to therapy.
What to expect in a therapy session
Initial sessions following our first meeting will often involve connecting to the breath and how the client is in their body. We may then explore some movement, art, sculpting or relaxation techniques. We may practice some breathing and movement/visualisation exercises to help become grounded and relaxed. Through body work, breathing and movement, feelings, thoughts or memories may begin to surface. We explore creatively some of the material/ ideas that emerge. The majority of the time we work with what the client brings into the room. Some days you may just want to talk and that’s fine too.
A session will sometimes finish with mindfulness/ grounding practices and relaxation or breathwork.
Where Do The Sessions Take place?
Indoor therapy sessions take place at Evolve Counselling and Therapy Centre on Park Square in Leeds City Centre. This is a beautiful, calming and dedicated place for therapists. There is plenty of on street parking and it is in a quiet location.
Outdoor therapy sessions take place in Otley. Other locations may be available depending on your location.
My therapy days are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays I can also offer online sessions.
About Nichi
Training and Code of Practice
As a full member of BADth ( British Association of Dramatherapists) I adhere to and follow their Code of Practice and am registered with the Health Professions Council. I have regular supervision and attend regular webinars, workshops and training concerning therapy and trauma research, body work and Dramatherapy. I have a postgraduate diploma in Dramatherapy, a certificate in Neuro Dramatic Play and an interest in working with trauma with a somatic approach. I am a trainer in Yamuna Body Rolling as well as a Senior Yoga Teacher. I have over 36 years experience of working with arts, drama, yoga and creative approaches with client groups of all ages and abilities. I have studied Trauma Sensitive Yoga and can offer guided relaxation techniques and trauma sensitive approaches in a creative and somatic way. Last year I completed training with the Human Givens Institute in the Rewind Technique which is particularly useful for working with phobias and trauma. I have completed training in Sandplay Therapy with a specific focus on working with trauma. I am trained in Outdoor Therapy and from October 2024 I will be moving more of my sessions outside.
I work with people of all ages. I prefer to work face to face with clients though can do occasional sessions online and offer telephone sessions as and when needed.
Fees
From October 2024
Initial Consultation £50 for 1 hour
Packages
6 week Block–
6 Week Block £320. Dates can be booked 1 week in advance.
Individual Sessions
£60 per hour payable in advance. 48 hours notice is required for all cancellations.
Get in Touch
Start a conversation about Embodied Self Therapy by emailing Nichi at [email protected]. Are you an arts therapists interested in meeting other arts therapists and sharing creative approaches? We have a regular meet up group. Next meeting is the 30th November 12-2pm. Get in touch if you are interested in joining us.
Testimonials
Safe Space………..
I initially booked to see Nichi as I wanted to overcome my difficulties in maintaining and building relationships. I wanted to become more confident and be my authentic self in social situations.
Nichi provided a safe space for me to become vulnerable allowing me to explore myself, my thoughts, behaviours and the environment I occupy. The sessions, in particular, Sand Play Therapy have enabled me to uncover and work through some deep complex childhood trauma experiences. Working with Nici has been life-changing for me. My authentic self has emerged, and I’m becoming more confident every day enabling me to build deeper and more intimate relationships in all areas of my life.
C 2023
Welcoming….
“I contacted Nichola for therapy after I had a mild head injury and concussion and I was really struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms from the accident. Nichola was really welcoming and thorough in our initial meeting and listened to everything I had to say and helped me understand how she could help me. Through the course of weekly then going onto fortnightly sessions with her; she listened to what I had to say and was really caring and helped me through my difficult thoughts and feelings. Nichola gave me my own sketchbook and we worked through my thought space through drawing, art and crafts which really helped me visualise and understand how and why I was feeling certain ways. It really helped me to overcome a lot of my issues and I felt she was very honest and genuine about how she approached the therapy which was great. She also introduced me to hypnotherapy which I felt really helped calm me. I have now begun my journey of recovery without therapy as I felt I had gained so much insight and help I wanted to see how I was doing on my own. Thank you so much Nichola for everything :)”
R 2023
Caring and Understanding……..
I really enjoyed my time working with Nichola. She was a very welcoming and understanding individual who always made me feel comfortable to share anything that was troubling me. Talking to Nichola always made me feel like I had someone who really cared about me as a person and took time to really understand me. I always felt that I had someone in my corner who I could turn to when I needed support. Her warmth and humour allowed me to feel safe and that I could be my full self. I would definitely consider working with her again in the future.”
A 2023