About Me

I’m Emma Dillon (she/her), an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, with 15 years’ experience working with clients in holistic wellbeing, physical therapy and mental health. Alongside therapeutic work, I'm active within several charities and community groups, with the aim of improving mental wellbeing and connecting people.

The process of therapy has been powerful, transformative and important in my own life and I have a deep appreciation for the potential of this space. I draw upon this for inspiration and it drives my intention to hold space for others.

I’ve supported individuals and groups across a wide range of needs, and continue to feel deeply honoured to do this work.

My practice is rooted in empowerment, compassion, and connection.

I specialise in working with identity, self-esteem, relationships and LGBTQ+ wellbeing—My aim is that you feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as you are.

How We Might Work Together

Our relationship will be central to the work we do. I believe that therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about creating a space where you can understand yourself and those around you more clearly, connect with your inner resources, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

The core of my practice is person centered and building on this foundation, I draw from a range of approaches and modalities including trauma-informed practice, mindfulness-based approaches, coaching, creative tools, and cognitive techniques. The way we work together will reflect your uniqueness.

I have found that creative expression, such as writing and journaling, can be powerful tools for self-discovery and growth - connecting with a sense of creativity inspires my approach and I'm happy to explore this in our work together.

Whether you’ve had therapy before or this is all new, you’re welcome to bring your questions and hesitations. We’ll move at your pace.

Therapeutic Approaches

• Humanistic: Emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.

• Person-Centered: Focusing on your unique perspective and inner resources.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing thought patterns to improve emotional regulation.

• Mindfulness-Based Approaches (MBCT/MBSR): Cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance.

Internal Family Systems: Working with parts of self

• Transactional Analysis: Understanding interactions and communication patterns.

• Creative Therapies: Using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool.

Sessions

I work with people in a way that suits their needs.

Sessions last 1 hour and can take place weekly or fortnightly. I offer both online and in-person sessions, depending on what works best for you.

Single sessions (single session therapy, on demand - dependent on my weekly availability or ad-hoc for returning clients)
Short-term (around 6 weeks)
Long-term (months / years)

Fees & Accessibility

Making therapy accessible matters to me. I offer a number of concession spaces and a sliding scale for those who may be facing financial challenges—those on low income, or in periods of transition. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if this applies to you. We can have an open conversation about what’s manageable.

If you are a student counsellor or therapist, undertaking therapy as part of a course requirement, get in touch about a reduced rate for a period of time.

"Trying to change ourselves doesn't work in the long run because we're resisting our own energy. Self-improvement can have temporary results, but lasting transformation occurs only when we honour ourselves as the source of wisdom and compassion." - Pema Chodron

Services

Background and Experience

What can I help with?

I have experience in helping clients navigate a wide range of issues, including those related to:

identity, gender and sexuality, depression, anxiety, break-ups, relationships / marriage, divorce and separation, infidelity, neurodiversity, bereavement and loss, dysphoria, ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, parenting and step-parenting, issues stemming from childhood, blended families, caregiving, drug and alcohol dependency / addiction, family estrangement, recovery from accidents, past trauma, workplace challenges, retirement, career direction, creative blocks, burnout, life transitions, bullying and abuse, exam/study stress, financial struggles, financial abuse, confidence and self-esteem issues, struggles to make connections/friendships, feelings of emptiness, feelings of jealousy, alexythymia, management of anger, social media usage/distress, emotional regulation, loneliness, health diagnoses, disability, managing long-term or acute health conditions, navigating medication or treatment, pain management, menopause, social anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, phobias, experiences of discrimination, intrusive thoughts.

In addition to specific issues and challenges, I see therapy sessions as a collaborative space in which to tackle both the personal and broader aspects of life: Everyday life - organisation, planning, self care, achieving a healthy work/life balance, decisions, habits, tools for life management, study, time management, mindset, nervous system regulation, learning to be present - as well as the issues that might arise for you from broader themes - issues in your community, political climate, climate concerns and world events.

You don't need a specific current issue or mental health concern to begin therapy. It can be a place to organise your thoughts, work through transitional times, access your creativity, reflect on values and relationships, gain perspective, talk through concerns without judgement, take a pause and 'zoom-out' from life, foster self compassion and self trust, understand yourself better, make sense of the past and its impact, self-exploration, be challenged to grow or to focus on future decisions and direction.

My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and I’m dedicated to fostering a space that is affirming and informed about gender, sexual, and relationship diversity. I work affirmatively with LGBTQ+ clients, welcoming all identities and expressions. My approach is inclusive, trauma-informed, and centred on your lived experience—who you are is not a problem to be solved, rather a truth to be honoured.

If your concern isn’t mentioned above, please reach out—I’m here to explore how I can assist you.

Qualifications

I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Person Centered Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (University of Salford) and certificates in Transactional Analysis and creative therapy. I am a trained and trauma informed Mindfulness teacher (MBSR, MBCT) having completed courses with Breathworks Foundation and Bangor University, Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice.

I regularly add to my competencies undertaking professional development opportunities in specialist areas (via CPD resources, supervision, peer connection, workshops, conferences, and online training).

Sample of Training and CPD

Mindfulness based Stress Reduction Teacher Training Retreat (Bangor University)

Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workshop - Mindfulness Network

Trauma workshops - Carolyn Spring

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Workshop - Mindfulness Network

Integrated Action - Mindfulness Network

Safeguarding Training - Mindfulness Network

Bereavement and Loss training - Macmillan

Autism, Trauma and Autism Awareness, Autism Dialogue Approach

Drugs and addiction awareness training - Leeds Forward

Mindfulness for Health 8 week and TTi Mindfulness Teacher Training, Breathworks Manchester

Ayurvedic Health and nutrition, Ayurvedic Natural Health, Goa, India

Remedial Therapy, Northern Institute of Massage, Bury

VCTC Holistic Therapy

Affiliations:

MBACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

As a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) I am bound by their ethical standards, including confidentiality.