About | Sonder Therapy Sowerby Bridge

Hello...

I’m Emma Dillon (she/her), an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor MBACP (Accred) with 15 years of experience of supporting people to improve their physical, holistic and mental health. My background in this field encompasses body-based modalities, meditation and talking therapy.

Counselling / psychotherapy has been incredibly supportive in my own life story and understanding this potential inspires me to hold space for others - my aim is that you feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as you are.

My practice is rooted in empowerment, compassion, and connection and I specialise in working with self-esteem, relationships and LGBTQ+ wellbeing.

How We Might Work Together...

I believe that this process 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, explore blind spots, be gently challenged and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

Relational approach:

Research on the usefulness of therapy points to the importance of the therapeutic relationship and this will be central to the work we do.

I consider the relationship in counselling / psychotherapy to be a unique space and hold genuine interest and fondness for those I work with - aiming to 'be alongside' in an embodied, down-to-earth, and supportive way.

Integrative approach:

A holistic approach that combines techniques from different therapeutic models, personalised for an individual's specific needs, creating a flexible and responsive process.

The heart of my practice is person-centered and from this foundation I draw from trauma-informed practice, mindfulness-based approaches, solution focussed interventions, coaching, creative tools, and cognitive techniques to address a person's emotional, cognitive, and behavioural health.

The way we work together will reflect your individuality.

Creative Expression:

My belief is that creative expression, such as writing, journaling and illustration / art, can be powerful ways of processing emotions and life events and tools for self-discovery - connecting with a sense of creativity inspires my approach and I'm happy to explore this in our work together (though this is not a requirement!).

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

What can I help with?

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

depression / anxiety / gender , sexual and relationship diversity / relationships / divorce and separation / infidelity / neurodiversity / bereavement and loss / pet loss / gender dysphoria / ethical non-monogamy and polyamory / parenting and step-parenting / blended families / mother-daughter relationships / issues stemming from childhood / caregiving / supporting a child with a disability / drug and alcohol dependency / family estrangement / recovery from accidents / traumatic experiences / workplace challenges / retirement / career direction / creative blocks / burnout / life transitions / mid-life / 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 and technology usage or distress / emotional regulation / loneliness / health diagnoses / sexual health and wellbeing / alternative lifestyles : living outside of societal norms / disability / managing long-term or acute health conditions / navigating medication or treatment / pain management / menopause / social anxiety / health anxiety / experiences of discrimination / intrusive thoughts.

You don't need a specific current issue or mental health concern to begin. 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 / Organise your thoughts / work through transitional times / access your creativity / learning to be present / cultivating self-compassion / establishing a mindfulness practice - as well as the issues that might arise for you from broader themes - issues in your community / political climate / wider concerns and world events.

I also welcome requests for sessions from peers and students of counselling and psychotherapy who are seeking ongoing therapy or support.

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 in a way that is inclusive, trauma-informed, and centred on your lived experience.

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

Therapeutic Approaches

Humanistic: Emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.

Relational: Seeing ourselves more clearly by understanding the way we shape — and are shaped by — the relationships we live in.

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

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

Mindfulness-Based and Somatic Approaches: Cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance and working beyond the intellectual understanding, with the felt sense in the body. Working with nervous system regulation.

Internal Family Systems: Working with parts of self.

Existential Approaches: invites us to confront life’s deepest questions so we can live with greater freedom, authenticity, and meaning.

Transactional Analysis: Understanding interactions and communication patterns.

Creative Therapies: Using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool.

Outdoor: integrates traditional talking therapy with outdoor activities in natural settings to improve mental and emotional well-being.

Services

Sessions

Sessions last 50 minutes and can take place weekly or fortnightly. I offer both online and in-person sessions.

Single sessions (single session therapy, on demand - dependent on my weekly availability or ad-hoc for returning clients)
Short-term (6 -12 weeks)
Long-term (months / years)

Making counselling as accessible as possible matters to me.

I offer a number of concession spaces for those who may be facing financial challenges—those on low income, or in periods of transition.

Please 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.

Services

Training

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 trauma informed Mindfulness teacher (MBSR, MBCT) having completed training with Breathworks Foundation and Bangor University, Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice.

I regularly undertake professional development opportunities in specialist areas (via CPD resources, supervision, peer connection, workshops, conferences, and online training).