Christian Dixon

Verified Professional task_alt Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

FRSA, PGDip, CThA, Clinical Supervisor
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HA
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Christian is a fully qualified, professional and registered dramatherapist and graduated from The University of Hertfordshire in 1996. He has to date worked with many clients from all ages: children as young as three, to young people to adults nationally and internationally.

He is dedicated to supporting his clients towards finding effective solutions to help heal their issues or negative life experiences. Christian specialises in eating disorders, anger management, family therapy, attachment disorders and mental health problems. He will work with clients at affordable rates and offers a sliding scale for unemployed, elderly, students and those on low incomes. Christian will also support clients from all areas of the Black Country: Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Coventry, Birmingham and surrounding areas. They can receive therapy at his beautiful counselling and therapy studios in the Dudley town centre. Free parking available.

Christian has also won The Sparkle Award for innovation and creativity in his work with clients and is co-founder of the award-winning counselling and therapy service based in Central Dudley and the heart of the Black Country, West Midlands called The AoC (The Arts of Change). The company has won several exciting contracts to support a wide range of client groups in the local community and assisting individuals, couples, families and staff teams of small or large organisations in transforming the way they ‘perform’ and also how they can better relate to one another using dramatic, educational, holistic and creative emotional, social or psychological self-developmental techniques.  He has recently had a clinical paper published by Routledge on Family Dramatherapy and LGBTQ+, and also is director of The Creative Arts Projects in Devon and The West Midlands and The AoC Trust – a national therapy arts charity.

Christian manages a dedicated team of professional and student counsellors and therapists who together share a wide range of modalities at The Arts of Change Ltd (The AoC). You can also find their business page via Counselling Directory.

Christian was born and bred in Dudley and left the West Midlands at the age of eighteen after gaining a coveted place at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where he trained for three years on the Professional Acting Course and went onto win the Sarah Churchill Memorial Acting Prize. Other budding thespians who also trained at the school were – Daniel Craig, Alistair McGowan, Orlando Bloom, Niamh Cusack, Ewan McGregor, Dominic West and Sarah Lancashire to name but a few. Christian also performed for and met the legendary American composer and conductor – Leonard Bernstein whilst at Guildhall.

Christian recent film and TV work includes Mary Poppins Returns with Emily Blunt in the titular role, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and an eight part drama series for Channel 4 called Cucumber, written and produced by top TV writer - Russell.T.Davies, famous for bringing back ‘Dr Who’ to our screens and creating the ground-breaking  ‘Queer As Folk’ series.

Christian is also a fellow of The Royal Society of Arts and has performed many times in London’s leading and West End theatres and with top theatre directors, including The Old Vic, The Donmar, (with ‘War Horse’ and ‘The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time’ Olivier and Tony Award winning director – Marianne Elliott)  The Royal Court Theatre, The Almeida and has once played a major leading role for The Royal Shakespeare Company under the direction of ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ film director – Roger Mitchell.

Acclaimed productions which Christian has appeared in over the years include: Macbeth, The Little Foxes, The Plantagenets, Kissing The Pope, Burn My Heart, Richard lll, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, Mogadishu, In Basildon, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Park.

Much of Christian’s performance and theatrical career informs his dramatherapy work; healing through dramatic play and encouraging his clients; regardless of any interest or experience in drama, theatre or performance, to break out of their shells: find new self- confidence, find their voice, stand up to bullies or oppressive partners, explore many problems and difficulties gently and safely - through story, exploring, developing and character creation. Christian has an easy approach and works intuitively using both directive and non-directive methods to help his clients reach solution-focused goals.

If you would like to contact Christian for more information about private one-to-one sessions, group therapy, drama or theatre training then please don’t hesitate to call: 01384 211 168 and remember to leave your full name and contact details, or alternatively email him at support@theaoc.org.uk and if Christian cannot see you, he will always promise to refer you onto one of his excellent and dedicated team of counsellors and therapists whom Christian works closely with.

Training, qualifications & experience

Relaxation & Mindfulness Diploma Training Course. SMART Foundations - 2014.
Dramatherapy Postgraduate Diploma training at The University of Hertfordshire - 1996.
The Guildhall School of Music & Drama Professional Acting Course - 1987.

Organisations worked with include:

  • The Royal Shakespeare Company
  • MIND
  • Riverside Mental Health Trust
  • Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Aquarius Action Projects
  • Hillingdon Hospital
  • Charing Cross Hospital
  • West Mercia Police
  • The National Probation Service
  • Art Space
  • St Jude's Primary School
  • Talent Match
  • Foster Care Associates
  • Oracle Care
  • Murray Hall
  • Old Park Primary School
  • Harvills Hawthorn Primary School
  • Saltmine Trust
  • Gordon Moody
  • The Youth Offending Service

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

If you cannot see your difficulties listed, please make contact with us and we will be more than happy to discuss this with you and how we can help.

Fees

£30.00 - £65.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Unemployed

Additional information

For Corporate/Businesses rates - please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Private rates:
All our rates have a sliding scale depending on personal income.

Consultation: £20.00 per hour.
Individual Therapy: £30.00 - 40.00 per hour.
Couple Therapy: £65.00 per hour.
Family Therapy (3-4 clients): £65.00. An extra £10.00 will be added to the session fee per extra family member added from 4 attendees+ i.e. 5 family members = a £75.00 session fee.
Group Therapy: Fees will vary on the group type and number of attendees.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Admin hours - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Fri

In-Person Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:15 pm

In-Person Sat 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Online/Telephone are sessions available outside of these hours

Closed Sundays

Further information

"That we would do, we should do when we would."

William Shakespeare. Hamlet. 4.7

I am no ordinary drama therapist, or workshop trainer. I help people move out of difficult emotional and psychological problems using safe, easy, fun and most of all effective exercises and skills. I also teach acting and self-control techniques.

If you want a workshop leader who is passionate about his work, dedicated, skilful, patient, imaginative, friendly and genuine then you have definitely come to the right place.

Christian Dixon FRSA

Testimonials:

“Above and beyond what I expected. Ten weeks rammed into eight but it was worth it. An excellent trainer with a fantastic team of people to work alongside.  Wish The AOC could deliver a follow up course.”

Allen. 2017.

“I found the workshop an amazing experience which was very enjoyable. I have been to a lot of drama classes but this was one of the best I have been to yet.”

Lucy. 2016.

“Initially, I came to The Arts of Change as a student Dramatherapist. It was my first year and although I had made the decision to embark upon the training as a therapist, the role of the client was new to me. I had no idea what to expect and had no way of anticipating the journey ahead. From the first conversation I had with Christian Dixon (Dramatherapist), I felt comfortable and at ease. In seconds I went from nervous and apprehensive to excited and curious. My journey has consisted of 42 sessions between September 2014 and June 2015. During this time I have surprised myself with the work that I have done. Using a range of materials from paints, to text, to chairs and coat stands; I have unintentionally and delightedly awakened my curiosity about myself. I understand that I am not black and white. I am not this or that. I am “me”, and this idea of “me” is constantly morphing and developing. My experience with The Arts of Change has enabled me to realise this. It has taught me the importance of being kind and loving to myself. I would like to share a brief extract from a letter that I wrote to myself towards the end of the process to demonstrate this:

'I am a butterfly in a cage. Except I am not trapped. I am closed in for now, but I am aware that I am about to be freed to bloom and blossom into the world with colour! I never tell myself this, but I think I ought to know: I love me.'

I can't thank Christian enough for standing by my side as I embarked upon the beginning of a life-long journey. This chapter will be undoubtedly unforgettable. Support, optimism and hope are just a small selection of the gifts I will be taking away with me from what has been a truly magical encounter!”

Laura. 2015.

“I began Dramatherapy sessions in March 2015. The first meeting was essentially a meet and greet with Christian Dixon, who informed me what our sessions would entail and the structure of each individual session. Initially I was filled were fear at the prospect of receiving therapy and I admittedly doubted the effectiveness of Dramatherapy itself, but I was comforted by Christian’s friendly and outgoing nature, and was reassured  that with his help I would be able to overcome any issues that I may have had.

At the time, I was struggling with body image insecurities, and was engaging heavily in Bulimia and starvation. I also had a large amount of repressed anger and frustration from issues such as bullying that I had encountered whilst growing up. At the time I weighed nine stone, which was underweight for someone my height. With Christian’s help, I desired to overcome my unhealthy and physically damaging eating habits, and address the situations and people who had led me to this point.

We ran a number of different exercises and covered a wide range of topics throughout the sessions. For example body maps, the distortion of the brain, and the effects of bulimia on the body and mind. It was initially frightening to learn about such matters, but ultimately essential to my recovery.

Christian was sensitive and caring throughout the process and it was evident that at all times he had my best interests at heart. Another effective method that was used in the early stages of therapy was the implementation of timelines and goals. Through setting out achievable goals and healthy habits to adopt, such as diet plans, I was able to undertake each issue separately, ensuring that I was not overwhelmed and therefore more likely to fail. Through such timelines I was able to rediscover certain passions that had unfortunately become lost, such as photography and reading.

A further method of recovery that Christian and I carried out was a breath control exercise. As we discovered that many issues that I faced revolved around my inability to deal with stressful situations. As a result of this I had resorted to breathing from my chest rather than from my diaphragm. To combat this we engaged in various breathing exercises which I believed greatly benefited my recovery and I know implement these regularly throughout my day.

As we neared the end of our sessions together, we began to implement some practical work in order to cement the theoretical lessons that I had been learning. Together Christian and I ran through various situations and simulations, revolving around issues that I particularly struggled, combing physical movement and a verbal response. This was perhaps my favourite part of my therapy sessions, as I found that I was able to implement what I had learned from my sessions in a physical manner, ensuring that such behaviour might become habitual.

My penultimate session with Christian centred on the theme of Endings. As we discovered I often struggled to cope with Endings, particularly in past relationships, however tackling these issues with Christian resulted in a very freeing atmosphere, allowing me address certain unresolved issues. Furthermore we engaged in a letter writing exercise, whereby I was asked to write a letter to my previous self, in an attempt to ‘say goodbye’ to past habits and destructive thoughts. Through doing this I was able to physically and emotionally leave certain issues in the past, ensuring that they will not affect me further in the future.

Ultimately I consider the sessions that I spent with Christian to be invaluable, as with his help I was able to overcome the destructive behaviour I had adopted as a result of past issues, and instead adopt positive habits and thought patterns which will aid my development in the future.”

Stephen. 2016.

“I got a lot out of the dramatherapy.  I found it amazing how drama can help people sort through their problems and can look at them through a character.”

Jason. 2014.

"It didn't seem enough to only thank you in person for allowing me to sit in and observe your dramatherapy group, I wanted to thank you in writing also, as I really believe your drama group session is such a brilliant experience.  I personally experienced the light go on within me as to what person centred care is really about.  I sincerely hope you will invite me to future dramatherapy sessions so I can observe and learn more."

J. Johnson. 2013.

"Hello I am writing to thank you for the excellent workshop you gave at Artspace Dudley on the 27th April. All of the participants had a great time, exploring drama in this bright and lively session on the subject of ‘Shakespeare’s Dangerous Women’. The group was very mixed with ages ranging from 15 to 65 however all got a great deal from the reading and speaking techniques and your expert knowledge on the subject.  We look forward to being able to have you back in the near future. Many thanks."

Ed Cartwright. Former Manager of Art Space.

"Christian delivered a wonderfully inspiring, thought-provoking, flexible and creative session about storytelling to our staff at Aquarius. It has helped them to see that there are creative ways of exploring complex and sensitive issues with clients – whilst also having fun.    Staff have asked this session to be incorporated into the in- house training programme . Christian is good to work with – reliable , positive and inspirational."

Annette Fleming. Chief Executive. Aquarius Action Projects. 2014.

"I felt that listening to this relaxation CD was very gentle and soothing for my mind. I found that the following morning I had an extra spring in my step, as if I had slept a long and deep sleep. It felt very good!!"

S. Birmingham area. 2015

"Christian made the best voice overs we have ever had the pleasure of recording. He has a fantastic tone and read with excellent pace, accuracy and feeling. The microphone loved him!"

B. Bates / Heathcote Studios. 2014.

"Hi Christian, I would like to thank you for the wonderful relaxation course.

This has helped me in so many ways - to breathe correctly, relax and certainly de-stress.  You are professional, understanding, approachable and most of all a pleasure to work with.  You have a relaxing tone to your voice, which is something I could listen to all day!  Your sessions are well planned and you adhere to the needs of each individual.  Not only are you an excellent trainer and drama therapist but a very sincere and caring person and you are so knowledgeable as every question I asked you answered.  You made me feel at ease and someone I could trust - now that don’t happen very often!

I have and will continue to recommend the relaxation course to many people.  It’s an experience not to be missed, in my personal opinion."

Sarah Carr.  Relaxation Course. 2014.

"I cannot recommend this Relaxation course highly enough.  I feel like a different person and would recommend it to anyone!"

Helen Barker. Relaxation Course. 2014.

"A very good course. Christian was very good and it was so relaxing. Gold star!"

Stephen Newman-Jones. Relaxation Course. 2014.

"Fantastic and inspirational, good ways and different tools to work with clients.

Good content, communicated well and good mix of presentation and interactive exercises. This workshop has definitely made an impression on how I could help other people and even myself through his workshop on ‘moving on through storytelling’. It has inspired me into putting these techniques into practice."

Aquarius Action Projects. Story telling & Story making Workshop. 2013

"Christian is refreshing, has a great sense of humour and a bubbly personality – he uses his  skills as a drama therapist to run groups with identified service users and produced documentation to demonstrate its effectiveness. He is an asset."

Diana Edwards.

Dudley Metropolitan Council. Dramatherapy with Dementia. 2013

"Christian is a pleasure to work with: reliable, positive and very creative!"

Chris Wall. Former Assistant Chief Officer

The National Probation Service.  Anger Management. 2009

"Christian’s work with volunteers is so appreciated. He kindly provided training in ‘dealing positively with anger’ and ‘dealing with aggressive or threatening behaviour’.  We are very grateful and your work is valued!"

Reverend Paul Collier

Charterhouse in Southwark. Dealing with Aggressive or Threatening Behaviour. 2000.

"Christian saw my clients both individually and within groups at Mead House Community Mental Health Resource Centre, and all clients have appeared to benefit from the therapy. Christian has also worked with our day centre staff looking at various aspects of the work and helping with team building exercises – all of which have proved most useful to us all. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others."

Jaswant Kaur

Day Centre Manager. Middlesex. 1998.

"Christian facilitated Playback Theatre sessions which helped our patients look at themselves in a non-threatening environment. Christian’s main forte is drama in anger management – this he successfully facilitated with the most difficult of people.  His style and knowledge allowed people to explore themselves in what was a safe environment.  Everyone who has attended this group over the years, still recall the strategies and talk about how useful it was for them. He shall be greatly missed!"

Helen Gibson

Manager. Hillingdon Hospital. Uxbridge. 1998.

"Thank you very much Christian for the presentation you gave to the Psychiatric department team regarding ‘Managing Anger & Conflict’. We fully appreciated it!"

Susan Potts. Managing Anger & Conflict. 1997

"I have been a minister for over thirty years and I can honestly say that the work achieved under Christian’s guidance has been by far the best piece of youth work I’ve experienced in those years. Christian is a person of integrity, hard-working, enthusiastic and able to motivate and inspire. A man of immense personal charm and charisma. Christian’s work is exemplary."

Rev. C.P. Lemmon. Drama in Education. 1997

"Christian saw my clients both individually and within groups at Mead House Community Mental Health Resource Centre, and all clients have appeared to benefit from the therapy. Christian has also worked with our day centre staff looking at various aspects of the work and helping with team building exercises – all of which have proved most useful to us all. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

Everyone who has attended this group over the years, still recall the strategies and talk about how useful it was for them. He shall be greatly missed!"

Jackie Shaw. Operational Manager. Head Occupational Therapist.

Riverside Mental Health Trust. Hammersmith.  Drama therapy. 1996.

info

Christian Dixon is also registered with Counselling Directory.

The Arts Of Change Ltd, 27 Holloway Chambers, Priory Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HA

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Families
Groups
Organisations

Key details

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Please buzz The AoC on the intercom at the main door then you will be directed to the disabled access at the back of the building.

Supervision

Online
Phone

Clinical Supervision with Dramatherapist - Christian Dixon https://www.myclinicalsupervisor.co.uk

View supervision profile

Social