Holly Robinson
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am an HCPC registered music psychotherapist and Neurologic Music Therapist with an interest in trauma-informed expressive arts therapy approaches.
I offer sessions for adults and children with a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, communication and well-being needs. This includes techniques to assist with functional cognition, sensorimotor and speech and language goals.
I am registered with the HCPC (the Health and Care Professions Council) - a legal requirement to practice as a music therapist in the United Kingdom.
I am a member of the British Association for Music Therapy and an affiliate of the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.
Why music / expressive arts therapy?
Music activates the brain and body and offers powerful opportunities for connection, communication, embodiment and reflection. These benefits can be used by qualified music therapists to help identify needs, support change and enhance well-being.
Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words or know where to start when we are going through difficult times. Music and the arts offer particularly useful alternative to talk-based therapies for some people, especially where words may not always be accessible or possible due to injury, disability or emotional state.
Through music and the arts it is also possible to offer sensory, playful and mind and body experiences ideal for work with children and also for adults who may feel disconnected or unable to go straight into talk-based interventions. This can be particularly relevant when working through traumatic stress responses, anxiety, depression and grief and loss.
What happens in music therapy sessions?
You do not have to be able to play an instrument to have music therapy as no musical skill or experience is necessary. Sessions are tailored to the individual and may involve sounds, voice, listening and/or using a range of tuned and untuned instruments. Sessions may involve movement, image and mark making, story sharing, trying new things and reflection.
Music therapy sessions will likely include some of music and sound making, jamming, listening to music, lyric and songwriting, digital music creation, expressive arts activities, play/games, movement and compiling and using playlists. In Neurologic Music Therapy, sessions often include a range of exercises or activities using music for stimulation.
Approach to therapy
My work is psychodynamically informed and I take an integrative approach, drawing on knowledge and experience in a number of areas. These include: play; trauma-informed mind/body and sensorimotor based expressive arts therapy; neurological music therapy techniques; outdoor/nature-based approaches; mindfulness techniques; and verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Also...
I have an enhanced DBS certificate for work with both adults and children.
Sessions will usually take place at my therapy room in Haverfordwest. I do also offer online sessions and therapy at other sites where appropriate.
Training, qualifications & experience
- NMT (2023). Neurologic Music Therapist designation: The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.
- MA (Master of Arts) in Music Therapy from the University of South Wales (2021)
- Self-employed music therapist, Neurologic Music Therapist and expressive arts psychotherapist working with a wide range of clients of all ages and also offering workshops, support and consultancy services.
- Significant experience in supporting the well-being, communication and learning of autistic children (and adults). This includes presenting on a related topic at the European Music Therapy Conference, held in Edinburgh in 2022.
- Clinical work in areas including dementia, autism, emotional well-being, PMLD, additional learning and developmental needs, anxiety and trauma...
- Other trainings include:
- Selective Mutism (Working with Adults and Teenagers with Selective Mutism, 2024; Music Therapy and Selective Mutism, 2024;)
- Oral motor movements and speech (Motor Speech Master Series: TalkTools oral placement therapy, 2024)
- Nature-based Expressive Arts Therapy: Healing Trauma and Grief Through Nature (2022, Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute)
- Polyvagal-Focused and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy (2022, Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute)
- Safeguarding (BAMT, 2022 & 2023).
- Mindfulness for Professionals (2021, British Mindfulness Academy)
- Community Music in Mental Health (2019, Community Music Wales)
- Community Music practitioner training (2018, Community Music Wales)
- Additional training in areas such as: ADHD & Anxiety; Psychological First Aid; Anxiety in children and young people during Covid-19; Trauma informed approaches to therapeutic work; Dementia; Autism; Behaviour; Visual timetables and communication; play, inclusion and physical literacy etc...
Member organisations
school 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.
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
- Selective Mutism
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Parkinson's
- Stroke / CVA
- Neurological disorders
- Aphasia
- Memory
- Developmental delay
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 - £55.00
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Additional information
From £45 per session (individuals). Prices may vary if travel is required.
Group sessions start at £80 for small groups. Please contact me for more information.
Free initial telephone, in person or online consultation
When I work
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Other times may be available.
Further information
Individual and group sessions
Other services include workshops for small and large groups on the uses of music for well-being (various topics), and tuition.
