Holly Ryan

Verified 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.

Higher Dip.Couns, Dip.Couns Couples, NCPS Acc, BA(Hons)

About me

Hi, I’m Holly, a friendly, compassionate counsellor based in Plymouth, working face-to-face and remotely with clients across the UK.

Sometimes life is hard. Maybe you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, stuck, or simply sad, or maybe you just don't quite feel yourself without really knowing why. You might be dealing with something that has happened recently, or perhaps experiences from the past are still affecting how you feel and see the world today.

Whatever has brought you here, I'm here to help you find your happy place again :) My role is not to judge you or tell you what to do, but to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and understand yourself a little better. I believe we all have the capacity to heal and grow, and I’ll work alongside you to help you feel more confident and more content in yourself.

I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety and panic attacks, depression, self-doubt and low self-esteem, social anxiety, grief and loss, shame, relationship and marriage difficulties, family challenges, anger, parenthood, pregnancy-related anxiety and miscarriage, abortion, peri-menopause challenges, neurodiversity, chronic illness, student stresses and feelings of overwhelm or exhaustion. I have a particular interest in anxiety and helping people who feel stuck in patterns that are difficult to break.

Our sessions will give you a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly about whatever is going on in your life. Sometimes we might gently explore the past, while at other times we might focus very much on what is happening in your life right now. Each client is unique so I tailor the sessions very much to you as an individual.

My approach is warm, collaborative and centred around you. I draw on a range of therapeutic methods including Person-Centred Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, psychodynamic approaches, psychoeducation and creative therapies. I’m also trauma-informed and believe that therapy should be understandable and useful, rather than filled with complicated psychological jargon.

Most importantly, I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. You don't need to worry about saying the 'right' thing or having everything neatly worked out. We can start wherever you are, and work it out together.

Couples and relationship Counselling

If it’s your relationship that’s feeling distant or stuck, I offer couples counselling to help you and your partner reconnect and move forward together. We’ll explore what might be getting in the way whether it’s communication, trust, intimacy, or simply the pressures of daily life. Together we can work towards restoring understanding, rebuilding closeness and intimacy, and hopefully, strengthening your bond.

I can't possible cover everything here so please visit my website at www.hollyryancounselling.co.uk to find out more, or to book a FREE introductory session please click on the intro chat below :) I offer student discounts too!

Training, qualifications & experience

Level 4 ADVANCED Diploma (Acc.d NCPS) from Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy . High Diploma in Couples Counselling (Acc.d NCPS) BA (HONS) Degree 

I regularly undertake additional training and continuing professional development (CPD) to deepen my knowledge and ensure I can offer the best possible support to my clients. This includes training in:

Trauma and trauma-informed therapy
Anxiety and panic attacks
Shame, guilt and self-criticism
Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Understanding anger and emotional responses
Attachment theory and attachment styles
Childhood experiences and their impact on adulthood
Grief, bereavement and loss
Living with chronic illnessFertility and fertility-related anxiety
Pregnancy anxiety and pregnancy loss
Miscarriage and abortion counselling
Emotional regulation and distress tolerance
Self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
Boundaries and people-pleasing
Relationship difficulties and communication
Stress management and overwhelm
Abandonment and rejection
Family dynamics and relationship patterns
Understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences
Coping with change and life transitions
Personal growth and developing resilience
I am committed to continually developing my knowledge and skills so that I can better understand my clients' individual experiences and offer thoughtful, informed and compassionate support.

Member organisations

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Whatever your challenge please reach out to see if I can help - If I feel you need more tailored support I am also very happy to have a chat and refer you to a lovely specialist depending on your specific therapeutic need

Photos & videos

Fees

£45.00 - £75.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

Individual £55 for 50 minutes (students and low waged appointments when availability allows £45) and couples £75 for an hour

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I believe we all have the capacity to find a greater sense of contentment in life. In our work together, we’ll gently explore what might be holding you back. Maybe it's anxiety, depression, low mood, self-doubt, a loss, low self esteem or self worth, or maybe it's the impact of an unprocessed past experience or trauma, whatever the challenge, we can work together to understand why you feel ‘stuck’ and find a way forward. I believe our mind can sometimes feel like lofts full of busy, sometimes messy, boxes; it's my job to help you unpack them and re-organise them in a way that leaves space for you to become the person you want to be.

Sessions are a space for open exploration, understanding, and hope. I look forward to helping you take those steps towards a brighter chapter in your life. As a specialism, I have a deep understanding of anxiety and panic attacks, and a genuine passion for helping people move beyond the cycle that can sometimes become unbearable to live with. I also have a great deal of experience in helping woman suffering from the challenges of miscarriage, post abortion, pregnancy anxiety and permenopausal/menopausal difficulties. 

I also understand that it can sometimes feel especially difficult for men experiencing mental health challenges to reach out for help, and I want you to know that I am here for you with empathy, support and without judgment.

Whatever's causing your sadness or worries, do get in touch for a free no obligation chat to see if I can help.

Dragonfly Wellbeing Centre, 34 Mannamead Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 7AF

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Google Meet
Zoom

Social