Natalie Gilardoni
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About me
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, difficult emotions, low confidence, trauma, relationships or changes in life that feel difficult to manage? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, stuck or unsure how to make sense of what you are experiencing. I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental therapeutic space where you can feel listened to, understood and accepted.
I am an HCPC-registered Dramatherapist with over 30 years’ experience supporting children, young people, adults, older adults and families across NHS, education, specialist and community settings.
My approach is warm, creative, compassionate and trauma-informed. I believe that a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work. I work collaboratively and at your pace, taking time to understand your individual experiences, strengths and goals.
Dramatherapy is a creative form of psychotherapy which can provide different ways of exploring thoughts, feelings and experiences when words alone may feel difficult. You do not need to have any experience of drama or consider yourself creative. Creative approaches are simply one of the ways I may help you communicate, explore and make sense of what you are experiencing.
I have particular experience supporting people experiencing anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties, emotional dysregulation, neurodiversity, low self-esteem, communication difficulties and challenges with emotional wellbeing.
I have extensive experience working therapeutically with children and young people in schools, specialist educational settings, adoption services and community settings. I also have significant experience supporting adults, older adults and families.
My 17 years as an NHS Hospital Play Specialist gave me extensive experience supporting children and families through illness, hospitalisation, anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress. This experience has shaped my understanding of the importance of safety, relationships, communication and emotional support during difficult times.
Alongside Dramatherapy, I draw on CBT-informed approaches, DBT-informed emotional regulation strategies, mindfulness and emotional literacy where appropriate. I adapt my approach according to the individual, their age, circumstances, communication style and therapeutic needs.
Whether you are looking for support for yourself or therapeutic support for your child or young person, I aim to provide a space where you can feel safe, heard and valued.
If you are considering therapy and would like to explore whether I might be the right therapist for you, please feel free to get in touch. I would be very happy to have an initial conversation about what you are looking for and how I may be able to support you.
Training, qualifications & experience
My qualifications and professional training include:
- MA Dramatherapy – University of Worcester
- BTEC Professional Diploma in Hospital Play Specialism
- BA (Hons) Theatre & Performance Art – Dartington College of Arts
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Professional Diploma Certificate in CBT
- CAMHS Mental Health Training
- Attachment and Trauma-Informed Practice
- DBT Informed Approaches
- Emotional Regulation
- Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance
- Thrive Awareness
- Emotional Literacy
- Understanding ELSA Approaches
- Safeguarding Training
I worked within the NHS for 17 years as a Hospital Play Specialist and Team Lead, supporting babies, children, young people and families within paediatric and adolescent services.
Since qualifying as a Dramatherapist, I have developed extensive therapeutic experience across mainstream schools, specialist SEN settings, pupil referral units, adoption services, community organisations and other professional settings.
I have experience providing individual and group therapeutic support and working with children, young people and adults experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties.
My professional experience includes:
- Anxiety and emotional distress
- Trauma and adverse experiences
- Attachment difficulties
- Emotional regulation
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Neurodiversity and autism
- SEND and SEMH needs
- Communication difficulties
- Bereavement and loss
- Life transitions
- Relationship and family difficulties
- School-related emotional and social difficulties
- Adoption-related experiences
- Emotional wellbeing
- Coping with illness and hospitalisation
I have extensive experience working collaboratively with parents, carers, teachers, SENCOs, social workers, health professionals and other members of multidisciplinary teams.
I am experienced in assessment and observation, therapeutic planning, professional report writing, safeguarding, risk awareness, multidisciplinary working and reflective practice.
As a Team Lead within the NHS, I also provided supervision, mentoring and professional support to colleagues and contributed to team development and reflective practice.
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
Guided Imagery
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
My fee is £65 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.
I offer both face-to-face and online sessions, depending on individual circumstances and availability.
I appreciate that accessing therapy can be a significant financial commitment. Where appropriate, I am happy to discuss concessionary rates, particularly where ongoing therapeutic support is needed.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements, availability and whether Dramatherapy or a creative therapeutic approach may be suitable for you.
Further information
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults has been a central part of my professional practice throughout my career.
I hold an Enhanced DBS and maintain my professional development through ongoing training, continuing professional development, clinical reflection and professional supervision.
I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment where people feel respected, valued and accepted, regardless of their background, circumstances or individual differences.
I believe that each person brings their own strengths, experiences and resources to therapy. My role is to work alongside you to help you understand what may be happening, develop greater emotional awareness, build confidence and resilience, and find ways of moving forward that feel meaningful to you.
I have extensive experience working both independently and collaboratively with families, schools, health professionals and other agencies.
I am based in Devon and have a full UK driving licence and my own vehicle.
I am fluent in Italian and French.
I offer a confidential and supportive therapeutic service and welcome enquiries from adults, parents and carers who would like to discuss whether Dramatherapy or another creative therapeutic approach may be appropriate for their needs.
