Psychodynamic Therapist

From my private practice in the Mendips, Somerset
I work with independent adults from many
diverse and different cultures & backgrounds

Psychodynamic therapy explores in depth the roots
of our presenting problems and seeks
a richer way of working through them towards
a wiser understanding of self and purpose

Many people have very complex situations, experiences and ways of thinking. Sometimes things become more pressing : struggles repeat themselves, or challenges seem insurmountable.

Embarking on counselling or therapy is such an important decision. It can feel daunting to begin but it's often the catalyst for real and meaningful changes and the beginning of an enriching journey.

I practice from psychodynamic/psychoanalytic and Jungian analytical psychology perspectives, with the aim to help you navigate through difficult and intricate terrain towards a lasting sense of understanding, personal resilience, autonomy and healthy relationships.

I work with individual independent adults from age 21 upwards.

Sessions are held in person at my unique consulting rooms in Somerset, and where appropriate, remotely - online or by phone.  

I am a professional registered member of The British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) & The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) .
Hello
Hello

How I work  image
How to proceed
When you get in touch please let me know briefly why you are interested in therapy and about your availability. Wherever possible, I will arrange a short phone consultation (no charge) as an introduction and to clarify practicalities.
Initial consultations 
Having spoken we might then decide to book minimum two (but sometimes more) assessment sessions. These are appointments of 50 mins each, payable in advance. They give us both the opportunity to determine whether working together feels right, and whether psychodynamic counselling or therapy would suit you.



About Ongoing therapy

  • Sessions are regular and confidential,  minimum once weekly (on the same day and time)
  • Sessions are 50 minutes each.  
  • I mostly work long term (open ended/ongoing) but will consider time-limited where necessary
Your sessions will be an important commitment to something which so often gets lost or pushed aside in today's busy world.
Regular sessions give us time and space, without intrusion, to tend to what matters most to you in your life.
It can be challenging, sometimes frightening or painful to confront wounds, disturbing events or look deeply into who we are. I offer a confidential welcoming space, set aside from external demands, in which to explore whatever is most important to you, safely and at your own pace.

Within this consistent, reliable therapeutic relationship you have the opportunity to examine how you respond to life's complexities, negotiate your needs and manage the unknown. Discovering new ways to go forward then becomes more tangible and realistic with the possibility for healing, relief, a richer sense of self and greater capacity to live as you intend.

It can be an enriching process with the potential to find purpose and perspective that is beneficial for you and those close to you, in an enduring way. Often, something previously unknown yet deeply rewarding and invaluable has been waiting to be found.

Psychodynamic Counselling & Therapy 

My approach is grounded in modern Psychodynamic~Psychoanalytic & Jungian Analytical Psychology principals.
It explores in depth what might be ordinarily hidden beneath and beyond the "here and now" aspects of human experiences, relationships and behaviour. Long held patterns, events and experiences, losses and attachments are thought about in the context of how they may be influencing your present situation. Here, the therapeutic relationship serves as a bridge in many ways, enabling the client to work through distress, confusion or stuckness towards a better understanding of themselves and others, in readiness for the outside world.

Jungian perspectives allow us to expand our investigations to include social and political experiences, the collective unconscious, cultural complexes, archetypes, dreams, the shadow and imagination. These are regarded as intrinsic to both the personal and shared human quest to resolve very real problems and fulfil valued aims.

Life presents suffering and gifts in many known and unknown, ordinary and extraordinary ways. I welcome diversity with experience and genuine interest and tailor the work accordingly, maintaining reliable and robust boundaries that foster mutual trust and respect.

I work with independent adults who might be seeking support with issues such as:

• Life changes and transitions including traumatic events, uncertainty, grief , bereavement and any form of loss
• Symptoms of psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, obsessions, eating/sleeping/health and relational problems
• Social anxiety, burn-out, overwhelm, panic attacks
• Identity, gender, choices
• Imagination and dreams
• Relationships (any kind)
• Cultural differences: including family, social, political, sexual, spiritual or personal
• Creative/artists/writers block, career or workplace issues
• Mid-life crisis/stage of life or new life adjustment
• Intercultural upbringing, relationships, beliefs and race
• Personal development & purpose

“In each of us there is another whom we do not know.” ― C.G. Jung

Psychodynamic Counsellor & Therapist

About Holly image
Holly Ricioppo 

  • BA Hons Combined Studies Humanities (incl. Psychology)
  • British Psychoanalytic Council and BACP accredited Post Grad. Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling (duration of training course minimum 4 years)
  • Society of Analytical Psychology Post Grad Advanced Certificate of Completion: Clinical Practice from Jungian Perspectives
  • Tavistock Certificate in the Study of the Couple Relationship
  • WCP Foundation Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling (BPC & BACP accredited)
  • Registered professional memberships: British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC)  & British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).
  • Member of Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility Non-profit organization

Having lived and worked among many people and places internationally, and being genuinely mixed-race/intercultural and neurodivergent myself, I truly understand the challenges of being or belonging in more than one neat box.
I offer a depth of professional experience from holding therapeutic, arts and educational roles with children, adults and organizations for over 30 years, including within the NHS. In addition to my private practice I am a member of Wessex Counselling and Psychotherapy Training in Frome where I work as a Seminar Leader and Tutor on their Clinical/Diploma trainings.

I regularly attend Supervision with both a Senior Jungian Analyst and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. I also actively undertake post qualification training and studies (CPD) to ensure my practice is ethical, up to date and relevant.

Some of the CPD courses and trainings I have undertaken include (but are not limited to) studies in: Neuropsychology, Couples therapy, Sexuality and Gender, Eating Disorders, Self-harm, Psychosis, Jungian Studies, Ethics, Diversity, Socio-politics, Cultural studies, Race & Identity, Active Imagination, Trauma, Grief, Narcissism, Group work, Dreams, Shadow work, Spirituality and Faith, Embodiment and Dysphoria. 
Thank you for your interest.  I am sorry I don't have any spaces free for new clients at present.
A contact form will be available whenever space opens up, so do revisit this page while you are still looking.  You are most welcome to contact me then.
Kind wishes,
Holly