About me
My name is Holly Portz, I am an Integrative Therapist trained to work with adults (18+). I am a registered member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).
A little bit about me: I have always been fascinated with learning about people to have a deeper understanding of human behaviour. I have completed 7 years training with my background in Psychology. I enjoy travelling and completed my international year in Nova Scotia, Canada, mainly focusing on neuroscience. This has given me a deeper understanding of how the brain & nervous system influence our thoughts, emotions & behaviours. I was drawn to therapy because I feel inspired and fulfilled by witnessing clients grow and experience meaningful, transformative change. Having the opportunity to work with people in this way brings a strong sense of purpose to my life.
I am passionate about heath, fitness & nutrition. I am vegan for environmental & ethical reasons. If you are vegan, I understand how important it is to find a professional who share similar values. I can also relate if you experience social pressures & scrutiny being vegan in a non-vegan world. I believe in viewing individuals as a whole, considering the mind-body-spiritual connections.
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Postgraduate Diploma - Counselling and Psychotherapy at Leeds Beckett University (Level 7).
Master of Science - Counselling Studies at The University of Edinburgh.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with International Experience at Bangor University, Wales & Dalhousie University, Canada.
Certificate in Telephone and Online Counselling.
IDAS Domestic Abuse Essential Training.
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I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP 416960).
I work in accordance with professional Ethical Frameworks of the BACP & engage in regular professional Supervision and Continued Professional Development to ensure a safe, ethical & reflective practice.
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Alongside my practice, I have experience volunteering within NHS hospitals & practiced in a voluntary capacity at Phoenix Health and Wellbeing in Leeds since 2024.
I have also volunteered across different settings in dementia care homes & stroke wards within the NHS which has allowed me to support a range of emotional difficulties.
Continued Professional Development Training
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Parts Work with Complex Trauma: Early Ruptures and Fragmentation
Impact of Anxious Attachment
Reparenting our inner child
Loving Who I Am: Practical Steps to Healing Attachments
Internal Family Systems on meeting the self
Co-dependency: Releasing the inner child from its pain to allow the adult to mature
Addiction: a search for a secure base?
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Trauma, Dissociation and Person-Centred Approach to Trauma
The Impact of Trauma at Different Developmental Stages
Trauma and the Body
Early Developmental Trauma as Neurodiversity
Working Creatively with Dissociation
Dissociation, Depersonalisation and Derealisation
Dissociation and the body
A Person-Centred Approach to Dissociation-Informed Practice
Somatic Trauma Theory and Skills
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Mindfulness for Autistic and Neurodivergent clients
ADHD Strategies: Emotional Mastery and Resilience in Relationships
ADHD Strategies: Understanding ADHD, Symptoms of ADHD and Attention Deficits
Early Developmental trauma and Neurodiversity
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Emotional Regulation: Managing Feelings and Feeling Safe in a Changing World
Emotional Regulation: Helping Clients Manage Shame and Guilt
Whole Systems Approach to Emotional Regulation
Creative Approaches to Therapeutic Communication
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Understanding Narcissistic Behaviour
Narcissistic Behaviour in Context
Healing from Narcissistic abuse
The Narcissist and The Empath
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Working with Domestic Abuse in the Counselling Room
Understanding domestic abuse therapeutically, for safe practice
The Drama of a Trauma Bond: Unhealthy Symbiosis and Partner Choice
