A young woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a septum piercing sitting on a couch, smiling, with plants in the background and a glass of water on a wooden table.

Hi, I’m Holly May Dowdles.

A warm, supportive space where you can simply be yourself.

Taking the step to begin counselling can feel daunting.

You may have spent weeks, months or even years carrying things on your own. You may have become so used to coping that reaching out for support feels unfamiliar.

My role is to provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever is on your mind, at your own pace.

I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard.

Not fixed.

Not judged.

Simply heard and understood.


My Approach

I work using a person-centred approach to counselling.

This means I believe you are the expert in your own life.

Rather than telling you what to do or offering solutions, I provide a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences openly.

Together we can work towards greater understanding, self-awareness and personal growth.

Every person’s journey is different, which is why our work together will always be tailored to your individual needs.

Areas I Can Support With

People come to counselling for many different reasons.

These may include:

  • Anxiety

  • Stress and burnout

  • Low mood

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Grief and loss

  • Confidence and self-esteem

  • Life transitions

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Feeling stuck

You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

What You Can Expect

Many people worry about what counselling will be like.

There is no right or wrong way to approach a session.

You do not need to prepare anything.

You do not need to know exactly what to say.

My aim is to create a calm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable exploring whatever feels important to you.

We will work together at a pace that feels right.

Sometimes people simply want space to think, reflect and better understand themselves.


Young woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a nose ring smiling in front of framed posters about wellness and counseling services.

Qualifications & Professional Training

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

This means I am professionally trained in counselling and committed to providing a safe, ethical and supportive environment for every client.

My qualifications include:

Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Counselling

BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring

My training has provided me with a strong understanding of the complexities of human experience, relationships, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

I am committed to ongoing professional development and continually building my knowledge to ensure I provide the highest standard of support to my clients.

At PitStop Counselling, you can be confident that you are working with a qualified professional who is dedicated to helping you feel heard, understood and supported.

A Personal Welcome

If you’d like to put a face to the name before getting in touch, I’ve recorded a short video to introduce myself, explain a little about how I work and what you can expect.

When you’re ready, complete my contact form, and I’ll be in touch.

A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a white T-shirt smiling and talking to a person with red hair, in a room with large green plants.

Why I Became A Counsellor

I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can talk openly and honestly without fear of judgement.

Life can be challenging, and at times we can all feel overwhelmed, stuck or unsure where to turn. My passion for counselling comes from seeing the difference that being genuinely heard and understood can make.

As a person-centred counsellor, I don’t believe in telling people what they should do. Instead, I offer a warm and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.

My role is to walk alongside you, helping you gain greater understanding, clarity and confidence as you navigate whatever life may be bringing your way.

A young woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black sleeveless dress sitting on a gray armchair in a living room, smiling at the camera. There is a large green plant and a lamp behind her, with a dark-colored wall and a round mirror on the wall.

A message from Holly

Seeking support takes courage.

Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply feel something isn’t quite right, you do not have to navigate it alone.

If you’re considering counselling and would like to find out more, I’d be happy to hear from you.

  • “Of all the counsellors I’ve had, Holly has been the best.”

    - Verified Client

  • “She helped me find happiness in my life again.”

    - Verified Client

  • "My outlook on life has completely changed.”

    - Verified Client

  • “Holly creates such a safe space where you can talk openly without judgement.”

    - Verified Client

  • “I feel more understood and far less overwhelmed.”

    - Verified Client

  • “My mind feels calmer, less chaotic and much easier to manage.”

    - Verified Client

  • “I felt genuinely listened to and supported.”

    - Verified Client

A young woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a nose ring, sitting on a gray armchair, smiling, wearing a white graphic t-shirt, a long green skirt, striped socks, and pink sneakers, in a living room with houseplants and a wooden table.
A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a dark sleeveless denim dress sitting on a couch with her hands resting on her lap, smiling at the camera, in a room with a plain wall and a plant in the background.
Two women having a conversation indoors. One woman, with glasses and blonde hair, is sitting on a couch facing the other woman, who has brown or red hair. The focus is on the woman with glasses.
Business cards for PitStop Counselling on a wooden surface with a green houseplant and a glass of water nearby.
Living room with armchair, patterned rug, houseplants, floor lamp, and blue-gray wall with clock.