Katy Dickson
PRINCIPAL THERAPIST
HCPC Registration Number: OT29100
Hi, my name is Katy.
My diverse Occupational Therapy career spans more than two decades. It includes extensive clinical grounding in mental health and rehabilitation, professional leadership at Borough level, multi – professional service management and change, quality improvement facilitation, and national – level project and programme management.
This leadership experience is underpinned by an MSc in Systemic Leadership and Organisation Studies. My thesis explored the significant benefits of collaborative reflective practice. I designed a systemic leadership project and facilitated a workshop at an international event for systemic consultants.
I love learning and new challenges. I’ve worked within both NHS and private services. I’m a trauma – informed therapist, and during lockdown, I set up my own private practice in London, offering natural ways to support nervous system regulation using Safe and Sound Protocol, TRE, and Ayurvedic abdominal massage for people with complex trauma histories. I draw upon Dr Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory as a guiding light across all my work.
I’m passionate about working with children and have been developing my expertise in paediatrics. I’m a trained Primitive Reflex Integration practitioner and find this a fascinating and powerful approach to enabling children and young people to reach their potential.
When I was introduced to Words First, the company’s values and ethos truly resonated with me. It’s exciting to see Occupational Therapists in a position to support early development within the education system. I’m honoured to be Principal Occupational Therapist and look forward to progressing my own clinical expertise and leading our fantastic, ever – expanding team.
I’m a social person who loves meeting new people, travelling, and exploring new places. I enjoy hot yoga, Pilates, and walking in the woods with my border terrier, Maggie. Nature grounds and soothes my nervous system, and I practise all the regulation techniques I share with others.
I love reading and feel I’m continually on a journey of self and professional development. My passion is writing poetry, and I was honoured to debut my Polyvagal poem The Tree & Me at the first – ever Polyvagal Summit, invited by founding members of the Polyvagal Institute. The poem, which journeys the nervous system experience and offers self and co – regulation tools, was published in October 2024.
My friends would describe me as loyal, insightful, and compassionate – someone who makes others feel comfortable and safe.
