Diane Holdsworth

Clinical Practitioner (Residential) / Family and Systemic Psychotherapist

I have worked with children, young people, and families across a wide range of third sector and statutory services including health, education and local authority settings for over 17 years. I completed my family therapy training in an NHS secondary mental health care outpatient clinic.  

My work is narrative based, attachment and trauma informed and centred upon the concept that individuals exist as part of wider family systems, networks and communities.  Focusing on relationships, communication, beliefs and meanings and drawing upon alternative stories of strength and resources within individuals, their wider systems and networks, can introduce difference, and support sustainable change and recovery.    

I also have a keen interest in social justice and throughout my career I have sought opportunities to connect and work with services dedicated and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those who are less privileged. I have supported care experienced young people, children with complex needs and children and young people assessed as being at high risk of sexual and criminal exploitation, their families, carers, schools and wider networks. Prior to joining Five Rivers I worked in the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) with individuals and families experiencing complex difficulties and problems including substance use and addictions during and following care proceedings.  

Outside my work with Five Rivers, I am a personal professional development tutor on the MSc Systemic Family Therapy with the University of Leeds.