KH Portrait of Kay Holdsworth

Kay Holdsworth, BACP

Practical therapist for stress and anxiety

5 years in practice · based in United Kingdom · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Kay

Kay Holdsworth is a counsellor and psychotherapist who helps people manage stress and anxiety. She uses straightforward tools so clients can start making changes quickly. Kay draws on practical techniques to build confidence and better day-to-day coping skills.

Kay trained with a postgraduate certificate in counselling and psychotherapy in 2017 and holds BACP registration. She has five years of professional experience supporting people with low mood, anxiety and motivation. Her background includes roles as a student counsellor and wellbeing practitioner at a UK university, plus community courses on mindfulness and relaxation.

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Background and approach

Her approach mixes talking therapy with practical exercises. Sessions often include breathing techniques, guided relaxations and journalling tasks to try between appointments. Kay also uses creative methods when they suit a client’s goals and learning style.

Clients can expect a collaborative process. Kay encourages honesty about what helps and what does not, and she will suggest small experiments to test new ways of coping. The emphasis is on real-life changes rather than abstract discussion.

She has led group courses such as a seven-week Head Space programme and a mental health drop-in called Peaceful Minds. That group and her course work inform how she supports people to build steady routines and calmer habits. Sessions are offered by appointment, including some evening times.

Kay works with people who want practical strategies to feel less stuck and to regain confidence in their choices.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being ruled by them, and then take steps that match their values. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. Client-Centred Therapy puts the person's experience at the heart of the work, offering empathy and non-judgemental listening to help people find their own solutions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, and then adapt methods over time. That collaborative process helps match techniques to each person’s situation rather than using a fixed method from the start.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video is useful for deeper work and visual cues, phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or live chat can suit brief check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and travel commitments while still using ACT, CBT or client-centred exercises in sessions.
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Questions people ask

What concerns does Kay commonly help with?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, career concerns, grief, trauma and addictions. Additional focuses include body image, parenting strain and chronic health-related stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Kay combines practical exercises with talking therapy. Sessions often include breathing work, guided relaxations, journalling and short behavioural experiments to try between meetings.
What experience does she bring?
She has five years of professional experience and has worked as a student counsellor and wellbeing practitioner at a UK university, plus community course delivery on mindfulness and relaxation.
What credentials and location are listed?
Kay holds a postgraduate certificate in counselling and psychotherapy and is registered with the BACP. Her practice is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What formats are available for sessions?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions run via a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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