Kay Holdsworth, BACP

Approaches that translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, and to act in ways that match their values. It can help when worry, low mood or avoidance stop someone living the life they want. Client-Centred Therapy relies on a genuine, non-judgemental listening style where the counsellor mirrors and reflects what is said so people feel heard and understood; this can help build self-trust and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions interact and uses practical experiments and exercises to change unhelpful patterns, which many people find useful for anxiety, depression and stress.

Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the therapy itself. Kay works collaboratively to identify which methods suit each person's goals and circumstances. She adapts the tools offered - exercises, guided relaxations or creative tasks - to match the client's needs and preferences as the work progresses.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage. Video calls let people work face to face from wherever they are, phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and travel schedules while still using the same practical exercises and reflective conversations that Kay uses in her practice.