Kay Holdsworth, BACP
Counsellor and psychotherapist for women
- Stress and anxiety
- Career and relationships
- Mindfulness and CBT
About Kay Holdsworth
Kay Holdsworth is a counsellor, psychotherapist and coach based in the United Kingdom who supports people seeking meaningful change in their lives. She works predominantly with women who want practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, low mood and challenges with motivation, helping them move from feeling stuck to a place of greater self-trust, inner calm and clearer decision making.
Kay blends talking therapy with practical, creative techniques and structured exercises. She draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices, and is open to using guided relaxations, visualisations and creative writing when these suit a client’s needs. When appropriate she offers practical tasks and experiments between sessions to help clients apply what they learn and build lasting change.
Her training includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy completed in 2017, plus Solution Focused training in September 2021 and a Creative Counselling qualification in 2023. She is also a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Kay has experience working in higher education settings, currently serving as a Student Counsellor for a Leeds university three days a week and previously working as a Wellbeing Practitioner for over four years. She has delivered numerous community wellbeing courses, including multiweek mindfulness and relaxation programs, and facilitated a mental health drop-in group called Peaceful Minds between 2018 and 2020. Appointments are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.
Kay blends talking therapy with practical, creative techniques and structured exercises. She draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices, and is open to using guided relaxations, visualisations and creative writing when these suit a client’s needs. When appropriate she offers practical tasks and experiments between sessions to help clients apply what they learn and build lasting change.
Her training includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy completed in 2017, plus Solution Focused training in September 2021 and a Creative Counselling qualification in 2023. She is also a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Kay has experience working in higher education settings, currently serving as a Student Counsellor for a Leeds university three days a week and previously working as a Wellbeing Practitioner for over four years. She has delivered numerous community wellbeing courses, including multiweek mindfulness and relaxation programs, and facilitated a mental health drop-in group called Peaceful Minds between 2018 and 2020. Appointments are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Hypnotherapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Kay Holdsworth have?
Kay Holdsworth has 5 years of professional experience.
Is Kay Holdsworth a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds membership of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In which languages does Kay Holdsworth provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Kay Holdsworth located?
Kay is based in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Kay Holdsworth as my therapist?
You can work with Kay Holdsworth through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Kay Holdsworth work with international clients?
Yes, Kay Holdsworth works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Kay Holdsworth cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and to clarify what matters most so they can take meaningful action toward a valued life. It is often useful for stress, anxiety, and difficulties with motivation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting patterns of thinking and behaviour that maintain anxiety, low mood or unhelpful coping strategies. It typically includes practical exercises and skills training to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.
Mindfulness-based techniques teach simple attention and awareness practices designed to reduce reactivity and increase calm and clarity. These practices can support emotional regulation, stress reduction and improved self-awareness.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kay will work with each person to understand their goals, preferences and circumstances, and will adapt methods so they fit the client’s needs rather than applying a fixed protocol.
Online therapy with Kay is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy lives and for people who are not local. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments while maintaining continuity of care from licensed professionals.