Holly Cruttenden, BACP

Holly Cruttenden is a United Kingdom based therapist who combines formal training in counselling and psychology with practical experience supporting people across the lifespan. She holds a counselling degree and a BSc in Psychology and also holds the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - indicating membership of a UK professional body. With four years of professional practice, Holly has worked with children and young people as well as adults facing severe and complex mental health challenges.

Alongside her private practice, Holly leads a children and young people counselling project for Mind and works as an adult mental health recovery worker, roles that inform her understanding of developmental and recovery-focused care. Her work covers stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, and major life transitions, and she brings particular experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients, neurodiverse people, and those affected by trauma and social-emotional difficulties.

Holly uses a person-centred approach that adapts to each person’s needs and goals. She treats people as the experts in their own lives and focuses on creating a compassionate, non-judgemental space where strengths can be identified and practical changes explored. Holly aims to walk alongside clients through periods of uncertainty or change, helping them to recognize patterns, build coping skills, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Approaches that guide online therapy

Holly commonly draws on client-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based techniques in her online work. Client-centred therapy focuses on building an empathic, non-judgemental relationship and helping the individual lead the pace and direction of sessions - it is well suited to people seeking support with self-esteem, relationship issues, and life transitions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works by identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to change them - it is often used for anxiety, stress, and mood difficulties. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-focused awareness and simple practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, which can help with stress, anxiety, and coping with change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Holly works collaboratively with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions can adapt over time as priorities shift and progress is made.

Online therapy with Holly is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and therapists from various locations, reduce travel time, and allow people to continue therapy during life changes or while managing other commitments.