Holly Hird, BACP

Holly Hird is a counsellor who helps people facing midlife questions and other life changes. She works with stress, anxiety, depression and problems that get in the way of everyday life. Holly aims to create a calm space where people can talk frankly and decide what matters next.

Holly explains things simply and uses straightforward techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts and patterns. She offers a warm, person-focused approach that invites curiosity and occasional humour. Sessions are collaborative - she listens, asks practical questions and helps people set realistic next steps.

Her work draws on several well-known methods including client-centred ideas, cognitive behavioural approaches and mindfulness. These tools are used to untangle confusing feelings, manage anxiety, and develop clearer ways of coping. Emotion-focused ideas are sometimes used to look at attachment and relationship patterns.

Holly has 10 years of experience in a variety of settings with adults and adolescents. She is an Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and follows the standards that come with that accreditation.

People often come to Holly for issues such as addictions, grief, parenting strain, ADHD and career concerns. She also supports those dealing with trauma, relationship problems, eating around emotions, and the stresses that come from caregiving or burnout.

To begin, she will work with each person to identify priorities and agree a clear plan. Sessions focus on practical steps, new perspectives and building the skills needed to move forward.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Holly often uses client-centred ideas and cognitive behavioural techniques online. Client-centred work focuses on listening carefully and following the person's agenda so they feel heard and understood; this helps people clarify values and make decisions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together and teaches practical steps to reduce anxiety, manage low mood and change unhelpful habits.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Holly works together with each person to decide which methods suit their needs and goals. That collaborative conversation helps shape the plan for sessions and the pace of change.

Session formats are not listed here, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and reduce travel time. It also allows for shorter check-ins when needed, and for using mindfulness exercises or thought-record tools between meetings to support day-to-day change. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt techniques so practical work is possible even when you are not meeting in person.