Chris Holden, BACP

Chris Holden is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom with three decades of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction recovery, low self-esteem, confidence issues and career-related concerns. He creates an open, non-judgemental space so people can talk honestly about what is troubling them.

Chris draws on 30 years of training, leadership work and coaching to help clients navigate big decisions and transitions. He has developed skills in high-stakes communication, conflict resolution and team dynamics that he adapts for one-to-one conversations. His background in person-centred counselling guides a respectful, client-led way of working.

In sessions he focuses on practical steps as well as emotional understanding. Conversations look at patterns such as attachment, codependency, control issues and difficulties with communication. He also supports those dealing with drug and alcohol problems, isolation, fatherhood pressures, midlife change and questions about life purpose.

Chris aims to help people build resilience and greater self-awareness. He encourages clients to set realistic goals and try manageable changes between sessions. Work may include talking through difficult feelings, testing new ways of relating and practising clearer communication.

People who prefer a calm, steady approach and practical tools often find his style helpful. He offers sessions online by video, phone, live chat or text messaging so people can choose the format that fits their life and schedule.

Practical approaches and online therapy options

Chris draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on understanding emotions and improving everyday functioning. One approach emphasises exploring personal values and goals to guide change, helping people clarify what matters and take small, manageable steps towards it. Another approach centres on how people relate to others and themselves, looking at patterns such as attachment and codependency so clients can try new ways of communicating and connecting.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work together with each person to identify which techniques suit their needs, goals and preferences. Sessions can shift over time as priorities change, with plans reviewed and adjusted to keep work practical and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video calls are useful for a near face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can fit a break at work or require less bandwidth, and messaging or live chat suit brief check-ins or people who prefer not to use a camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life, while keeping the focus on steady progress and practical tools.