Alison Holder , BACP

Alison Holder is a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist based in the United Kingdom with more than 10 years of hands-on experience. She has worked across a wide range of concerns including depression, bereavement and loss, anxiety, self-harm, addictions, low self-esteem and confidence, domestic violence, and separation related difficulties. Her clinical experience also includes supporting people through trauma, abuse and crisis, and helping families and individuals navigate parental separation and the complex aftermath of relational breakdowns.

Alison works with adults and couples as well as with children and young people, adapting her approach to match each person’s needs and developmental stage. She places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, offering a non-judgmental space where feelings and thoughts can be explored safely. Alison describes the relationship itself as central to change and works collaboratively with clients to identify the shifts they want to make in their lives.

Alison holds membership of BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which reflects her commitment to professional standards in counselling and psychotherapy. She is experienced in addressing complex issues including grief, addiction, anger, bipolar and ADHD related concerns, and supports people through challenges such as isolation, commitment doubts, communication problems and life purpose questions.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Alison draws on several evidence-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each person. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns of relating formed in early life and helps people understand how those patterns affect current relationships and emotional responses. This approach is useful for attachment issues, abandonment concerns, and relationship difficulties.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured method used to help people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity. EMDR is often helpful for trauma, abuse, and crisis-related symptoms and can be adapted for remote delivery with guidance from a trained therapist.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect and collaboration, allowing individuals to explore their feelings at their own pace. It supports growth around self-esteem, anxiety, and life transitions by centering the client’s own goals and perspective.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Alison works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to identify which methods best match a person’s needs, goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging offers flexibility for people with busy schedules, mobility limits or geographical constraints. These remote options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to fit sessions into daily life while accessing skilled support from qualified therapists.