Holly Cruttenden

I completely understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I just want to acknowledge the courage it can take to get to this point and it's lovely to "meet" you. 

I'm Holly, a qualified, BPS accredited person-centred counsellor with a background in psychology, mental health, education and special educational needs (SEN). Alongside my counselling credentials, I also hold a BSc in Psychology with Counselling, which aids in providing me with a deeper understanding of how we develop, relate, and respond to the world around us. Whilst our work together will be grounded in talking therapy, I also draw on the psychological aspect to explore areas such as patterns of behaviour, emotional processes, and the mind-body connection that we have as humans, which can be especially beneficial when we're experiencing complex life difficulties.

I know how important it is to feel a sense of connection with a counsellor, which is why I am happy to share a bit about me. I have always worked in a helping role, from the age of 17 and always knew that would be the path I remain on. I love to read and I am currently in a commitment to completing every Stephen King book- although I estimate this could take upwards of 5 years. I love gaming, and horror- and the cinematic productions in general.

I have just returned to Ramsgate, Kent, after spending the last four years in Dorset. Life in Bournemouth was an incredible chapter for me. I took on diverse roles, including work in local schools as school counsellor, and also working on a National Lottery-funded children & young person's counselling project in for the charity Mind. I spent valuable time with the NHS in a mental health recovery house, supporting adults with severe to complex needs and this experience has been profoundly rewarding and has deepened my understanding of psychiatric care and recovery. Since returning, I have had a focus on developing an accessible mental health network, to make support accessible for those who might otherwise go without it. My aim is to be able to offer you compassion and understanding, whatever that walk of life looks like for you.

Counselling Approaches:

I can work in a number of ways, including Person-Centred Counselling, Relational Counselling, Integrative Counselling, as well as life-coaching, for adults, as well as for children and young people (11+), and specialise across a broad range of needs. I often support people with anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, identity crisis, sexuality, and those more general feelings of being lost or overwhelmed. Whether you're going through something specific or just need a space to figure things out, this type of therapy offers a friendly and warm, supportive space where you can do that at your own pace with me to support you and gently guide you, without judgement or pressure.

I hope to be able to make emotional and psychological support accessible for you, regardless of your background, location, or income. Sessions are offered online, telephone, text and in-person in Ramsgate. Please note that in-person sessions are at my home office, and I do reside with an adorable although rapidly growing puppy. You will likely be offered a session within two weeks of our initial message. Please note that my home based office has no lift, and there are 2-3 small flights of stairs to reach me at the top.

Sessions are £40 for adults, with concessionary and children and young person rates being available at £30, as of July 2026 and I currently only have space for several more clients. Should there be a wait list, it is often for just a short period of time.

Please note that I do not currently offer separate consultations. I believe the first session itself is the most meaningful way for us to begin, as it offers a gentle starting point to explore what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions you might have, and see whether working together feels like the right fit for you. There is no obligation to continue beyond this initial session, and the space is very much yours to decide whether this feels right for you.

I understand that every person’s life is a unique one, and that you hold the knowledge and potential within you. My role is to walk alongside you as you make sense of your experiences and move towards the life you want to live.

Sessions have the flexibility to integrate other therapeutic skills depending on what feels most helpful for you- predominately person-centred therapy, holistic approaches, psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. For those attending in-person, there are also opportunities to access additional wellbeing and therapeutic tools that support you on your journey. These can include sandtray therapy, genograms where we look at your family and friendship trees and memory work associated with each member, as well as activities such as the blob tree. These are all accessible to both adults and children.

Counselling is available online, by telephone, by text-based live chat, or face-to-face from a Ramsgate home-office, however be aware that there is a puppy present, for those with allergies or preferences. Sessions are kept at a fixed rate of £40 for adults, and £30 for young people, to make support as accessible as possible. If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, or if you have any questions, I warmly welcome you to get in touch to discuss your needs or to make an enquiry. Please note that my home based office has no lift, and there are 2 flights of stairs to reach me at the top.

I predominantly use Teams for session, as a personal preference, however I can make allowances for Zoom and Whatsapp, should that be preferred.

For those choosing a text-based session, this will be via one of the above methods, set to 50 minutes of back and forth messaging at a scheduled time.

Below you can read a selection of the most recent consent provided testimonials left by clients for Holly Cruttenden.

Client Testimonial by Kathryn, (Malaga, Spain) 

I wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you again for all of your help and support during our sessions. I feel so much better in myself, happier and lighter and ready to take on whatever life throws at me all thanks to our sessions. Thank you from the bottom of my heart - our sessions really have changed my life. 

_____________________________________________________

Client Testimonial by Lottie, (London, United Kingdom)

Holly has been really supportive and very skilled at guiding me through self-reflection. She creates a safe space where I feel comfortable opening up and her approach has made me see things about myself more clearly.

_____________________________________________________

Client Testimonial by Sofia, (Birmingham, United Kingdom)

I have been seeming holly for a few months now and she is a really understanding therapist she listens and responds quickly.

_____________________________________________________

Client Testimonial by Juliana, (Ramsgate, United Kingdom)

Holly has been amazing as a therapist, I have really valued how she listens, understands and offers suggestions, especially over the chat function which was my preferred way to communicate. Highly recommend Holly!

_____________________________________________________

Client Testimonial by Clara, (Margate, United Kingdom)

Holly is empathetic and kind, but without being patronising or overly sympathetic. She has pinpointed some things for me to work on which clearly show that she "gets" my issues.