In this episode, we’re diving into the strange (but very human) habit of self-sabotage — why we do things that hurt us, even when we say we want peace, confidence, rest, or connection.
I’ll talk you through some real-life patterns and stories that might sound a little too familiar… and explore how our behaviour can be completely understandable, but still unhelpful.
We’ll look at how past fears and beliefs shape our present actions, and I’ll share a powerful coaching exercise called Spot the Loop that can help you uncover the cycle you’re stuck in — and gently start changing it.
Plus, I’ll share some simple journaling prompts to help you gain insight and shift your patterns with more compassion and less judgment.
This one’s all about awareness, kindness to yourself, and remembering: you’re not broken — you’re just human. And you can change the story.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why we sabotage ourselves (and how hypnotherapy in Leeds can help)
How our attempts to protect ourselves often create the opposite effect
The common loops we get stuck in — and how to spot yours
A journaling prompt that brings surprising clarity
How to interrupt old patterns without shaming yourself
The truth about why change is hard — and why it’s still possible
Journaling Prompt from this Episode:
What helps me?
What hurts me?
What hinders me?
Checkout my website, Kayholdsworth.com
COUNSELLOR and HYPNOTHERAPIST
My main specialism is enabling women go from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless, to a space where they can trust themselves again and find more inner-peace and contentment.
My approach is certainly not cookie cutter therapy. I draw upon Counselling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused and CBT. Sessions often incorporate creativity, guided journaling and imagery, as well as powerful techniques such as Parts Therapy/Rewind.
For over 5 years I have worked as a Student University Counsellor. I have facilitated a variety of wellbeing courses and workshops. Book a free consultation.
I love helping women overcome limiting beliefs, old habits, and emotional blocks by accessing the unconscious mind and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Episode Title: The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Ugly of Therapy
Episode Description:
Have you ever had therapy? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone—me too, and not just once. I’ve had therapy at various points in my life, and let me tell you, it’s been a real mixed bag. In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of my therapy experiences. Yep, it’s time for some real talk.
Kay Holdsworth – Counsellor and Psychotherapist
My main specialism is enabling women go from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless, to a space where they can trust themselves again and find more inner-peace and contentment.
My approach is certainly not cookie cutter therapy. I draw upon Counselling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused and CBT. Sessions often incorporate creativity, guided journaling and imagery, as well as powerful techniques such as Parts Therapy/Rewind.
For over 5 years I have worked as a Student University Counsellor. I have facilitated a variety of wellbeing courses and workshops. Book a free consultation.
Drawing upon Counselling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and CBT, I bring a well-rounded approach to sessions. In addition, I often incorporate creativity, guided journaling, and imagery, as well as powerful techniques such as Parts Therapy and the Rewind technique.
For over five years, I have worked as a Student University Counsellor, and along the way, I have facilitated a variety of wellbeing courses and workshops. If you’re interested, you can book a free 30-minute assessment by heading to my website.
Furthermore, I love helping women overcome limiting beliefs, old habits, and emotional blocks by accessing the unconscious mind and creating meaningful, lasting change. However, I only offer blocks of six therapy sessions, as I believe commitment is key to making real progress. Since I have limited space, I only work with clients who are fully ready to invest in their personal growth.
That’s why I’m offering a free 30-minute assessment—your opportunity to chat with me, gain clarity on what you want to change, and see if we’re a good fit.
This isn’t a formal therapy session; instead, it’s an open, relaxed conversation where we explore what’s keeping you stuck, how you want to feel, and what you’d love to be different in your life.
My main specialism is enabling women go from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless, to a space where they can trust themselves again and find more inner-peace and contentment. My approach is certainly not cookie cutter therapy.
Visit my Website - Home | Kay Holdsworth : Create YourselfIn this episode I dive deep into the fascinating science of the brain and how it responds to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Have you ever wondered why you feel the way you do when life gets overwhelming?
In this episode, I break it all down, exploring what happens in your brain when stress takes over and how it affects your mood and behaviour.
I’ll also share practical, science-backed strategies to help improve your mental well-being and regain control of your emotional state.
Understand your brain better, so you can manage stress and anxiety with confidence and take the first step toward lasting emotional freedom.
Kay Holdsworth - Counsellor & Psychotherapist
My main specialism is enabling women go from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless, to a space where they can trust themselves again and find more inner-peace and contentment.
My approach is certainly not cookie cutter therapy.
I draw upon Counselling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused and CBT.
Sessions often incorporate creativity, guided journaling and imagery, as well as powerful techniques such as Parts Therapy/Rewind. For over 5 years I have worked as a Student University Counsellor. I have facilitated a variety of wellbeing courses and workshops.
To book a free 30 minute assessment head to my website.
I love helping women overcome limiting beliefs, old habits, and emotional blocks by accessing the unconscious mind and creating meaningful, lasting change.
I offer blocks of 6 therapy sessions only. I have limited space and only work with clients who are willing to commit to therapy.
I’m offering a free 30-minute assessment—your chance to chat with me, get clear on what you want to change, and see if we’re a good fit.
This isn’t a formal therapy session, just an open, relaxed conversation where we explore what’s keeping you stuck, how you want to feel, and what you’d love to be different in your life.
Sound good?
VISIT MY WEBSITE at Home | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
I think I have found a new love… hypnotherapy! I was lucky enough to be offered the SFTA training course free through my work as a university student counsellor. I am blown away with the progress my hypnotherapy clients have made (bar one, but she has a family crisis she is dealing with). They all began the sessions rating themselves a 4 or 5 out of 10 on a happiness scale, and now they’re all rating themselves a solid 8, except for the one I mentioned. I think that’s impressive, and I’m so pleased!
We were taught Parts Therapy, and on Wednesday, I used the technique for the first time on a student struggling to leave a coercive relationship. The idea behind Parts Therapy is that you work with different parts of a person’s mind, getting them to communicate with each other to resolve inner conflicts. There was no doubt that she was in a trance, and you could see how strong the part in the right hand was. In those short 20 minutes, we made more progress than we had potentially made in all the previous sessions, because it spoke directly to her unconscious mind.
I can really see how hypnotherapy helps people change patterns of behaviour they’ve struggled with for years because, let’s face it, most of our thoughts and behaviours are influenced by the subconscious.
3 Simple Steps to Reprogram Your Mind for Positive Change
1. Focus on What You Want, Not What You Don’t Want
The mind works best with positive images and clear intentions. Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to feel anxious,” shift your focus to what you do want: “I want to feel calm and confident.” The subconscious mind responds better to positive framing.
Try this: Write down one thing you want to change and reframe it positively. For example, instead of “I don’t want to feel stressed at work,” write, “I want to feel relaxed and focused at work.”
2. Use Visualization to Create Your Future
The mind doesn’t always distinguish between real experiences and vividly imagined ones. Spend a few minutes every day visualizing yourself living the life you want. Imagine it in detail—how you feel, what you see, and what you hear. This can help train your mind to create the reality you desire.
3. Anchor Positive Feelings in the Body
One powerful hypnotherapy technique is to anchor a positive feeling in your body. Think of a time when you felt confident, calm, or happy. Focus on that feeling and imagine it filling your entire body. As you do, gently press your thumb and forefinger together. Repeat this regularly, and you’ll train your mind and body to return to that feeling when you need it.
ABOUT ME - COUNSELLOR, COACH & PSYCHOTHERAPIST
I am an experienced and fully qualified counsellor, psychotherapist and coach based in the UK.
I work predominantly with women who want to make positive changes in their lives. Women who want to make better life choices, changes and decisions.
My specialisms are equipping women the practical tools and strategies so they can manage their own mental health and wellbeing. I have over 10 years experience working with people to help them manage their stress, anxiety, low mood and lack of motivation.
I enable women go from a place of feeling stuck and hopeless, to a space where they can trust themselves again and find more inner-peace and contentment.
Often the women I work with are women who want to make changes but are struggling to know how or where to start. They feel overwhelmed and stuck. I help them make the changes they most need and long for.
MY APPROACH
I draw upon a variety of approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Approach, Writing Therapy, Guided Relaxations/Visualisations & Mindfulness. If clients feels they would benefit from exercises and techniques, such as guided relaxations and breathing exercises then I am happy to facilitate this during our sessions.
I offer appointments Thursday only.
We all know that feeling when we’re tired, sluggish, and lacking energy.
Everybody has low days, but I’ve realised something important: we have far more control over our energy levels and mood than we often tell ourselves.
This year, I’ve had just one low day, and that’s not to brag (trust me, I’ve had my fair share of low days in the past). I bring it up because it’s a reflection of how mood follows action and how my actions are significantly shifting my mood and energy levels.
Too often, we see low mood as something solely happening in the brain, something we can’t change. But our actions can—and do—have a massive impact on how we feel.
Mood follows action.
I’ve been reminding my therapy clients of this a lot recently, particularly those who find themselves spending hours in bed scrolling through TikTok (most are Uni students).
I wonder…
If I asked you to get up and run up and down the stairs for five minutes, would it shift how you feel, even just a bit?
I bet you it would.
Why not try it now?!
For the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with weaving in short 10-minute bursts of yoga, meditation, or movement into my day, and it’s definitely made a difference to my energy levels.
As a therapist, I have to sit on my ass for long periods of time, so making the effort to move every hour and a half or two hours is making a huge difference.
There’s a caveat to this, of course. If you’re deeply depressed or anxious, it probably feels insulting for me to suggest that just doing 10 minutes of movement here and there throughout the day could make any difference.
I hear you, and you’re absolutely right. If anyone had said this to me when I was anxious, I would have wanted to smack them in the face!
But here’s what I will say: for most of us—who are not severely anxious or depressed, but have our own struggles and stresses—doing this can help lift your energy. And when your energy is better, you feel more resourceful, and that means you can cope better.
For someone who is deeply depressed, I understand this will feel like the absolute last thing you want to do. Every cell in your body will probably resist. But I have to repeat—mood follows action. It’s what therapists call “basic behavioural activation.”
The common belief is that you have to feel motivated before you can do the thing.
Honestly, that’s complete BS. By doing the thing, you create motivation. You build forward momentum, and that momentum and movement is what shifts your mood. Mood follows action is a simple truth we often forget, but it’s so effective.
Journal Prompts
WORK WITH ME
This week, I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to live a life that is a true expression of who we are.
It’s funny, but sometimes we’re so caught up chasing goals or dreams that were never really ours to begin with. Maybe, like me, you’ve had moments where you realise that the version of success you’ve been striving for doesn’t quite fit your values, strengths, or what’s truly important to you.
I’ve been asking myself: is building an online business really the best path for someone like me who loves being around people and values real human connection? Have I been trying to shape my life around an idea of success that’s been influenced by societal norms and expectations – not what I truly need?
When I first got into the world of self-help and personal development in the early 2000s, it was full of books by people who said you had to want millions to be successful. There was so much emphasis on making money, reaching lofty goals, and becoming rich and successful beyond belief.
But let’s be honest – that isn’t what everyone truly wants.
Success is personal.
My idea of success is living in a semi-rural stone property, with long distance views and waking up to fresh eggs everyday from my chickens. It's about having the time and space to enjoy my life and be able to go for walks, journal and do yoga. I am not hustling my ass off, I work 20 hours a week, running self-development workshops and therapy/coaching sessions.
It’s easy to get caught up in expectations that leave us feeling unfulfilled when we don’t meet them. Tony Robbins once said something about how our level of happiness is tied to our expectations. If those expectations are too high, we can end up feeling constantly discontent.
Here I am in 2025, and I haven’t built a six- or seven-figure business or had a best selling book, or created a huge on-line platform.
But when I get really honest with myself – did I really want that? Or did I think I had to want it because of what I’d been told and had been telling myself?
Sometimes, the gold we seek is already in our own backyard.
Perhaps the things we’re searching for have been right in front of us all along.
I’m a university counsellor, and I love my job. I’m also training to be a solution-focused hypnotherapist, and that feels like such a good fit for me.
What if I stopped trying to chase after something shiny and new and just focused on what I already do well – and made that my focus?
I think this is a lesson that could apply to you too.
It’s so easy to get swept away by societal pressures or other people’s definitions of success. But what if you took a moment to step back and ask yourself:
What does success really look like for me?
What am I doing already that is enough?
So, here’s something I’d like you to reflect on this week.
Think about the ways in which you might be chasing after something that isn’t truly aligned with who you are or what you really want.
Here are three journal prompts to get you thinking:
Coaching Tool: Shifting Expectations
Take some time this week to examine your expectations. If you feel discontent or like you’re falling short, ask yourself – are my expectations realistic and aligned with who I truly am and what I need?
Write down any expectations you feel are weighing on you and then cross out the ones that don’t serve you. Instead, replace them with more grounded, authentic expectations that reflect your real desires and values.
Check out my latest blog post,
5 Simple Ways to Make Change Happen | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
Join the FREE 21 Day Writing for Self-Discovery Challenge - Reconnect with your true self
21-Day Journaling Challenge | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
What’s the Payoff for Staying Stuck?
The Real Reason You’re Resisting Change (and What to Do About It)
In this episode I talk about the payoff for being stuck. On the surface it sounds silly to think that there could be any reason we would want to stay stuck....but when you dig a bit deeper, there will be a reason you are resisting change.
There was a time when I found myself struggling to take the steps needed to make my dreams happen. I kept circling back to the same stuck place—never really pushing forward, even though I knew what I wanted deep down. On an unconscious level, I realized it wasn’t a fear of failure holding me back. It was the fear of success. Success felt heavy, like it would demand too much of me. What if it came with responsibilities I couldn’t manage? What if I felt trapped, overwhelmed, or even suffocated by it?
Sound familiar?
It’s easier to stay where we are, isn’t it? Even when it makes us miserable. There’s a comfort in not moving, in remaining within the familiar, because change, even the good kind, is hard. We’re creatures of habit, and staying within our comfort zones keeps us feeling safe, protected. But what if that safety is exactly what’s keeping us from growing?
At some level, staying stuck serves us. There’s always a payoff for not taking action, whether we realize it or not. Here are some possible reasons you might be holding back:
Hi there, I’m Kay, a Therapist and Coach, author and podcaster. I help women get unstuck, get clear on what they want and create meaningful lasting change.
Come and join me on the Last Sunday of the month for MAKE IT HAPPEN 7pm UK time.
Get intentional and clear on what you want to create and do this coming month.
In this one hour guided check-in you will:
Reflect on the past month - what you got up to, what you want to celebrate and the challenges you are proud of dealing with
Get clear on what you want to make happen next month - from the goals you want to focus on, to the simple pleasures you want to fill your days with
Create a simple action plan and schedule things into your calendar to make sure you fill this month with the things you want to do.
Last Sunday of the Month
A notebook or journal and pen
Your calendar
To join head to Kayholdsworth.com
Hey everyone! So, I’m actually sitting in my car right now, waiting for my son to finish football training. It’s half-term, so I thought I’d take this time to chat with you and share something I’m really excited about. I’m launching Make It Happen Monthly! This is a chance for us to get clear on what we want to create, do, and experience in the coming month.
It’s the end of February, and I know how it is—those New Year’s intentions? Yeah, they can easily slip away. But don’t worry, that’s exactly what Make It Happen Monthly is here for.
It’s a free workshop happening on the last Sunday of every month, and the goal is simple: help you gain clarity on what you need to focus on and turn those ideas into reality for the rest of the year.
In the workshop, we’ll cover some really powerful questions. I’ll walk you a taster of what to expect.
What’s been good? This question is about reflecting on the positive. We’re often so focused on what’s next, we forget to acknowledge what’s gone well so far. So, we’ll take a moment to look back and see where we’ve made progress—because that momentum matters.
Scaling questions—This is where I’ll ask you to rate how close you are to making your plans and dreams happen on a scale from 0 to 10.
The idea here is to reflect on where you are right now, and then think about what it would take to move just one step closer to where you want to be. Small steps, big impact.
The Miracle Question— I get you to imagine what you would be doing differently if you moved 1 up the scale, for instance, I am a 7, so I talk about what I need to be doing to move from a 7 to an 8.
This helps you get really clear on what you’re aiming for, so you can start working toward it.
Make it Happen - Why now, you ask?
Well, we’re at that point in the year where those New Year’s intentions can feel distant or maybe even forgotten.
Make It Happen Monthly is all about checking in with yourself, making sure you’re still aligned with what you really want, and giving yourself the space to make it happen.
So, join me! Make It Happen Monthly is completely free, and it’s happening on the last Sunday of every month 7pm on Zoom. You’ll get the chance to connect with other women, reflect on your progress, and set some clear intentions for the month ahead.
To save your space head to my website, kayholdsworth.com
How to Make Yourself Proud in 2025
In this episode, I reflect on what it truly means to make yourself proud in 2025.
We all set goals and make plans, but how many of us actually follow through?
This episode explores the importance of commitment, the power of taking action, and how you can honour your goals and make yourself proud by the end of the year.
I was going to share practical tips, journaling prompts, and my favourite quote on commitment but forgot.
I have shared it below.
Key Points Covered:
Reflecting on the Year Ahead:
What does making yourself proud in 2025 look like? I talk about the importance of setting clear intentions and following through on what you say you’re going to do. Imagine the sense of pride and fulfilment you’ll feel at the end of the year, knowing you’ve honoured your commitments.
The Power of Commitment:
I share one of my favourite quotes by William Hutchison Murray on the magic of commitment:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness... Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”
Tips for Staying Committed and Making Progress:
I provide practical tips to help you follow through on your goals, including:
Journaling Prompts to Get You Started:
I offer a journaling exercise designed to help you reflect on your goals and take action:
MAKE IT HAPPEN FREE MONTHLY WORKSHOP – Take Action on What Matters
Are you tired of watching your ideas, dreams, and projectsgather dust while another month slips by?
Ready to get crystal clear on what truly matters and makereal progress on your goals?
🎯 This workshop is for you. 🎯
Join a community of like-minded women for an empowering hourof reflection, intention-setting, and action-taking—designed to help you movefrom feeling stuck to making real, positive, forward momentum.
In this one-hour session, we will:
💡 Imagine starting thenext month with unstoppable momentum, feeling focused, energised, and incontrol of your progress.
What You’ll Get:
📅 Next Session: Last Sunday of the month
Yes, I’m Ready to Make it Happen!
Welcome to this week's episode! Today, we're diving deep into something I know all too well—feeling stuck. If you’ve ever found yourself spinning in circles, with dreams and ideas that never seem to go anywhere, then this episode is for you. I’ve been there too, for more years than I care to admit, but trust me when I say, you can break free. Let’s talk about how.
Segment 1: My Story of Stucksville (3-5 mins)
I start by sharing my own experience of being stuck—how I felt like I was living in "Stucksville" for at least 15 years. I had all these dreams and plans but couldn't figure out how to make them happen. It felt like I was just going around in circles, and the frustration was real. I want to let you know that if you’re feeling the same, you're not alone.
Segment 2: Recognize the Root Cause of Feeling Stuck (5 mins)
We often feel stuck because something deeper is going on—fear, overwhelm, or maybe just too much on our plate. Take a moment to ask yourself, “What’s really holding me back?” It could be fear of failure, a lack of clarity, or even that dreaded feeling of being completely overwhelmed by your to-do list.
Journal Prompt: “What is one specific area in my life where I feel stuck? What thoughts or emotions are contributing to this feeling?”
Segment 3: Shift from Overthinking to Action (5 mins)
Overthinking is the enemy of action! Trust me, I’ve been caught in this trap too many times. The key is to stop analysing every possible outcome and start with just one small step.
Action Step: Choose one small thing you can do today. It doesn’t have to be huge—maybe just a 5-minute task—but it will create momentum.
Journal Prompt: “What is one small step I can take today to make progress in an area where I feel stuck?”
Segment 4: Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs (5 mins)
Let’s talk about those sneaky limiting beliefs. You know, the ones that whisper, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll never be able to do this.” They’re powerful, but they’re also lies. Challenge them!
Journal Prompt: “What are the beliefs I hold about myself that are keeping me stuck? How can I reframe these beliefs into something empowering?”
Segment 5: Embrace Imperfect Action
Perfectionism is a dream killer. The truth is, things will never be perfect, and that’s okay.
Journal Prompt: “What is one thing I’ve been putting off because it doesn’t feel perfect? How can I take a step towards it, even if it’s not perfect?”
Segment 6: Reconnect with Your “Why”
Why did you start this journey in the first place? Whether it’s a personal or professional goal, reconnecting with your deeper “why” can reignite that fire within you.
Journal Prompt: “Why is achieving this goal important to me? How will my life change once I break free from being stuck?”
Segment 7: Set Boundaries and Eliminate Distractions (3 mins)
Sometimes, we feel stuck because we’re too busy doing things that don’t actually matter to us.
Journal Prompt: “What distractions are keeping me from making progress? What boundaries can I set to protect my time and energy?”
Segment 8: Celebrate Small Wins (2 mins)
It’s so easy to overlook the small wins when we’re focused on the bigger picture. But every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Journal Prompt: “What small win can I celebrate today? How does acknowledging this win make me feel more empowered to keep going?”
Segment 9: Visualization
Journal Prompt: “What does my future self look like after I’ve broken free from feeling stuck?
Getting unstuck doesn’t happen overnight, but taking these small, intentional steps will create momentum. If I can do it after 15 years in Stucksville, so can you. Remember, it's all about progress, not perfection. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Sign up for my FREE MAKE IT HAPPEN MONTHLY WORKSHOP
Get clarity on your intention for the coming month... and make your dreams, plans and ideas a reality.
Home | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
I’m training to be a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist. I already work part-time as a student counsellor at Leeds Trinity University, and I was offered this course through work, so I couldn’t say no!
One of the things we do in every session is start by asking the client: “What’s been good?”—even if they’ve had a terrible week.
At first, I was resistant to asking this, especially when someone is struggling and feels like their whole life is falling apart. But I began using it in my counselling sessions at the university, and it worked wonders. Some of my students even started writing lists of what had been good, ready to share in our sessions.
So, I decided to try it for myself. For the past two weeks, I’ve been asking myself, “What’s been good?” and it’s honestly made a huge difference. I’m noticing the good things more, recognising what’s going well, and feeling more in control. After I do the exercise, other good things pop into my head throughout the day. It’s like I’m retraining my brain to look for the positives.
In this episode, I’ll explain how this technique works and why it’s so effective. It’s a quick and easy practice that anyone can do. It only takes a few minutes, so why not give it a go for a week or two and see how it benefits you? I’d love to hear how you get on!
Join my free 21 day Writing for Self-discovery Challenge.
21-Day Journaling Challenge | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
Are you stuck in a cycle of overthinking, unable to make decisions, and feeling frustrated because you're not moving forward? You’re not alone. In this video, I’m going to share 7 powerful ways to break free from indecision and start making confident choices. I know exactly how this feels because, as a therapist and coach, I’ve faced the same challenge in my own life. For me, it’s all about choosing a single path and fully committing to it. I used to (and still; do) get caught up in my head, stuck between two options, wondering: “Should I do this or that?” I’ve experienced how this kind of indecision takes up so much mental energy and leaves you feeling stuck. In this video, I’ll share my personal story of how overthinking impacted my business decisions—whether I should focus on becoming a counsellor or a coach, sell a course or a membership—and how this mental tug-of-war kept me frustrated, stuck and stagnant for way too long. If we're not careful, indecision can tie us in knots. But there’s a way out! We’ll dive into how you can reframe your decision-making process, shift your attention, and challenge the limiting beliefs that keep you stuck. Here are the 7 strategies I’ll cover: Shift from “Right vs. Wrong” to Experimentation – Learn how to see decisions as opportunities for growth rather than fear of failure. Focus on What You Can Control – Let go of what’s out of your control and focus on the actions you can take right now. Identify the Fears Holding You Back – Discover how underlying fears might be keeping you stuck and how to move past them. Take Action, Any Action – Get out of your head and into action with small, manageable steps that build momentum. Use Mindfulness to Stay Grounded – Learn how to stop future-focused fears from taking over by staying present in the moment. Limit Your Decision Time – Reduce the mental space indecision takes up by creating time limits around your choices. Let Go of Perfectionism – Embrace imperfect decisions and trust that you’ll still end up where you need to be. Watch the video to learn how you can stop overthinking, start taking action, and make decisions that will move you forward in life and business! Kay Holdsworth | Therapist & Journal Coach for Busy, Self-Aware Women ✨ Feeling stuck in the busyness of life? As a therapist and journal coach, I help self-aware women like you reconnect with yourself, get clear on what you want, and make meaningful progress in your life. I’ll guide you to gain clarity, remember who you truly are, and take real steps forward—because you deserve to feel fulfilled and in control where you are heading. 👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for practical therapy and coaching tools as well as journaling techniques and activities for self-discovery to help you create a life that is a truer expression of who you are. @kay.holdsworth 📝 Join my FREE "Journaling: Make It Happen Monthly" – A monthly session where we’ll: • Reflect on where you are right now and identify what matters most • Set clear, actionable steps toward a goal, project, or dream you’ve been wanting to achieve • Keep you accountable, focused, and on track so you can make significant progress It's more than just a journaling session—it’s a personal support system for staying committed to your plans and seeing real results. Join us each month to stay motivated, reflect on your growth, and set fresh intentions. The best part? It’s completely free. http://www.kayholdsworth.com 💬 JOIN THE CHALLENGE: 21 Day True Self Writing Challenge – Reconnect with Your True Self – Start rediscovering what’s truly important to you today! 🌐 Visit http://www.kayholdsworth.com for more free resources, tools, and activities for self-discovery and change.
🎯 8 Powerful Questions to Help You Discover Your Life Purpose | Find Your Purpose Today
Feeling stuck trying to figure out your life purpose? You’re not alone. In this video, I’m sharing 8 simple yet powerful questions that can help you uncover your purpose and bring more clarity to your life.
🔍 "Life purpose" can feel like a big, overwhelming concept, but it doesn't have to be. I spent years in my twenties, thirties, and even into my forties chasing this idea of purpose—thinking it had to be something massive and life-changing. But what I’ve learned is that purpose is something we create day by day through small, meaningful actions.
If you’re feeling lost, or if the idea of finding your purpose seems too daunting, this video is for you. Sometimes, it’s about starting small and asking yourself the right questions. Let’s dive in and explore how to find your purpose together.
📖 Chapters
0:00 - Intro: Why Finding Your Life Purpose Can Feel Overwhelming
0:45 - My Personal Story: Searching for Purpose in My 20s, 30s, and 40s
2:00 - 8 Questions to Help You Discover Your Purpose
4:15 - How to Start Living Your Purpose Today
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
🌱 Key Questions Covered:
Remember, purpose isn’t a one-time thing—it’s something you create over time, starting with small steps. Answering these questions can be the first step in discovering what really matters to you.
🔗 Additional Resources
If you found this video helpful, don’t forget to check out my other free resources on self-discovery and journaling:
WEBSITE Home | Kay Holdsworth : Create Yourself
YOUTUBE Kay Holdsworth - YouTube
Ever feel like life’s just become a little too predictable? Like you're stuck in a rut, and everything feels a bit meh? We all know that feeling when life starts to feel like a never-ending loop, much like the movie Groundhog Day—same old, same old. But what if there was a way to break free from your daily routine and add excitement to your life? Stuck in a rut? I share 12 simple ways to shake up your life! In this video, we’re going to dive deep into how you can shake things up and start living with more fun, adventure, and spontaneity. If you’ve been feeling bored, disconnected, or stuck, this video is for you! You’ll get 12 creative ways to step outside your comfort zone and start experiencing life in a new way. Why Shake Things Up? Been stuck in a rut is no fun! You may have noticed that as we get older, time seems to fly by faster. Why? Because we experience fewer "firsts"—new experiences, moments of excitement, and adventures. Think back to your teens and twenties: life was filled with novelty. Remember the thrill of doing something for the very first time, like shopping solo for the first time or traveling to a new city? Fast forward to now, and it might feel like your life is stuck in a routine, and every day feels just like the last. When we stop experiencing "firsts," life can start to feel smaller. That’s why shaking things up is so important. When we get too comfortable and settle into predictable routines, we stop feeling the same sense of aliveness. It’s time to add some adventure back into your life—even if it’s just by doing something small and different! Stuck in a rut? 12 simple Ways to Shake Things Up: Take a Different Route – Change your daily commute or walking route. A small change can bring fresh energy into your routine. Try a New Hobby – Always wanted to learn an instrument, try painting, or get into gardening? Now’s your chance! Travel Somewhere New – It doesn’t have to be far. Explore a nearby town or a new park in your area. Join a Class – Try something you’ve never done before, whether it’s cooking, dancing, pottery, or anything else that excites you! Meet New People – Join a club or attend social events where you can connect with others who share your interests. Change Your Environment – Rearrange your furniture, redecorate a room, or create a new space in your home. Learn Something New – Take an online course or pick up a new skill that excites you. Do Something Spontaneous – Sometimes, all you need is a spontaneous adventure. Hop in the car with no destination in mind. Volunteer – Helping others gives you a new perspective and a sense of fulfilment. Challenge Yourself – Set a new goal that scares you a little and work toward it. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding it can be! Attend Events – Go to a concert, a local festival, or a community event to break out of the ordinary. Disconnect to Reconnect – Take a break from technology and spend the day outside, recharging your energy with nature or loved ones. Kay Holdsworth | Therapist & Journal Coach for Busy, Self-Aware Women 👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for practical therapy and coaching tools as well as journaling techniques and activities for self-discovery to help you create a life that is a truer expression of who you are. @kay.holdsworth 📝 Join my FREE "Journaling: Make It Happen Monthly" – A monthly session where we’ll: • Reflect on where you are right now and identify what matters most • Set clear, actionable steps toward a goal, project, or dream you’ve been wanting to achieve • Keep you accountable, focused, and on track so you can make significant progress It's more than just a journaling session—it’s a personal support system for staying committed to your plans and seeing real results. Join us each month to stay motivated, reflect on your growth, and set fresh intentions. The best part? It’s completely free. http://www.kayholdsworth.com
Therapeutic Journaling: How Writing Letters Can Heal You Have you ever felt like there are things you need to say, but for one reason or another, you just can't? In this video, I’ll show you how Therapeutic Journaling: How Writing Letters Can Heal You and can help you process all those pent-up emotions—whether it's anger, hurt, or betrayal. Writing a letter, even if you never send it, can be incredibly healing. It gives you the space to express everything you've been holding onto, and trust me, the relief and clarity you can gain from this process are powerful. Chapters: 0:00 *Introduction: What is Therapeutic Letter Writing?*
Therapeutic Journaling: How Writing Letters Can Heal You, gives you the space to express what’s real and true for you. We often carry around so much—anger, pain, disappointment—and writing is a way to release it all, especially when confronting the person face-to-face isn’t an option or might end badly. You’re not only getting those feelings out but also processing and making sense of them. This practice can be truly transformative for your emotional and physical health. How to Start Writing Your Therapeutic Letter Here are some helpful sentence starters to get you going. These are great if you’re feeling stuck on how to begin or need a little push to dive into those deep emotions: Kay Holdsworth | Therapist & Journal Coach for Busy, Self-Aware Women ✨ Feeling stuck in the busyness of life? As a therapist and journal coach, I help self-aware women like you reconnect with yourself, get clear on what you want, and make meaningful progress in your life. I’ll guide you to gain clarity, remember who you truly are, and take real steps forward—because you deserve to feel fulfilled and in control where you are heading. 👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for practical therapy and coaching tools as well as journaling techniques and activities for self-discovery to help you create a life that is a truer expression of who you are. @kay.holdsworth 📝 Join my FREE "Journaling: Make It Happen Monthly" – A monthly session where we’ll: • Reflect on where you are right now and identify what matters most • Set clear, actionable steps toward a goal, project, or dream you’ve been wanting to achieve • Keep you accountable, focused, and on track so you can make significant progress It's more than just a journaling session—it’s a personal support system for staying committed to your plans and seeing real results. Join us each month to stay motivated, reflect on your growth, and set fresh intentions. The best part? It’s completely free. http://www.kayholdsworth.com 💬 JOIN THE CHALLENGE: 21 Day True Self Writing Challenge – Reconnect with Your True Self – Start rediscovering what’s truly important to you today! 🌐 Visit http://www.kayholdsworth.com for more free resources, tools, and activities for self-discovery and change.
Feeling the pressure of being an entrepreneur? Journaling might be the stress relief you’ve been looking for. As entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, or business owners, we juggle countless tasks and wear so many hats—it can be exhausting.
In this video, I’ll walk you through a simple 3-step journaling technique to help you de-stress as an entrepreneur (or anyone for that matter).
Journaling provides a private space to reflect, release tension, and gain clarity. Just giving yourself 5 minutes a day to write down your thoughts can make a massive difference—think of it like putting down a heavy rucksack you’ve been carrying for too long.
🌟 **3-Step Journaling Technique:**
1. **Brain Dump:** Write down everything that’s stressing you out—don’t hold back.
2. **Rate Each Stressor:** On a scale of 1 to 10, how much is each one affecting you?
3. **Take Action:** For your top stressors, choose one small action you can take in the next 24 hours.
Taking action brings clarity, and clarity helps cut through fear and overwhelm.
**Plus, I’ll share 5 additional journaling techniques for stress relief:**
1. **Brain Dump**
2. **Emotional Release**
3. **Gratitude Journaling**
4. **Stress Journal**
5. **Bullet Journal for Organization**
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by work or life in general, these techniques can help lighten the load and prevent burnout.
You don’t have to journal every day for it to be effective—even just a few minutes a week can help you process emotions and regain control.
Kay Holdsworth | Therapist & Journal Coach for Busy, Self-Aware Women
✨ Feeling stuck in the busyness of life? As a therapist and journal coach, I help self-aware women like you reconnect with yourself, get clear on what you want, and make meaningful progress in your life.
I’ll guide you to gain clarity, remember who you truly are, and take real steps forward—because you deserve to feel fulfilled and in control where you are heading.
👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for practical therapy and coaching tools as well as journaling techniques and activities for self-discovery to help you create a life that is a truer expression of who you are.
📝 Join my FREE "Journaling: Make It Happen Monthly" – A monthly session where we’ll:
Reflect on where you are right now and identify what matters most
Set clear, actionable steps toward a goal, project, or dream you’ve been wanting to achieve
Keep you accountable, focused, and on track so you can make significant progress
It's more than just a journaling session—it’s a personal support system for staying committed to your plans and seeing real results.
Join us each month to stay motivated, reflect on your growth, and set fresh intentions.
To join email me kay@kayholdsworth.com
The best part? It’s completely free.
💬 Grab my FREEBIE: 21 Life-Changing Questions to Reconnect with Your True Self – Start rediscovering what’s truly important to you today!
🌐 Visit www.kayholdsworth.com for more free resources, tools, and activities for self-discovery and change.
#JournalingForStressRelief #EntrepreneurLife #MentalHealth #BurnoutPrevention #StressManagement #ProductivityTips #JournalingTechniques #EntrepreneurTips #SelfCareForEntrepreneurs
Feeling overwhelmed as an entrepreneur? I get it—been there myself. 😩 The constant juggling of tasks, endless to-do lists, and daily stresses can leave you feeling exhausted and stuck in a loop of overthinking. But what if I told you there’s a simple tool that can help you stay on track, clear your mind, and de-stress? The answer could be journaling. 📝✨** Journaling isn't just for writers—it's a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs organize their thoughts, get clear on their goals, and even tackle business challenges. And no, it doesn’t take hours of your day. Just 10 minutes can make all the difference. In this video, I’ll walk you through easy journaling techniques for entrepreneurs that will help you:
Here are the journaling techniques I share in the video: 💡 *Top 3 Priorities Technique* Start your day by writing down your top 3 priorities. Keeping it to just 3 helps you stay focused and avoid overwhelm. Then, list 3 simple actions you can take to move each priority forward. It doesn’t have to be complicated—think small, achievable steps that keep you progressing. 💡 *Brainstorming for Solutions* Stuck on a business problem? Write the issue at the top of the page, then list ALL possible solutions, even the crazy or out-there ones. No idea is too wild here! The goal is to get out of your head and onto the page. This technique frees up mental space and often leads to breakthrough ideas you might have missed by overthinking. 💡 *End-of-Day Brain Dump* Before you go to bed, take a few minutes to dump everything that’s stressing you out onto paper. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just get it all out. This helps release that mental clutter, letting you decompress and set yourself up for a better night’s sleep. It’s amazing how much lighter you can feel by putting it down on paper. 💡 *Track Your Wins* Sometimes we’re so focused on what’s next that we forget to celebrate what we’ve already achieved. Use your journal to track your wins, big or small. Reflect on what went well today, what progress you’ve made, and remind yourself that you’re moving forward, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. 💡 *Free-Writing for Clarity* When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next move, use free-writing. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and just write without stopping. Let whatever’s on your mind flow out onto the page. This can help you get clearer on what’s really important, and sometimes the answers you’re looking for will reveal themselves through the process. Kay Holdsworth | Therapist & Journal Coach ✨ Feeling stuck in the busyness of life? As a therapist and journal coach, I help self-aware women like you reconnect with yourself, get clear on what you want, and make meaningful progress in your life. 👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for practical therapy and coaching tools as well as journaling techniques and activities for self-discovery to help you create a life that is a truer expression of who you are. / @kayholdsworth 💬 Grab my FREEBIE @ subscribepag.io/21 21 Life-Changing Questions to Reconnect with Your True Self – Start rediscovering what’s truly important to you today! 🌐 Visit www.kayholdsworth.com for more free resources, tools, and activities for self-discovery and change.
I’m diving deep into how journaling can be one of the most powerful tools to silence your inner critic, gain clarity, and manage overthinking.
Whether you're going through a tough time or just feeling stuck, journaling allows you to take a step back and reflect on your thoughts.
As a therapist and journal coach, I’ve used journaling for years—both for myself and with my clients. It’s a way to become more self-aware, gain perspective, and uncover the answers that are already within you.
Journaling is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
When you know how to ask yourself the right questions, your journal can become your greatest ally in navigating challenges and living a life that feels true to who you really are.
💭 The 4 Key Questions to Ask When You’re Overthinking or Feeling Self-Doubt:
1. Is this true?
This question is designed to help you challenge your thoughts. Sometimes we believe things without questioning if they are based on reality or just our own fears and assumptions.
2. Is this a fact?
Asking this helps you get clear on whether your thoughts are factual. Are they backed by evidence, or are they just beliefs? Imagine your thoughts being presented in a court of law—would they stand up?
3. Is there another way of looking at this situation?
This question encourages you to shift your perspective. What’s another angle? Could there be something you’re missing? Shifting your viewpoint can unlock new insights.
4. What would I say to a good friend in a similar situation?
We’re often much kinder and more supportive to others than we are to ourselves.
Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection and Overcoming Overthinking
If you're struggling with overthinking or your inner critic is being especially loud, here are some *journal prompts* to help guide your writing and process your thoughts:
1. What is my inner critic telling me right now? How does it make me feel?
2. What evidence do I have to support or refute these thoughts?
3. What are some possible alternative perspectives on this situation?
4. How can I be more compassionate with myself in this moment?
5. What do I want to believe about myself or this situation?
6. What action can I take to challenge my inner critic today?
These prompts are designed to help you take a closer look at your thoughts and break the cycle of negativity. Just writing them down can bring clarity and create emotional distance from the thoughts that weigh you down.
Why Journaling Works
Journaling creates the space for you to step back and become the observer of your thoughts. It’s a way to detach yourself from the overwhelming feelings that come with overthinking and self-doubt.
By getting your thoughts down on paper, you give yourself room to see the bigger picture and find a more grounded perspective.
Writing out your thoughts allows you to unpack and unpick them. You’ll find there’s always another way of looking at a situation, and that shift in perspective can change *everything*.
Over time, you’ll learn to reframe your inner critic’s voice and start believing in yourself more. The truth is, thoughts are just thoughts. It’s the power we give them that makes them feel so real. When you write them out, you reduce their power and take back your control.
Who I Am:
I’m Kay Holdsworth, a therapist and journal coach who helps women create a life that is a true reflection of who they are.
Through coaching, journaling, and creativity, I offer practical tools and activities for self-discovery, transformation, and personal growth.
Website - https://www.kayholdsworth.com/
📸 Instagram: / kay.holdsworth
📘 Facebook: / kaylholdsworth
💼 LinkedIn: / kayholdsworth
🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
I’d love to hear from you! If this video resonated with you, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on **journaling**, **self-discovery**, and **personal growth**.
Ideal Day Exercise - This podcast includes a short visualisation, and if you scroll down I include relevant journal prompts. Do you believe your mind has the power to create your own reality? I do. In this video, I'm sharing with you a transformative tool that many successful people, including top athletes, use regularly. This exercise has been a powerful practice for my therapy clients and students I work with as a Student Counsellor at a local university. It combines the power of visualisation and journaling to help you tap into your inner self, attract what you desire, and ultimately create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Whether you're chasing your dreams, working towards personal goals, or simply wanting to make positive changes in your life, visualisation can be the key to unlocking your aspirations and full potential. Not sure if this works? It doesn't matter whether you believe in it right now; just allow yourself to go with it. **Have fun and dream big**, because the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. This is your opportunity to imagine a life you’d love living in the future. You don't need to be a master at visualising for this exercise! I know that not everyone finds it easy to "see" things in their mind's eye. No problem! You don’t need to create a perfect image, just a sense or feeling of what your ideal day could be. Think of this exercise as a motivating tool—a chance to explore what matters to you and what will bring more joy, purpose, and satisfaction into your life. #Idealday - Guided Visualisation & Journaling Practice We are going to imagine ourselves five years from now, living our ideal day. This isn’t some fantasy day where you win the lottery or jet off to a Caribbean beach—this is a normal but ideal day that leaves you feeling fulfilled and satisfied. Journaling Practice: After your visualisation, take some time to journal about the experience. Reflect on what you noticed. What insights came up? What do you want more of in your life? What elements of your ideal day are already present in your life today? Start Small, Begin Today Don’t wait five years to start living your ideal life! Ask yourself: What small steps can I take today to move closer to this vision? For example, if part of your ideal day includes a cosy home filled with comfortable cushions and scented candles, why not make that happen now? When I did this exercise with a client, she imagined these small but meaningful details, and we realised she didn’t need to wait five years to enjoy them. In fact, she made these small changes right away. I’m already living parts of my ideal day. For instance, I have a solid morning routine that includes yoga and journaling, which are all elements of my ideal day. This **Ideal Day Exercise** blends two of my favourite practices—visualisation and journaling. By engaging your senses and allowing yourself to fully imagine your future, you can start making decisions today that align with your bigger goals. This practice helps bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Often, when we think about our ideal life, the gap can feel like the Grand Canyon—so vast that it feels impossible to reach. But the key is to **start small**. Take one step today, and you’ll be amazed at how much closer you’ll feel to living your ideal life. 🌟 **Remember: The only limits are the ones we impose on ourselves.** - Bob Proctor Let me know in the comments below: What is one small step you’ll take today to start living your ideal life? Share your thoughts, and let’s support each other in this journey of self-discovery and transformation. 🌐 Website: [www.kayholdsworth.com](https://www.kayholdsworth.com) 📸 Instagram: @kay.holdsworth 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kay.holdsworth 📧 Sign up for my newsletter: (https://www.kayholdsworth.com)
Journaling Could Change Your Life | Self-Discovery, Clarity & Personal Growth
In this episode, I dive into how journaling can change your life by helping you make sense of your thoughts, gain clarity, and deepen your self-awareness.
If your mind sometimes feels like a tangled ball of wool, journaling is the perfect tool to unravel those threads and get a better understanding of what’s really going on in your head.
I’ll share examples from my own experience and how I’ve used journaling to organise my dreams, unpick limiting beliefs, and recognize recurring patterns that keep me stuck.
Over the years, journaling has helped me understand myself better—after all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself!
It’s a powerful way to figure out what’s holding you back, track your emotional growth, and, importantly, process your emotions.
Through journaling, I’ve realised how often I was getting in my own way. From staying stuck in planning mode and avoiding action to placing unrealistic expectations on myself, it became clear that my journal was reflecting my patterns back to me.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your self-awareness, build healthier routines or just untangle your thoughts, this video will give you the insights and motivation to start journaling today.
And remember, journaling isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth experimenting with. There are so many different types and techniques out there—so give it a go!
Key topics covered:
Listen now and see how journaling could change your life.
#journaling #selfdiscovery #personalgrowth #selfawareness #clarity #limitingbeliefs #emotionalwellbeing #selfcare #routines #mentalhealth
**Ready to take your personal growth to the next level?**
If you loved these practical activities for self-discovery, I’ve got something extra special for you!
I’ve put together a free guide called 21 Life-Changing Questions that will help you dig deeper, reflect on what truly matters, and spark some serious self-discovery.
Whether you’re looking to make meaningful changes in your life, gain clarity on your next steps, or simply want to get to know yourself better, these questions are designed to challenge and inspire you.
So, why not take a few moments for yourself?
Download your free copy now.
Grab your free guide here: DOWNLOAD
