PuttingFamilyFirst

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IH Portrait of Ian Holloway
Online therapist

Ian Holloway

Compassionate, pragmatic support for parenting and life challenges

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Ian

Ian Holloway is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with 20 years of experience. He uses a direct, practical style to help people who are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Ian also supports those navigating LGBT concerns, intimacy-related struggles, and parenting challenges.

He aims to make sessions straightforward and approachable for busy parents and adults seeking change. Ian creates a calm space for talking through thoughts and feelings.

Background and approach

He focuses on clear steps people can try between meetings. Sessions emphasize skills that reduce anxiety and improve everyday functioning. Ian avoids jargon and explains ideas in plain language.

Over two decades of practice have included work around attachment, communication problems, and issues connected to sex and relationship diversity such as BDSM, kink, and polyamory. He has also helped people facing substance use concerns, fatherhood questions, gender dysphoria, and the emotional effects of infidelity or isolation. His experience covers a wide variety of mood and self-worth issues.

Ian often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to structure sessions and support change. He encourages small, achievable steps so progress feels manageable. The approach is collaborative and goal-oriented rather than purely talk-based.

Sessions are offered in English and are provided through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. People enroll through a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

How Ian’s Methods Work Online

Ian commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood. Motivational Interviewing helps clarify what matters most to a person and boosts motivation to make changes such as reducing substance use or improving communication.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative step. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has worked or not worked before. Together they choose techniques and adjust them over time so the work feels manageable and relevant.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy family life or work schedule. They also allow for follow-up between sessions through messaging and flexible check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver structured interventions and coach practical skills in everyday settings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Ian commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, LGBT issues, intimacy-related problems, and parenting challenges. He also addresses related topics like attachment, communication, and self-worth.
What kind of approach can I expect in sessions?
Sessions emphasize practical tools and clear steps. Ian blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help set goals and build skills.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
Ian has 20 years of professional experience working in mental health settings. That background informs a practical and direct style in therapy.
What are the therapist's credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW 82669, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging for flexible scheduling and access.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select Start Therapy, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to availability.

Specialties and expertise

Also works with

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

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