Sharon McHugh , BACP

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma tied to difficult early life experiences. She uses a client-led style so each session follows what the person brings. Sharon aims to create a calm, non-judgemental space where people can speak openly and start to make sense of their feelings.

Her sessions begin with a conversation about goals and what the person hopes to gain from counselling. Together they map out a simple plan to guide the work. Sharon asks questions to help uncover patterns and understand life from the client's perspective, not to pressure or direct them.

Sharon has seven years' experience working in private practice and external agencies. She has supported people dealing with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and the long-term effects of growing up where it was not safe to be oneself. That background gives her experience with problems that can show up as people-pleasing, emptiness or uncertainty about identity.

Her training includes a British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) registration, an Integrative Counsellor qualification at Level 4, a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist qualification at Level 5, and a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She also continues to attend further courses to broaden her skills.

Sharon works with a wide range of concerns including stress, grief, depression, addictions and relationship or intimacy-related issues. She offers sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

People considering counselling can expect straightforward, compassionate support that focuses on practical steps and understanding. Sharon invites anyone who wishes to explore change to begin with a short matching questionnaire and a first appointment to set the pace.

How therapy approaches translate to online sessions

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person’s experience and helps people set the agenda for each session. It supports those who need a listening space to explore identity, low self-esteem or people-pleasing behaviours.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions and offers simple tools to test and change unhelpful patterns. It can help with anxiety, panic, low mood and sleep problems.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions and impulsivity. It can be useful for problems where strong reactions or self-destructive behaviours cause difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, preferences and how different methods might help. Together they choose or adapt approaches so sessions feel useful and doable.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and shared worksheets; phone sessions can be easier when lower bandwidth or no camera is preferred. Live chat and text messaging suit shorter check-ins, written reflection or times when typing fits better into a busy day. These options help people fit therapy around work, childcare and other commitments.