Sharon McHugh, BACP

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people heal from anxiety and trauma rooted in difficult early life experiences. She works to create a space where the client leads the sessions and can bring whatever feels important. Sharon holds BACP accreditation, and she uses her experience to support people looking for change.

Her style is open and empathetic. At the first meeting she asks about goals and what the client wants to get from counselling, then they agree a plan together. Sessions are led by the client and Sharon listens closely, asking questions to help make sense of what is happening in the person's life.

Sharon has seven years of practice experience across independent work and external agencies. She has worked with people who developed coping strategies to survive upbringing that did not allow them to be themselves. Over time those strategies can lead to low self-esteem, people-pleasing and a sense of emptiness, and Sharon supports people at the point they want things to change.

Her training includes 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 professional development through regular training courses to broaden her ways of working.

Sessions aim to help clients understand their experiences through their own perspective and build practical ways to feel more like themselves. Sharon welcomes people who are ready to start exploring change and healing.

How Sharon's approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and supporting the person to lead the work. The counsellor follows the client's pace, reflects what they say and helps them make sense of their experiences, which is useful for personal stories and emotional healing.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts, feelings and behaviours and uses practical techniques to shift unhelpful patterns. It can help with anxiety, panic, low mood and sleep problems by teaching new coping strategies and ways of thinking.

Finding the right way of working is part of the process. Sharon will discuss options with each client and decide together which approach or mix of approaches fits best with the person's needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative step that shapes the plan for future sessions.

If you are considering online therapy, check the current session options before booking. Confirming available formats will tell you how sessions are arranged and how they fit into your day. Many people find online sessions easier to schedule, quicker to attend between other commitments and helpful when they prefer not to travel. Talk with Sharon about practical arrangements so sessions can fit into everyday life.