Dr. John Hilsdon, BACP

Dr. John Hilsdon helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, grief and depression. He is comfortable addressing a wide range of related concerns such as midlife crisis, life purpose, and issues tied to illness or bereavement. He works in English and sees clients in the United Kingdom and internationally. Dr. Hilsdon holds BACP registration and brings 24 years of experience to his practice.

He aims for a straightforward and humane style in sessions. Conversations focus on what is worrying the person now, practical ways to cope, and what matters most to them. Clients can expect a caring, non-judgemental space to talk things through and try new ways of handling difficult feelings.

Dr. Hilsdon draws on client-centred methods that keep the person’s experience at the heart of the work. He also uses existential ideas to help people consider meaning, choices and life direction when facing crossroads such as midlife change. Sessions combine listening with gentle challenges and collaborative planning.

He has particular experience helping with addictions and process problems including gambling, exercise and pornography. He also supports people dealing with panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive difficulties, and issues linked to prejudice or isolation. Work with cancer, hospice or first responder pressures is described among his focus areas.

People who come to him often want clear, practical conversation and time to make considered changes. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then arrange sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

How his approaches translate to online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening closely and following what matters to the person. Online sessions using this approach still centre the client's thoughts and feelings, with the counsellor offering understanding and helpful reflection to aid clearer thinking and problem-solving.

Existential Therapy helps people examine meaning, choice and life direction. In remote sessions this can be useful for tackling midlife questions, life purpose, grief or decision-making by discussing values and practical next steps in everyday life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which ideas and ways of working suit their goals, needs and preferences. That choice can change as progress is made, and adjustments are made together.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm which formats are offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling around work, travel and family commitments. It can also allow shorter check-ins, reduce travel time and let people join sessions from wherever they are located, which many find helps maintain regular attendance.