Sharon McHugh, BACP

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor with seven years' experience who helps people recover from anxiety and trauma linked to difficult early life experiences. She describes sessions as client-led and focused on what the person brings to the room. Her aim is to help clients heal and grow into who they want to be.

Sharon works in a warm, non-judgemental way. She listens and asks questions to understand life from each person's point of view. Together they make sense of patterns that developed to keep the person safe in childhood, and how those patterns affect life now.

At the first meeting Sharon and the client set clear goals and agree a plan for therapy. She uses a range of approaches to meet practical needs, such as tackling anxiety, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, or the sense of emptiness that can follow a difficult upbringing. The sessions aim to be practical and grounded in everyday change.

Her background includes work in both private practice and external agencies, supporting people with anxiety, trauma and related issues. Sharon keeps her skills current by regularly attending professional development courses that expand the options she can offer clients.

Sharon's qualifications include a Level 4 Integrative Counsellor credential, a Level 5 Cognitive Behaviour Therapist qualification, and a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She works from the United Kingdom and conducts sessions in English.

Approaches used in online counselling and how they help

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on understanding your experience from your point of view. It gives you space to lead the conversation while the counsellor reflects what matters to you, which can help with issues like low self-esteem and relationship difficulties.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It uses practical exercises and strategies to reduce anxiety, panic attacks and unhelpful thinking patterns over time.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for managing strong emotions and impulsivity. It can be useful for people who struggle with overwhelm, intense reactions or compulsive behaviours.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Sharon will work collaboratively to decide which methods fit your goals and preferences. She often combines elements from different approaches to suit what you want to achieve and will check in about progress as therapy continues.

If you are interested in online sessions, please confirm the current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people choose quieter times and adapt sessions around work or family commitments.