About John
Dr. John Hilsdon helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, grief and depression. He is experienced with a wide range of concerns including phobias, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
He works in the United Kingdom and speaks English. John offers a straightforward, calm presence in sessions. He encourages people to talk about what matters most to them.
Conversations focus on what is happening now and what small changes could make daily life easier.
Background and approach
He aims to reduce shame and isolation while people work through painful feelings. His approach draws on client-centred ideas that put the person's perspective at the heart of the work. That means listening closely and following what the client brings, rather than imposing a strict plan.
Existential ideas are also used to look at meaning, purpose and the choices someone faces during difficult transitions. With 24 years of practice John has supported people through grief, end-of-life care issues, first responder stress, cancer-related concerns and midlife shifts. He also addresses process addictions such as problematic gambling, exercise or pornography use, and the fallout from prejudice and discrimination.
Sessions can feel practical and humane. John helps people set clear, realistic goals and tests small steps between meetings. He welcomes international clients and adapts session format to fit daily life, using video, phone, chat or text messaging when that suits the person.
How his approaches work online and in sessions
Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the centre of the work. The counsellor listens closely, reflects what he hears and follows the client’s pace. This approach helps when someone needs space to make sense of strong emotions like anxiety, grief or shame.Existential Therapy looks at meaning, choice and the bigger questions people face. It can help when life changes - such as illness, midlife shifts or career stress - leave someone wondering what matters next. Sessions using these ideas encourage honest conversation about values and direction rather than quick fixes.
Finding the right approach is part of the journey. The counsellor will work together with the client to decide which ideas and methods to use. That means checking in about goals, trying different steps between meetings and adjusting how they work as progress is made.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video is useful for deeper conversations that benefit from face-to-face interaction. Phone calls are a good option when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat or messaging can suit people who prefer typing or who need to fit sessions around busy days. These options make it possible to keep therapy going across different time zones and schedules with registered or accredited professionals.
Questions people ask
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What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also listed
- Cancer
- Communication problems
- Depression
- First responder issues
- Grief
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Workplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 24 years
- Licensed
- Languages
- English
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