Sharon McHugh, BACP - Therapist in United Kingdom

About Sharon

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma linked to a difficult upbringing. She works in a way that keeps the client in control of sessions so people can bring whatever matters most to them. Sharon uses an open, empathetic style and aims to help clients grow into the person they want to be.

Sharon begins by discussing goals and making a simple plan with each client.

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Background and approach

Sessions are guided by what the person wants to talk about, and Sharon asks questions to help untangle patterns and understand life from the client's point of view. This approach helps people make sense of recurring feelings and behaviours.

Her background includes work in independent practice and in external agencies, where she supported people dealing with anxiety and trauma from environments that demanded coping strategies to stay safe. Over time those strategies can lead to low self-esteem, people-pleasing or a sense of emptiness, and Sharon helps clients identify where change can begin.

Sharon holds a British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists registration, and she has formal training as an Integrative Counsellor to Level 4, plus Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Level 5 and a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She also attends ongoing courses to broaden her skills.

In sessions Sharon may use practical techniques drawn from several approaches, and she works alongside each person to set achievable steps. Her aim is steady progress so clients leave feeling more certain about who they are and how to move forward.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online therapy

Sharon commonly draws on Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to shape online sessions. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so the person feels heard and can explore their own solutions, especially useful for low self-esteem and feelings of emptiness. CBT looks at patterns of thought and behaviour and uses practical exercises to reduce anxiety, panic and phobias. DBT offers skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which can help with impulsivity, intense emotions and relationship struggles.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Sharon will talk through goals and preferences in early sessions and adapt methods as work progresses. She aims to build a plan together so techniques fit the person's needs and day-to-day life rather than imposing a single route forward.

Online therapy sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to make engagement flexible. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited, live chat can suit quick check-ins, and messaging supports short, ongoing reflections between sessions. These options help people fit therapy around work, family commitments and changing schedules.

Book with Sharon Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Sharon help with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression and low self-esteem. Additional areas include addictions, career concerns, sleeping problems, phobias and panic attacks.

What is Sharon's approach to therapy?

Sessions are client-led and empathetic, with a mix of practical techniques. She uses talking, questions and focused strategies to help people understand patterns and take small steps forward.

How long has she been practising?

Sharon has seven years of experience working in independent practice and external agencies supporting people with anxiety and trauma.

What professional credentials does she hold and where is she based?

She is registered with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.

In which languages can I speak with Sharon?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Sharon offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are fees and getting started handled?

Cost varies with location and the subscription plan used; subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 7 years
Licensed
Languages: English

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