Registration on file

Sharon McHugh, BACP

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma linked to difficult early life experiences.

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About Sharon

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma linked to difficult early life experiences. She works in a way that keeps the client in charge of each session. Clients bring what matters to them and Sharon follows their lead to make space for open, honest conversation.

Sessions begin with a discussion of goals and a simple plan for how to work towards them.

Background and approach

Sharon asks questions to help people describe their experience and to better understand life from their point of view. This helps uncover patterns and coping strategies that no longer serve them. She explains things plainly and aims to create a non-judgemental atmosphere where people can speak freely.

The work often looks at low self-esteem, people-pleasing, feeling empty or not knowing oneself, and the habits learned to stay safe earlier in life. Sharon helps people notice how these patterns affect relationships, work and wellbeing. Her background includes independent practice and work in external agencies, giving her experience with anxiety, trauma and related concerns.

Sharon holds a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy registration, and she trained at Level 4 in Integrative Counselling, at Level 5 in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and has a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She describes her style as open and empathic and uses a mix of approaches to suit each person.

The focus is practical: make sense of the past, try new ways of coping now, and build small changes that add up over time.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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Registration

Body	Registration number	Expires
BACP	376880	February 2027

Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.

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Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Sharon lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Ways of working Sharon names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor lists and does not check training records.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Sharon commonly uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to help people understand and work through the effects of traumatic or difficult early life experiences. This approach looks at how past events shape current reactions and focuses on making sense of those patterns. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT, which breaks down the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical ways to manage anxiety, panic and low mood.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. Sharon will work with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. She starts by listening, sets shared goals and adapts techniques as the work progresses so the plan stays relevant and useful.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexible options. Video sessions allow face-to-face interaction when that helps the work. Phone calls are an alternative when bandwidth is low or a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging suit shorter updates or people who prefer not to use audio or video. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life, and to continue work from home or during travel.

Frequently asked

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression and low self-esteem. Additional areas include addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, ADHD and panic attacks.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is open and empathic and the client leads each session. She asks questions to help people make sense of their experience and develops a simple plan based on their goals.

What is her professional background?

She has seven years of experience working in independent practice and external agencies, supporting people with anxiety and trauma from difficult upbringings.

What credentials does she hold and where is she based?

She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can she work with people outside the UK?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How do fees and scheduling work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.