Sharon McHugh, BACP
Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma rooted in difficult early life experiences.
About Sharon
Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma rooted in difficult early life experiences. She aims to create a space where clients lead the conversation and bring whatever they need to talk about. Sessions are guided by the client's priorities and Sharon works alongside them to set practical goals.
Her style is open and empathetic. She listens closely and asks questions to help make sense of what a person is experiencing.
Background and approach
This helps Sharon see someone’s life from their point of view and identify patterns that keep causing distress. Sharon has worked in independent practice and in external agencies over seven years. She has supported people struggling with low self-esteem, people-pleasing, feelings of emptiness, addiction, and difficulties that follow from not being able to be oneself in childhood.
Her experience includes clients dealing with grief, panic, social anxiety, and seasonal mood changes. Her formal credentials include registration with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, a Level 4 Integrative Counsellor qualification, a Level 5 qualification in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She keeps up her skills through regular continuing professional development.
At the first meeting she and the client discuss goals and make a straightforward plan. Sharon uses a mix of approaches to suit each person and helps people find starting steps when life feels stuck. She welcomes conversations about what someone hopes to change.
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.
Sessions and payment
Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.
Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.
Focus areas and approaches
What Sharon works with
Everything Sharon lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Coping with life changes
- ADHD
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Compassion fatigue
- Codependency
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Sharon lists
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Hypnotherapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
Online support
Choosing the right approach is a joint process. Sharon will discuss what you hope to change, try out methods that fit your needs and adjust the plan as therapy progresses. She works collaboratively so clients can compare options and find what feels most helpful for them.
Online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation; phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be simpler for check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging let clients write between sessions and use shorter touchpoints when that suits their routine. These formats increase flexibility and make it easier to keep therapy going around work or family commitments.
Frequently asked
What concerns does Sharon help with?
She supports people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, plus related issues such as addiction, low self-esteem and sleep problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Sessions are client-led and empathic. Sharon asks questions to help make sense of patterns and works with clients to set achievable goals.
What experience does she bring?
She has seven years of experience in independent practice and external agencies working with people affected by difficult upbringings and ongoing anxiety or trauma.
What professional credentials and region apply?
She is registered with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and practises from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sharon offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging as ways to meet with clients online.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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