Sharon McHugh

Hello, I am pretty flexible with my scheduling, as I find that the demands of life can be very hap hazard so unless you would prefer a specific day and time for each session, we can usually book our next session during or at the end of the previous session.  I find that a lot of evening slots get booked up very quickly, so if you would specifically like an evening slot please just message me and I can put you on a waiting list.  I will do my best to accommodate you with regards to scheduling appointments.  

Hello. Do you feel anxious and overwhelmed? Maybe your mood is low and it feels like everything is such an effort at the moment leading to negative and self-critical thoughts. On top of this maybe you feel it is your job to keep everyone happy. I know seeking therapy can be really tough, especially if you’re not quite sure why you feel this way, or you just don’t feel ok with your happiness and wellbeing seeming like a distant memory. Therapy is the perfect place to explore and talk about how you feel, it’s a place where we can make sense of why this is happening and to look at ways to change how you feel. It could be that you know exactly why you feel this way but you just can’t seem to work out how to feel better. Therapy can help you understand and move towards being who you want to be, be that the previous version of you or a new version that is emerging.

As someone who has experienced what you are going through, I would be honoured to go on your journey with you, to help you explore and to make sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I will listen, without judgement to what you say. I can help you set goals, and to understand what it is that you need to bring peace, contentment, and happiness back into your life.

​Types of counselling

I offer online counselling via the platform of your choice for £65.  I offer a free 15 minute online or telephone assessment.

Qualifications and training

CPCAB Counselling Skills Level 2

CPCAB Counselling Studies Level 3

CPCAB Diploma in Integrative Counselling Level 4

CPCAB Diploma Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Level 5

UKTA TA 101 Certificate

UKTA TA 102 Certificate

DBT Training

CBT Training (BPS) (Beck Institute)

Counselling Approach

My approach to therapy is always open and empathetic, and influenced by the belief that you know yourself better than any other person,  have the key to your happiness, and that I am just an instrument to guide you to that place. My approach is also influenced by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), both being more of a directive approach. However, as always, throughout your journey we will discuss the different approaches, and it will be your decision to work in a way that feels right for you.

Counselling Style

Our sessions will always be led by you, this will be your space, to talk, to think and to be yourself. My aim is to support you in any way I can, to provide a safe space in an environment where you can talk openly and freely, a space that is non-judgemental, with no influences and no pressure. 

Experience

I have worked in both my private practice and externally with charities and agencies, as a counsellor, for a number of years. I work with Anxiety, The effects on us as adults of negative or adverse childhood experiences, Overwhelm, Depression and feelings of not being good enough. As well as these, I have helped people who suffer with Borderline Personality Disorder, Substance Abuse and the effects of being in a relationship with a person who is addicted to substances, and many other issues that cause personal problems for people on a daily basis.

I have worked as both a one to one and a group counsellor, and since COVID have been working online one to one or via the telephone. I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people on my counselling journey all of whom has taught me something in one way or another. I update my training constantly which includes not only in depth and updated training, but also training on new and different counselling techniques. This allows me to be my best for each individual client, regardless of the issues they are facing.

Our first session will be for us to get to know each other and to gain an understanding of what is going on for you. It is for you to talk about what is going on for you, how you are feeling and what you would like to get out of our time together. We can discuss how to make the best use of our time and put together a plan and agreement of how we can do our best work.