Sharon Horwood

I have availability for new clients at present.

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 5:30pm

Session Fees (50 minutes):

• Video call: £45

• In-person at Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea: £50

Reduced rates for students - contact me to discuss.

Finding your way through doesn’t mean doing it alone.

When life becomes complicated - whether through illness, relationship changes, career uncertainty, or simply feeling lost - it’s easy to believe everyone else has the answers while you’re struggling. But seeking support isn’t about weakness; it’s about taking control of your wellbeing.

My journey into counselling came through personal experience. A brain injury years ago changed everything - my abilities, my career, my family dynamics, my entire identity. I’ve walked the path of rebuilding after loss, managed the complexities of single parenthood, and supported loved ones through their own challenges. This personal history, alongside my professional training, means I genuinely understand the weight of unexpected life changes.

I work with clients facing:

• Significant transitions (starting university, changing careers,     entering retirement)

• Health crises, long-term illness, or living with disability

• The challenge of supporting someone else through medical   difficulties

• Bereavement, life changes, or adjusting to new realities

• Relationship endings, divorce, or shifting family structures

• Anxiety about the future or feeling directionless

I’m particularly drawn to working with young adults navigating uncertainty. When it seems like everyone else knows exactly where they’re headed, I can help you find clarity and trust in your own journey.

My philosophy: 

I believe you already possess the wisdom you need - my job is to help you access it. We’ll work together to clarify your thinking, acknowledge your capabilities, and develop confidence in facing whatever comes next. Therapy isn’t just for crises; it’s for anyone wanting to understand themselves more deeply.

Choose face-to-face sessions or video calls - I offer both to fit around your life.

The answers you’re looking for are already within you - sometimes you just need the right space to find them.

My counselling service operates both online and from a private, peaceful location in Prittlewell where clients feel comfortable opening up.

1 Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

Clients consistently tell me they value having a confidential environment where they can speak freely without judgment.

My Experience Includes:

Working with people managing:

• Transitions and endings - leaving employment, entering  retirement, adapting to change

• Self-belief challenges - building confidence and strengthening    self-esteem across all ages

• Historical trauma - processing childhood experiences that still    cause pain

• Life pressures - coping when responsibilities feel unmanageable

• Complex family situations - navigating difficult relationships    and external stresses

• Unresolved past issues - working through regret and finding  peace

Creating Space for Men

Reaching out can feel particularly difficult for men who’ve been taught that suppressing emotions is to “stay strong.” I want to provide somewhere you can be honest about your struggles, your fears, and your needs without feeling judged.

Young People Under Pressure

The expectations placed on today’s young people academically, socially, professionally, are intense. I’m passionate about creating space where you can acknowledge the pressure you’re under, recognise that your feelings are legitimate, and develop strategies for managing what feels unmanageable.

Understanding Business Challenges

Having managed my own business, and trained teams, I understand the unique stresses of running an enterprise or pursuing new business ventures.

Professional Background

• BACP Registered Member

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• TA 101

• Certificate in Online Counselling

• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

Before committing to therapy, you’re welcome to arrange a free video consultation where we can explore what working together might look like and whether my approach feels right for you. Alternatively, if you already feel ready, you can go ahead and book your first full session.

After booking, you’ll receive our working agreement and a pre-therapy questionnaire. This gathers your contact details and asks what’s prompted you to seek counselling now. Completing it gives you time to consider your goals and what you’re hoping to work towards.

Session Structure

To create the foundation for effective therapy, I recommend meeting weekly at least for the first six sessions. This regularity helps build trust and allows meaningful progress. If weekly sessions aren’t feasible for you, we can discuss what might work better.

Pricing

Reduced rates are available for students - please reach out to discuss what’s affordable for your situation.

I currently have appointment slots available.

Session Times:

Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 5:30pm

Fees for 50-Minute Sessions:

• Online sessions: £45

• Face-to-face sessions (Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea): £50

Student concessions available - please enquire for details.

Been told to “man up” once too often? Let’s try something different

You’ve probably spent years being told to push through, stay strong, and sort things out yourself. But constantly carrying everything alone is exhausting, and pretending you’re fine when you’re not doesn’t make you stronger - it just makes life harder. Reaching out for support isn’t weakness; it’s the smartest thing you can do.

I work with men who are tired of the pressure to have everything under control, but I also support people of all ages and backgrounds facing life’s challenges - whether that’s career uncertainty, relationship difficulties, health issues, or simply feeling stuck.

My counselling practice is built on personal experience as well as professional training. Years ago, I experienced a brain injury that left me disabled and completely changed my life - my career, my relationships, my sense of identity. I’ve navigated single parenthood, supported family through trauma, and rebuilt my life from scratch. This background means I understand what it’s like when life throws you something you never expected.

I work with people experiencing:

• Major transitions (career changes, retirement, university, new chapters)

• Medical trauma, chronic illness, or living with disability

• Supporting loved ones through health challenges

• Loss, change, or life not going to plan

• Relationship breakdown, divorce, or family complications

• Feeling uncertain, anxious, or stuck

I’m particularly passionate about supporting young adults navigating the pressure of having to figure everything out while everyone else seems certain of their path.

My approach: I’m not here to tell you what to do or make you talk about feelings if that’s not your style. We’ll work at your pace, helping you clarify your thinking, recognise your capabilities, and make decisions that work for you. Therapy is simply a space where you can be honest without judgment.

You don’t have to keep carrying everything alone - that’s what I’m here for.

I provide counselling from a private, comfortable location in Prittlewell, and also work online for those who prefer remote sessions.

Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Prittlewell

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

My counselling room is a confidential space where clients feel able to speak honestly without worrying about being judged.

My Experience

Throughout my practice, I’ve worked with people managing:

• Life transitions - adjusting to retirement, career shifts, unexpected changes

• Confidence challenges - rebuilding self-esteem and self-belief at any stage

• Past experiences - processing childhood events that continue to affect you

• Feeling overwhelmed - when responsibilities and demands become unmanageable

• Family issues - difficult dynamics, external stresses impacting relationships

• Regret and past choices - working through what’s been weighing on you

Men’s Mental Health

Many men have been conditioned to suppress emotions and “just get on with it.” I want to offer something different - a place where you can drop the mask, acknowledge what’s really going on, and get practical support without the pressure to perform or have everything together.

Young People and Pressure

Today’s young people face extraordinary expectations around education, career choices, and performance. I’m committed to creating space where you can acknowledge the pressure, recognise that your feelings are legitimate, and develop ways to navigate what feels overwhelming.

Business Background

I’ve run my own business, managed teams, and understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship and professional development.

Training and Memberships

• BACP Registered Member

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• Transactional Analysis 101

• Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

You’re welcome to arrange a free video call first, where we can discuss how counselling works and whether my approach feels right for you. Alternatively, if you’re ready to start, you can go ahead and book your first full session.

After booking, you’ll receive our working agreement and a pre-therapy form. This asks for your contact information and what’s prompted you to seek counselling now. It gives you time to think about what you’re hoping to achieve.

How We’ll Work

I suggest meeting weekly at least for the first six sessions to build consistency and establish a strong foundation. If weekly sessions aren’t practical, we can negotiate an alternative arrangement.

Pricing

Student concession rates are available - please contact me to discuss.

Current Availability

I have availability for new clients at this time.

Session Times:

Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 5:30pm

Fees (50-minute sessions):

• Online: £45

• In-person (Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea): £50

Student concessions available - enquire for details.

I have availability for new clients at present.

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 5:30pm

Session Fees (50 minutes):

• Video call: £45

• In-person at Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea: £50

Reduced rates for students - contact me to discuss.

You deserve support that truly understands where you are.

Life has a way of throwing challenges when we least expect them - health setbacks, career crossroads, relationship difficulties, or that nagging feeling that something needs to change. Looking around at people who seem to have everything under control can make your own struggles feel even heavier.

I came to this work through lived experience as much as training. Years ago, a brain injury fundamentally altered my life, leaving me disabled and forcing me to reconstruct my identity, my relationships, and my future. Single parenthood, family adaptation, and the long road of recovery taught me lessons no textbook could. This personal foundation, combined with my counselling qualifications, allows me to meet clients with authentic understanding.

The people I support are often:

• Navigating big life shifts (new jobs, academic journeys, retirement transitions)

• Dealing with medical challenges, chronic conditions, or disability   adjustment

• In caring roles for family members facing health issues

• Processing loss, change, or life not going as planned

• Managing separation, divorce, or complicated family dynamics

• Feeling uncertain, stuck, or anxious about what comes next

Young adults hold a special place in my practice. If you’re overwhelmed by choices while watching peers who seem certain of everything, I can help you discover your own path and build authentic confidence.

How we’ll work: Rather than telling you what to do, I’ll create space for you to think more clearly, recognize strengths you’ve overlooked, and make decisions that align with who you really are. Whether life feels in crisis or just slightly off-course, therapy provides room to explore and grow.

Meet in person or online - whatever feels most comfortable and practical for you.

You’re more capable than you currently believe - sometimes you just need support to see it.

I offer counselling sessions in a quiet, private room in Prittlewell, and provide online sessions for those who prefer or need remote access.

Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

My counselling space is designed to help you feel at ease - clients often comment on feeling genuinely safe to share whatever’s on their mind.

Who I’ve Helped

I’ve supported individuals dealing with:

• Life transitions - retirement adjustment, career changes,   navigating new chapters

• Confidence issues - rebuilding self-esteem and self-worth at any   life stage

• Past experiences - addressing childhood events that continue   affecting you today

• Feeling swamped - when life’s demands become too much to   handle alone

• Family complications - unhealthy dynamics, external pressures   affecting relationships

• Looking backwards - processing regret, guilt, or difficult past   choices

Supporting Men’s Mental Health

Society often tells men to suppress their feelings and push through difficulties alone. I want to offer something different - a space where you can be genuine about what you’re experiencing, without the pressure to 'hold it together'.

Helping Young People Cope

Young people today face unprecedented academic and social pressure. Whether you’re anxious about exams, uncertain about your future direction, or overwhelmed by expectations, I’m committed to helping you understand that your feelings matter and that there are ways through the pressure.

Business Experience

My background includes running a business, developing teams, and understanding the particular stresses of professional leadership.

Training and Credentials

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• Transactional Analysis 101

• Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental   Health

• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

You’re invited to book a free preliminary video call where we can talk through how counselling works, what you might expect, and whether my approach suits what you’re looking for. If you’d rather skip this step and begin directly, that’s absolutely fine too.

When your first session is confirmed, I’ll email you our working agreement and a pre-session form requesting your contact information and asking what’s bringing you to therapy at this time. This process helps you reflect on your reasons for seeking support and what you’d like to achieve.

Recommended Frequency

I find that meeting weekly for the first six sessions creates the best foundation for our work together. This consistency helps build a strong therapeutic relationship and creates momentum. If weekly sessions aren’t possible, we can arrange an alternative schedule that suits your needs.

Fees

Student concession rates are available - get in touch to discuss what works within your budget.

I have availability for new clients at present.

Hours:

Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 5:30pm

Session Fees (50 minutes):

• Video call: £45

• In-person at Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea: £50

Reduced rates for students - contact me to discuss

Feeling like you’re the only one who doesn’t have life figured out? You’re not.

Everyone around you seems to know exactly what they’re doing - which course to take, which career to pursue, what they want from life. Meanwhile, you’re questioning everything and wondering if there’s something wrong with you. Here’s the truth: most people are just hiding their uncertainty.

I understand the pressure young people face today because I’ve seen it firsthand, and I’m passionate about creating space where you can be honest about the confusion, anxiety, and overwhelm without judgment. But I also work with people of all ages navigating life’s unexpected turns - career changes, health crises, relationship breakdowns, or simply feeling stuck.

My path to counselling came through personal experience. A brain injury years ago completely altered my life, leaving me disabled and forcing me to rebuild everything - my career, my identity, my family relationships. I’ve experienced single parenthood, supported loved ones through trauma, and know what it’s like when life doesn’t follow the script. This lived experience, combined with my professional training, means I bring genuine understanding to our work together.

I support people dealing with:

• Major life transitions (university, new careers, retirement)

• Medical trauma, chronic illness, or disability

• Supporting the family members too

• Loss, grief, or significant life adjustments

• Relationship endings, divorce, or family complications

• Anxiety about the future or feeling directionless

My approach: I won’t tell you what to do or pretend to have all the answers. Instead, I’ll help you untangle your thoughts, recognise your own strengths, and make decisions that feel authentic to you. Therapy isn't about fixing whats broken - you're not! It's about understanding yourself better and building confidence in your own judgment. 

You have everything you need to navigate this - sometimes you just need someone to help you see it.

My counselling practice operates from a comfortable, confidential space in Prittlewell, with online sessions also available to suit different preferences.

Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Prittlewell

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

Clients tell me they appreciate having somewhere they can speak openly without fear of judgment or pressure.

Areas I Work With

I have experience supporting people through:

• Life changes - retirement, career transitions, unexpected shifts in  circumstances

• Self-esteem and confidence - rebuilding belief in yourself at any  age

• Childhood experiences - addressing past events that still impact  you now

• Overwhelm - managing when life’s demands feel impossible to  juggle

• Family dynamics - navigating difficult relationships and external  pressures

• Past decisions - working through regret and finding a way forward

Space for Men

Men often struggle to reach out because they’ve been taught that asking for help means weakness. I want to challenge that. You deserve somewhere to be honest about stress, anxiety, fear, or confusion. True strength isn’t about having everything sorted; it’s about having the courage to acknowledge when you don’t.

Supporting Young People

The pressure on young people today - academically, socially, in terms of future planning - is immense. I’m deeply committed to helping you navigate exam stress, career uncertainty, and the anxiety that comes with constant comparison. What you’re feeling is valid, and together we can find strategies that work.

Business Understanding

Having run my own business, trained teams, and supported professional growth, I understand the specific challenges of enterprise and leadership.

Qualifications

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• TA 101

• Certificate in Online and Phone Counselling

• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

I offer a free initial video call where we can discuss what counselling involves and whether we’re a good match. If you’d prefer to book your first session straightaway, that’s also an option.

Once booked, I’ll send you our working agreement and a brief pre-therapy form asking for your contact details and what’s bringing you to counselling right now. This helps you reflect on what you’re hoping to gain from our work together.

Session Frequency

For the most effective start, I recommend weekly sessions for the first six weeks. This consistency helps establish trust and momentum. If weekly doesn’t suit your situation, we can discuss alternatives.

Fees

Student concessions are available - please get in touch to discuss affordable options.

Availability

I have spaces available for new clients.

My Hours:

Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 5:30pm

Session Fees (50 minutes):

• Online: £45

• Face-to-face (Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea): £50

I am available Monday to Friday 10 am until 5:30 pm in person from 

Prittlewell, Southend-on-sea. 

I am also available online via video call.

You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

Sometimes life throws us curveballs - a career change, university, relationship breakdown, or health crisis that shifts everything. You might look around and think everyone else has it figured out, but the truth is, we all need support sometimes.

I understand what it’s like when life changes unexpectedly. Years ago, I experienced a brain injury that left me disabled and transformed every aspect of my life - my career, my relationships, my identity. I’ve navigated single parenthood, watched my family adapt to our new reality, and rebuilt my life from the ground up. This lived experience, combined with my professional training, gives me genuine insight into the challenges you might be facing.

I work with people who are:

- Facing major life transitions (new jobs, university, retirement)

- Recovering from medical trauma or living with chronic conditions

- Supporting a loved one through health challenges

- Adjusting to loss or unexpected change

- Navigating relationship breakdowns or divorce

- Feeling stuck or anxious about the future

I have a particular passion for working with young adults who feel uncertain about their direction. If you’re comparing yourself to others who seem to have everything sorted, I can help you find clarity and confidence in your own path.

My approach is straightforward:

I won’t tell you what to do. Instead, I’ll help you untangle your thoughts, recognise your own strengths, and make decisions that feel right for you. Whether life feels overwhelming or just 'off', therapy can provide the space to explore what you need.

I offer both face-to-face and video call sessions - whichever works best for you and your lifestyle.

You already have the skills to navigate your challenges - sometimes you just need someone to help you see them.

I work from a welcoming counselling room in Prittlewell, as well as offering online sessions. My clients tell me they appreciate coming to a place where they can truly relax and unload in a safe, confidential space.

Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

Who I Work With

Over the years, I’ve supported people navigating a wide range of challenges:

• Life transitions - retirement, career changes, or major life adjustments

• Self-esteem and confidence issues - at any age or life stage

• Unresolved childhood experiences - events that continue to affect you in adulthood

• Feeling overwhelmed - by responsibilities, demands on your time, or life in general

• Family dynamics - unhealthy patterns or external events impacting relationships

• Past regrets and difficult decisions - working through what’s been weighing on you

Supporting Men

I recognise that men often find it difficult to reach out for help. If you’ve been told to “man up” or “get on with it,” I want to make seeking support easier, so that you enjoy your life. You deserve a space to share your worries, anxieties, or sense of overwhelm without judgment.

Young People and Academic Pressure

The pressure on young people today is unprecedented. Whether you’re facing exams, choosing your path, or dealing with college, university, or employment stress, I’m passionate about helping you understand that what you’re feeling is valid. Together we can find your way through.

Business and Professional Life

Having run a business myself, I understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship, leadership, managing teams, and starting new ventures.

Qualifications and Memberships

• BACP Registered Member

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• Transactional Analysis 101

• Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

• Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

My First Session Details

I offer a free online meeting to talk about what to expect from our first session and for you to see if I am the right fit for you. You can book a session without this if you’d rather jump right in.

When you book your first session, I will send you a copy of our working agreement and a pre-therapy form asking for your contact details and why you are seeking therapy at the moment. This gives you an opportunity to reflect on why you’re seeking counselling and what you would like to achieve.

Session Frequency

To build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship, I recommend that the first six sessions at least are held weekly, unless we negotiate otherwise based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Fees

I offer student concessions - please get in touch to discuss rates that work for you.

I am available Monday to Friday 10 am until 5:30 pm.

I do have availability at the moment.

My fee for a 50 minute session:

   Online is £45

   In person £50 (Prittlewell, Southend-on-sea)

Sometimes we all need someone in our corner.

Life can shift unexpectedly - a health diagnosis, job loss, family breakdown, or simply feeling stuck while everyone around you seems to have it all figured out. The truth is, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work. Following a brain injury years ago that left me disabled, I had to rebuild my entire life - my career, my sense of self, my relationships. I’ve experienced single parenthood, supported family members through trauma, and learned firsthand how unexpected challenges can reshape everything. This combination of lived and professional experience means I truly understand what it’s like when life doesn’t go to plan.

I support people experiencing:

• Life transitions (career changes, university, retirement, new chapters)

• Medical trauma, chronic illness, or disability

• Caring for someone with health challenges

• Loss, grief, or significant life changes

• Family breakdown, separation, or divorce

• Uncertainty about the future or feelings of being stuck

Young adults are particularly close to my heart. If you’re feeling lost while others seem certain of their path, I can help you discover your own direction and build confidence in your choices.

How I work: My role isn’t to give you answers, but to help you find your own. Together we’ll explore your thoughts, recognise your existing strengths, and build the confidence you need to move forward. Whether you’re in crisis or simply feeling that something isn’t quite right, counselling offers space to understand yourself better.

Sessions available face-to-face or via video call - whatever suits your needs and preferences.

You have more resources than you realise - sometimes you just need help accessing them

I provide counselling from a comfortable, confidential space in Prittlewell, and also work online to accommodate different preferences and circumstances.

My Practice Address:

Prittlewell House

30 East Street

Southend-on-Sea

SS2 6LH

Clients describe my counselling room as a safe space where they can be completely honest and feel truly heard.

Areas of Experience

My practice focuses on supporting people through:

• Major life changes - adjusting to retirement, career shifts, or        unexpected life events

• Confidence and self-worth - building self-esteem at any stage of  life

• Childhood wounds - addressing experiences that continue to  impact your present

• Stress and overwhelm - managing multiple demands,  responsibilities, or life pressures

• Relationship patterns - understanding family dynamics and  breaking unhealthy cycles

• Regret and difficult decisions - processing choices and moving    forward

Men’s Wellbeing

Many men find it challenging to ask for support. If you’ve been conditioned to “just get on with it,” I want to help you move past that barrier. You deserve a place to be vulnerable, to share what’s really going on, and to receive the support you need.

Working with Young People

Today’s young people face extraordinary pressure around education, career choices, and performance. I’m deeply committed to supporting you through exam stress, decision-making about your future, and the anxiety that comes with feeling like you should have it all figured out. What you’re experiencing is real, and we can navigate it together.

Business and Leadership

As someone who has built and run a business, I understand the specific pressures of entrepreneurship, team management, and professional development.

My Qualifications

• Higher Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice

• TA 101

• Certificate in Online Counselling

• Certificate in Self Harm&Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Inner Child Training

My First Session Details

I’m happy to offer a free initial video call where we can discuss what counselling with me involves and to see whether we’re a good fit. However, if you prefer to dive straight in, you’re welcome to book your first session directly.

Once you’ve booked, I’ll send you our working agreement along with a pre-therapy form. This asks for your contact information and invites you to share what’s bringing you to counselling right now. It’s a helpful way to begin thinking about what you hope to gain from our work together.

How We’ll Work Together

For the best results, I suggest scheduling our first six sessions on a weekly basis. This helps to build our relationship and allows us to establish therapeutic momentum. We can discuss alternative arrangements if weekly sessions don’t suit your circumstances.

Investment

Concession rates are available for students - please contact me to discuss affordable options.

I look forward to working with you. You've taken the first step by acknowledging that talking therapy will help you, take the next step and book in today.