Sharon O'Connor

I am currently available for daytime and some evening sessions. I have limited availability over weekends, so do please message me for further details. I understand the difficulties of juggling a busy life, so my aim is to be flexible with appointments.

Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, and my aim is to offer a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you feel heard, understood and accepted.

I am a qualified integrative counsellor working in a person-centred, trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming way. Together, we will work at your pace to explore whatever has brought you to counselling, helping you develop greater understanding, resilience and confidence.

With over 20 years' experience supporting individuals and families, and more than three years volunteering in bereavement support, I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, stress, overwhelm, burnout, bereavement and loss, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, life transitions, and the challenges associated with ADHD, autism and neurodivergence.

I believe that healing begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. Whether you are facing a specific difficulty or simply feel that life has become overwhelming, I offer a supportive space where we can work together to help you move forward with greater clarity, self-compassion and hope.

You don't have to have everything figured out before you come to counselling.

Many people contact me because, on the surface, they appear to be coping. They go to work, look after everyone else and keep putting one foot in front of the other, but inside they feel exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed or simply not like themselves anymore.

Counselling offers an opportunity to pause.

I provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, without fear of being criticised or having to pretend you're okay. I work alongside you, helping you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more deeply and find a way forward that feels right for you.

As an integrative counsellor, I tailor therapy to each individual because no two people are the same. My work is grounded in person-centred counselling and, where helpful, I draw on approaches such as CBT, psychoeducation, mindfulness and an understanding of how our nervous system responds to stress, trauma and life experiences.

With more than 20 years' experience working alongside children, young people, adults and families in education, social care and community settings, I understand that life can be complex. I have particular experience supporting people with anxiety, stress, burnout, bereavement, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, life transitions and those who identify as neurodivergent, including ADHD and autism.

I am passionate about creating a neurodiversity-affirming practice where you don't need to mask, explain or apologise for who you are. Together we can explore what is happening in your life, recognise patterns that may no longer be serving you and develop practical ways of moving towards the life you want.

Whether this is your first experience of counselling or you've had therapy before, you'll be met with kindness, honesty and respect.

Because I believe that meaningful change begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves.

"Life isn't about being perfect. It's about feeling connected - to yourself, to others and to what matters most."

I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation before booking your first appointment. This gives us an opportunity to briefly discuss what has brought you to counselling, for you to ask any questions you may have, and to decide whether I am the right counsellor for you. There is no obligation to book further sessions.

Before your first counselling session, I'll ask you to complete a short client information form and assessment. This helps me understand your background and any current concerns, allowing us to make the best use of our time together.

Our first full session is an opportunity for us to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to achieve. I'll explain how I work, discuss confidentiality and answer any questions you may have. There is no expectation that you need to tell me everything during this first meeting - we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Finding the right counsellor is important. The first session is as much about you deciding whether you feel comfortable working with me as it is about me understanding how I can best support you.