Sharon McHugh, BACP
Counsellor specialising in anxiety and trauma
- Anxiety and trauma focus
- CBT and hypnotherapy
- Client-led compassionate support
About Sharon McHugh
Sharon McHugh is a counsellor who specialises in helping people recover from anxiety and trauma rooted in difficult childhoods, teenage years, or early adulthood. She works with adults who have learned coping patterns to feel safe in environments where being themselves was not always possible, and she supports those who now face low self esteem, people pleasing, or a sense of not knowing who they are at a deeper level.
Sessions are led by the client, offering space to bring whatever is most pressing. Sharon adopts an open and empathetic stance, exploring thoughts and feelings through gentle questioning so she can understand each person’s experience from their perspective. In the first meeting she and the client discuss goals and agree a plan for how counselling can help move those goals forward.
Her background includes work in private practice and with external agencies, focusing on anxiety and trauma that arise from upbringing and environment. She trained as an integrative counsellor to Level 4, completed Level 5 training in cognitive behavioural therapy, and holds a diploma in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. She is also associated with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which is the main professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Sharon keeps her skills up to date through ongoing training so she can offer a broader range of therapeutic tools to clients.
She aims to support clients in healing and growth, helping them to find clearer sense of self and practical ways to change patterns that no longer serve them. She looks forward to working with those ready to begin that journey.
Sessions are led by the client, offering space to bring whatever is most pressing. Sharon adopts an open and empathetic stance, exploring thoughts and feelings through gentle questioning so she can understand each person’s experience from their perspective. In the first meeting she and the client discuss goals and agree a plan for how counselling can help move those goals forward.
Her background includes work in private practice and with external agencies, focusing on anxiety and trauma that arise from upbringing and environment. She trained as an integrative counsellor to Level 4, completed Level 5 training in cognitive behavioural therapy, and holds a diploma in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. She is also associated with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which is the main professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Sharon keeps her skills up to date through ongoing training so she can offer a broader range of therapeutic tools to clients.
She aims to support clients in healing and growth, helping them to find clearer sense of self and practical ways to change patterns that no longer serve them. She looks forward to working with those ready to begin that journey.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
CodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameImpulsivityLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Smoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Hypnotherapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sharon McHugh have?
Sharon McHugh has 7 years of experience.
Is Sharon McHugh a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential BACP, which indicates membership with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. No specific licence details are provided.
In which languages does Sharon McHugh provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Sharon McHugh located?
She is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Sharon McHugh as my therapist?
You can work with Sharon McHugh through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sharon McHugh work with international clients?
Sharon McHugh does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sharon McHugh cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Sharon uses client-centered therapy to create a space where the client guides the discussion and their experience is treated as the starting point for change. This approach helps people who need time and acceptance to explore identity, self esteem, and the emotional impact of difficult upbringings.She also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical strategies to manage anxiety, panic, mood, and behaviours. Additionally, hypnotherapy may be used as a complementary tool to support relaxation, address habits, and access deeper-focused change when appropriate.
Finding the right approach is part of the work and Sharon treats decision making as a collaborative process. She will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most comfortable, and together they will shape a plan that fits the client’s needs.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it possible to receive consistent support around work, caregiving, or mobility constraints. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt techniques used in person to these formats, allowing clients to progress with therapy from locations that work best for them while maintaining a steady therapeutic relationship.