Directory entry

Sharon McHugh, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 7 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Coping with life changes ADHD

Ready when you are

Sharon sees clients through BetterHelp. Answer a few questions to ask about starting - free, and no commitment.

Affiliate link. We will earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you.

Sharon McHugh is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom with seven years of experience. She focuses on helping people recover from anxiety and trauma that stem from difficult early life experiences. Sharon aims to make sessions led by the client so each person directs what they want to work on.

Her style is open and empathetic. She offers a non-judgemental space where people can talk freely and explore their thoughts and feelings.

Background and approach

In the first session she discusses goals and makes a plan together for the way forward. During sessions she asks questions to understand each person’s experience from their point of view. That helps both of them make sense of current difficulties and identify coping strategies that fit the person’s life.

Sharon draws on a mix of approaches to tailor the work to each client. She has worked in independent practice and external agencies, supporting people with anxiety and trauma who learned survival strategies in environments where they could not be themselves. Over time those strategies can lead to low self-esteem, people-pleasing and a loss of a clearer sense of self.

Sharon’s training includes a Level 4 qualification as an Integrative Counsellor, a Level 5 qualification in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. She is a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and continues to update her skills through further courses.

She welcomes clients who want to make changes and is ready to work collaboratively to find practical steps forward.

How key approaches help online and what to expect

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening closely to the person and following their lead. It helps when someone needs a space to explore feelings, understand themselves better and decide what matters most to them. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions, and teaches practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood or change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance and practical skills training - such as managing intense emotions and improving relationships - and can be useful for impulsivity and strong emotional reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Sharon will discuss different methods and help choose what suits the person’s goals and preferences. That decision is made together and can change as the work progresses to reflect what is most helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and makes it easier to fit sessions into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that feels useful. Phone sessions can be chosen when a quieter, audio-only check-in is better or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging let people share thoughts between sessions or have shorter check-ins without being on camera. These options help people access therapy from different locations and at times that work for them.

What kinds of issues does Sharon help with?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, coping with life changes, addictions, sleeping problems, self-esteem and career concerns, among other issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is open and empathic, with sessions led by the client. She asks questions to understand each person’s experience and works collaboratively to set goals.

How long has she been practising?

She has seven years of experience working in independent practice and with external agencies supporting people with anxiety and trauma.

What professional credentials does she hold and where is she based?

She holds membership with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How much do sessions cost?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start therapy with Sharon?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 7 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Sharon

Sharon takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Sharon McHugh, BACP

Background and approach

How key approaches help online and what to expect

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety