Sharon McHugh
Open and Empathetic Person-Centered Therapy
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, lacking in self-esteem, overwhelmed or confused and need somewhere to talk things through, I am here to help by offering person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy online covering Essex, Hertfordshire and London.
I provide you with a safe, non-judgemental space
Where you can openly and honestly talk about the negative thoughts and feelings that affect how you feel about yourself. I know how hard it is to reach out for help – taking that first step is daunting, but it’s the most important part of moving past the challenges you face.
With me, you decide what you talk about in sessions and how we work together. This is your time and your space to be yourself and speak freely about whatever is on your mind. I am here to listen closely to your issues and support you in any way I can.
You are not alone. Whether you are going through addiction, bereavement, depression, anxiety, anger issues, or any other problem that you need to talk through, I give you a welcoming, totally confidential space to get the help you need.
My Background
From a young age, I have always been a sensitive and empathetic individual, who due to an unorthodox upbringing have always been able to relate, sense or identify emotional stress or anxiety in others.
Being such a young age, I felt emotionally overwhelmed as, through life's inexperience, I was unable to understand why I had those feelings of sadness or worthlessness.
I felt almost powerless to change how I felt or to help remove the feeling of helplessness. These responsive emotions and feelings would be there for as long as I was present in the company of that individual(s).
As I moved through my teenage years, I became more socially aware, and found speaking to certain people created a connection and trust that enabled me to help share my own experiences and communicate easier.
It allowed me to open doors that were often closed and help with gaining the trust that is needed to offer a person the care and support that can and often makes a difference in our lives.
As I have travelled through the last few decades and had the good fortune and knowledge to share my feelings and emotions with professional help, I feel I am naturally drawn into my role in being allowed to support a person to become the version of themselves that makes them feel at peace.
Whether I was in a café, queuing in a supermarket, or just sitting on a bus, all it would take was eye contact and a smile, to make that connection with a person.
I found people would talk to me and share their burdens and sensing they wanted to have their story heard, allowed me to really listen and hear their words.
I feel humbled that I have been allowed into the lives of individuals I have met along the way during my own journey and overwhelmed that I have been entrusted to listen to people’s innermost thoughts and feelings and to be able to share in such a private part of their lives.
I became a counsellor, to enhance my listening skills, to achieve an even greater understanding of empathy, and to learn about myself.
To give those searching or looking for support the message, that people like myself do care, and are too, willing walk the journey with them, no matter how long that journey will take... we will do it together.
Providing all kinds of individuals with compassionate person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy in Billericay Essex and online is the joy of my life, something I am eternally grateful for.
Being a counsellor is not just something I do; it is something I am.
My Qualifications
I am a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and as such follow their ethical framework, keeping you and myself safe by the boundaries they require, such as confidentiality and doing no harm.
I offer Integrative counselling and have trained in Person Centred Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Transactional Analysis.
- Counselling Skills Level 2
- Counselling Skills Level 3
- Integrative Counselling Advanced Diploma Level 4.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Advanced Diploma Level 5
- Certificate in Transactional Analysis 101
- Certificate in Transactional Analysis 102
- Certificate in DBT Skills Training with Behavioural Tech
- Certificate in CBT Skills Training with Beck Institute and British Psychology Society
I have volunteered at St. Lukes Hospice as a counsellor, and as a counsellor at Synergy Addictions in Billericay. Alongside my private practice I have worked as a 1-1 counsellor and a group counsellor for The Lighthouse addictions in-house rehabilitation in Southend, before deciding to commit all my time to my private practice where I was able to continue volunteering some of my time to counselling our frontline workers affected by the pandemic.
I have also completed many hours of continued professional development, keeping myself up to date on any changes within the counselling world, along with different counselling techniques. This allows me to be my best for each individual client, regardless of the issues they are facing.
I give you a confidential, strictly non-judgemental space in which to process your thoughts and feelings. If you think you could benefit from person centered therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy in Billericay and online get in touch.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07484386985 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
©2022 Sharon McHugh
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