Philippa Hughes

My current practice hours:

Tuesday 10am-5pm

Wednesday 12pm-9pm

Friday 10am-5pm

Saturday morning 10am-2pm

Please let me know if you are unable to commit to a time slot within these hours. I aim to be as flexible as possible and accommodate your needs.

Hello! I'm Philippa, I'm an integrative counsellor with a special focus on self-criticism, shame and low self-esteem, as well as a passionate advocate for self-compassion. Making the decision to seek support, whether you've got previous counselling experience or this is a whole new world for you, is itself an act of self-compassion and courage.

It can feel daunting to reach out for help in a dark or difficult place, and so the heart of my practice is providing a gentle, compassionate and freeing space where all emotions are welcome and we move at your pace.

I am an integrative practitioner, meaning I combine different tools, models and concepts from different therapeutic approaches to suit each client. I work to the principles of person-centred therapy and deeply respect client autonomy and self-determination. You are the expert on yourself!

Although I follow specific approaches, counselling is not one-size-fits-all and you as the client will have your own needs and preferences that create the best experience for you, whether that’s more psychoeducation, more challenge, more focus on the past or more focus on the present. I always invite you to share your preferences, as they may evolve through the therapy process.

My role is to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, life experiences and sense of self in a way that nurtures your own internal compassion, curiosity, and openness, as well as to challenge when appropriate. I may provide evidence-based psychoeducation on relevant topics to help you make sense of your experiences and lessen any shame.

Having a positive, compassionate relationship with yourself can provide much-needed stability and relief during life's difficult periods and big changes. Learning how to recognise and work with shame, anxiety, self-criticism, self-judgement and perfectionism when they show up in your life and explore your relationship with them is the foundation of changing your relationship with yourself.

For many of us, having a difficult relationship with ourselves is chronic, rooted in childhood or early experiences, and manifests in conditions such as depression, anxiety or chronic stress. It can be difficult to envision a world where things are different and more peaceful. Counselling may offer a doorway into this new way of being.

I currently work exclusively online over Zoom and have availability now.

I offer an initial 20-minute consultation free of charge which allows us to get to know each other better and decide if we are a good fit. 

I will let you know after our initial consultation if I believe I am not the right therapist for you, and this is an ethical decision based on my scope of practice and the level of support you require. I am always happy to signpost you to practitioners who are suitable for your specific needs.

If you decide you would like to book an initial 50-minute session with me, the fee for this session is £30, after which all further sessions are £55.

I offer concessionary rates for students and trainee counsellors who require therapy as part of their training.