Sharon Belshaw , BACP

Sharon Belshaw helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and relationship or intimacy concerns. She also supports people facing grief, addiction, eating or sleeping problems, career strain, and major life changes. Sharon is named with her BACP credential and has 15 years of experience in a range of clinical and organisational roles.

She has practised in GP surgeries, schools, a brain injury centre, corporate environments and the third sector. Her background includes clinical leadership and work as a chief executive in a mental health organisation. That mix of roles means she is used to both one-to-one therapy and supporting staff through coaching and management consultations.

Sharon uses practical, evidence-informed approaches in sessions. She draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to look at thoughts and behaviours, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma-related distress, and hypnotherapy when appropriate. She keeps her practice up to date through continuing professional development.

In sessions she aims to be warm and engaging while staying flexible around life demands such as childcare, caring responsibilities and work. She offers straightforward, goal-minded conversations that focus on what is happening now and what can change next.

Sharon has received a Health and Social Care award and published in a national journal. She works in English in the United Kingdom and sees clients using video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging.

Online approaches for trauma, anxiety and coping

Sharon commonly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and helps people try new ways of responding to stress and anxiety. She also offers Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a trauma-focused method that helps reduce the intensity of distressing memories and reactions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and how each method might help, and then agree a plan that fits the person's needs. That collaborative process makes it easier to adjust techniques as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging so people can pick what suits them. Video calls are good for fuller conversations and non-verbal cues, while phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit into a short break. Live chat or messaging can work for brief check-ins or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options give flexibility for different schedules and practical circumstances.