Jonathan Hughes
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About me
Sometimes it's difficult to explain what's wrong. You might be getting through everyday life, managing your responsibilities and appearing fine to everyone around you, yet underneath there's something you can't quite make sense of. Perhaps you're feeling anxious, unhappy, disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply tired of feeling the way you do.
You don't need to have the answers before coming to counselling. In fact, not knowing where to begin is often a perfectly good place to start.
I'm a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor, and I believe there's something profoundly important about having a relationship where you can be genuinely yourself, without having to meet expectations, protect somebody else's feelings, or worry about being judged.
My approach is thoughtful, down-to-earth and genuinely curious about you as an individual. I'm interested in understanding not just what's happening in your life, but what those experiences mean to you. The things you find difficult to say, the feelings you might struggle to understand, and perhaps the parts of yourself you've learned to keep hidden.
I won't tell you how to live your life or presume to know what's best for you. Equally, counselling with me isn't simply about having someone sit quietly and listen. I believe in building an honest, collaborative relationship where we can explore your experiences together, reflect on what emerges and gently make sense of things that may have felt confusing or overwhelming.
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief, difficult past experiences and periods of uncertainty or change. But I also recognise that people don't always fit neatly into categories, and sometimes the reason we seek counselling is something we haven't yet found the words to describe.
I believe meaningful change often begins with understanding ourselves more deeply, rather than trying to force ourselves to become somebody different.
Whether you're carrying something you've never spoken about, questioning aspects of your life, or simply feeling that something isn't quite right, you're welcome to bring that here.
We can begin wherever you are.
Training, qualifications & experience
My professional background combines specialist counselling training, academic study and a range of life and professional experiences that have shaped my understanding of people and the challenges we face.
I completed my Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling at St Helens College, specialising in the Person-Centred approach. My training developed my understanding of therapeutic relationships, psychological processes, ethical practice and the importance of creating a safe, confidential environment where individuals feel able to explore their experiences openly and without judgement.
I also hold a BSc (Hons) in Physical Activity and Health (2:1) from the University of Chester. This gave me a broader understanding of the relationship between physical health, psychological wellbeing and the many factors that influence how we experience ourselves and the world around us.
I am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.), reflecting my commitment to professional competence, ethical practice and continued development.
My clinical experience began through supervised therapeutic practice. I now work with adults through Local Counselling, supporting people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, bereavement, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and challenging life circumstances.
Alongside my counselling qualifications, I bring experience from a varied professional background, including working as a personal trainer and an HGV driver.
Working in the health and fitness industry gave me the opportunity to support individuals with personal goals, motivation, setbacks and meaningful lifestyle changes. Combined with my academic studies, this developed my appreciation of the connection between physical health, emotional wellbeing and the circumstances that influence our lives.
My experience in the transport industry has given me an understanding of working life outside the counselling profession. I know what it means to work long hours, manage demanding responsibilities and navigate the pressures of balancing employment with personal and family life.
As a father, I also recognise that relationships, family responsibilities and the expectations we place upon ourselves can be deeply meaningful, but sometimes complicated and overwhelming.
These experiences don't make me an expert in somebody else's life, but they have helped shape the perspective I bring to counselling. They've taught me that people's struggles aren't always visible, that everyone carries their own experiences and responsibilities, and that understanding someone requires looking beyond what might initially appear on the surface.
Throughout my counselling training and clinical practice, I've developed a particular interest in the therapeutic relationship and how our past experiences, relationships and understanding of ourselves can influence the way we feel, think and relate to others.
I continue to develop professionally through regular clinical supervision, reflective practice and ongoing exploration of person-centred theory, relational depth and psychological understanding.
I believe counselling should feel accessible, genuine and human, rather than overly clinical or detached from everyday life. My background allows me to bring a grounded perspective alongside my professional training, while remaining curious about each person's unique experience.
For me, being a counsellor isn't about having all the answers or knowing what's best for somebody else. It's about continually developing my ability to listen, understand and build a therapeutic relationship in which people feel safe enough to explore who they are, what they've experienced and what they might need moving forward.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£40.00 - £100.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
When I work
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