About You
About Me
Are we a good fit?
About you
When Life Throws You a Curveball
Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Maybe you’re dealing with unexpected health challenges, the aftermath of trauma, or simply feeling lost because nothing looks the way you thought it would. Perhaps you’re facing exam stress, workplace bullying, or carrying the weight of past experiences that won’t let you move forward.
You might be here because you’re:
• Looking for someone who truly gets it - not just professionally, but personally
• Struggling with trauma, brain injury, chronic fatigue, or supporting someone who is
• Feeling disconnected from the life you thought you’d be living
• Overwhelmed by work pressures, academic stress, or past bullying experiences
• Ready to stop just surviving and start genuinely living again
Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to face it alone anymore.
About Me
Years ago, a life-changing illness altered the course of my life and my family’s lives. I moved from being a successful business owner and mentor of young people to learning how to live with a disability and adjust to a very different reality. Along the way, I experienced isolation, fear, and the difficult questions that can come when illness or injury changes how you see yourself. That experience is part of why I do this work today - not to offer easy answers, but to sit alongside people as they navigate the darkness and begin, step by step, to move forward. People facing serious illness or injury often describe feeling disconnected from their sense of self, and support that recognises identity, grief, and adjustment can be an important part of recovery.
Why Choose Therapy with Me?
More Than Just Listening - True Understanding
When you walk into my therapy room (or log into our online session), you’re not just another appointment in my day. You’re someone with a unique story, deserving of genuine care and attention. I don’t just hear your words - I listen for what you’re not saying, the emotions behind the experiences, and the strength you might not even know you possess.
My approach is simple yet powerful
I believe you already have the answers within you. My role isn’t to fix you or give you a list of what you should do. Instead, I walk alongside you as you rediscover your own wisdom, untangle complex feelings, and find your path forward.
My Training and Qualifications
I believe you deserve to know that the person supporting you is properly trained and committed to ongoing learning. Here’s what I bring to our work together:
I
Professional Registration - Sharon Horwood MBACP (Accred)
• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited member - this means I’m held to strict ethical standards and engage in regular supervision
Core Training
• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Higher Diploma (Level 5 equivalent) in Therapeutic Counselling
• Certificate in Applied Transactional Analysis: helping us understand patterns in relationships
Specialised Training
• Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling - ensuring you get the same quality support whether we meet in person for Counselling in Southend on sea or virtually anywhere in England.
• Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
• Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention - specialised training for those in crisis
• Inner Child Introduction - exploring how early experiences shape our adult lives
Why This Matters
These aren’t just certificates on a wall - they represent hundreds of hours of learning how to sit with pain, recognise healing, and guide people through their darkest moments toward something better. Combined with my personal experience of trauma and recovery, they ensure you’re working with someone who understands both the science and the heart of healing.
Insurer recognition with:
- BUPA
- AVIVA
- AXA
- VITALITY
- WPA
My Professional Foundation
As a BACP registered member with specialist training in Person-Centred Counselling and other therapeutic approaches, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together. This isn’t just my job - it’s my calling, born from my own journey through life -changing challenges.
Trusted by Fellow Professionals
Wisteria Talking Therapy, BACP Counsellor:
“Sharon is a very empathic counsellor. She has bounced back from adversity with a positive mindset and clearly offers the knowledge and experience gained through this to others.”
Elizabeth Cross, BACP Counsellor:
“Sharon is the most empathetic and understanding therapist. You will feel safe, heard and understood. Sharon always has the clients’ best interests at the centre of her work.”
Sue Spooner, DCounspsych, BACP:
“Sharon offers her clients a safe and calm environment where they experience a sense of being heard with empathic understanding. Sharon fully focuses on her clients, allowing them the space and time to explore their issues and work toward their goals.”
What My Clients Say
Real People, Real Results
“My son came to Sharon full of sadness and not my happy boy. Fast forward a few months my son is happy and able to cope with his challenges. Sharon is top notch and more than worth the time and money. Thank you Sharon 🤗”
“I fell into a dark hole which I thought I wouldn’t be able to escape, but then I went to therapy and I started to feel free again. Thank you Sharon.
“Sharon is an absolutely lovely lady. She immediately made me feel at ease and therefore comfortable to ‘let it all out’. She has this way of making you feel like you are chatting to an old friend. Went out of her way to help me move forward with a very difficult problem."
“Sharon Horwood is a consistent, considerate and well informed Therapist who has helped me to unravel learnt behaviour, despite previous years of work with other Therapists. Sharon's calm and intuitive nature gives confidence and clarity. She is a very talented person.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You’ve already shown incredible courage by considering therapy. That tells me you’re ready for change, even if it feels scary.
Whether you choose to have your therapy with me at my Prittlewell, Southend on sea room or connect online, you’ll find the same warm, non-judgmental space where healing can begin.
Your journey toward feeling free again starts with a single conversation.
How We’ll Work Together
In Person: I offer face-to-face counselling in the heart of Prittlewell, Southend, Essex - a comfortable, private space where you can speak freely.
Online: Secure, confidential sessions via Google Meet, available anywhere in the UK. Same quality of care, from the comfort of your own space.
Session Details:
• 50 - 75 minute sessions that give us real time to explore and process
• Available Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Face-to-face sessions: £55 - £85
• Online sessions: from £50 - £80
• Concessions available for students, NHS workers, and those on low income - just ask
Session fees are reviewed annually each December 31st