Irene Hughes

Irene Hughes is a counsellor with 15 years' experience who helps people work through stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma, parenting concerns and self-esteem struggles. She aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk about hard things and explore what matters to them. Irene writes plainly and listens closely to each person's story.

Her practice draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and client-centred therapy. That means sessions often focus on values, small practical steps and building awareness of thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions. Irene offers a Christian-informed approach for those who want spiritual input, using Scripture and prayer when requested.

In sessions she moves at the person’s pace and works collaboratively. Conversations may include looking at unhelpful thinking, practising acceptance skills, and choosing actions that align with personal values. She also supports people dealing with body image, attachment concerns, caregiver stress, infertility, fatherhood issues and loneliness.

Irene describes care as a process rather than a quick fix. She focuses on helping people reconnect with identity, meaning and everyday coping skills. Her work emphasises emotional and spiritual wellbeing together, for people who want both kinds of support.

People can expect straightforward talk, gentle challenge and practical tools to try between sessions. Irene aims to walk alongside clients as they build habits and perspectives that fit their lives and beliefs.

How Irene applies ACT and client-centred ideas online

Irene draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings, then choose actions that match their values. ACT often suits people struggling with anxiety, stress or stuck patterns who want to build flexible ways of responding rather than trying to eliminate unpleasant emotions.

Client-centred therapy is about listening deeply and offering a non-judgemental space. This approach helps people feel heard and understood, which supports work on self-esteem, relationship issues and healing after trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Irene will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and then suggest what might fit best. That collaborative process can include trying different strategies and adjusting them over time.

The original biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm available session types before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow quieter check-ins during a lunch break or between responsibilities. It also lets people continue therapeutic momentum when schedules or location make in-person visits difficult. Appropriately qualified therapists can adapt ACT and client-centred work to remote sessions while keeping the focus on practical steps and personal values.