Sharon Lenihan , BACP

Since 2021, Sharon Lenihan has worked as an integrative counsellor with a Sexual Survivors Trust, supporting adults and young adults who have experienced sexual violence and trauma. She offers a warm, accepting, and non-judgemental therapeutic environment where people can feel heard and believed as they explore challenges affecting their wellbeing. Sharon draws on a range of approaches to tailor therapy to each person, using person-centred methods to prioritise the client perspective, cognitive behavioural techniques to address unhelpful thought patterns, psychodynamic ideas to understand relational patterns, and mindfulness-based practices to build present moment awareness.

Her style is compassionate and collaborative, with a flexible way of working that aims to fit the needs and pace of the individual rather than expecting the person to fit a single model. Together with clients she works to process overwhelming experiences, develop practical coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of safety, self-trust, and resilience. Many people who come to her seek support for shame, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, or the ongoing effects of trauma, and she aims to provide a steady, supportive presence while they make sense of these issues.

Before training as a counsellor, Sharon spent many years in safeguarding roles supporting individuals and families through crisis, risk, and complex systems. That experience means she is practiced in holding sensitive material and offering grounded, trauma-informed care during stressful life circumstances. Sharon holds BACP credentials, indicating affiliation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and she accepts new clients in the United Kingdom as well as international clients who seek online support.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Support

Sharon draws on person-centred therapy, which focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgemental space where the client’s experience leads the work. This approach helps people who need a supportive setting to explore feelings, identity, and relationship issues. She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy, a practical method that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to reduce anxiety and low mood. Mindfulness-based techniques are incorporated to help clients build awareness of the present moment and learn skills for managing stress and intense emotions.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Sharon works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best. She tailors sessions to individual needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds so that therapy remains responsive and client-led.

Online therapy with Sharon is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care from home, work, or while travelling, and they allow therapists and clients to focus on practical progress and emotional support in ways that suit the client’s life.