Hilary Jiggins , BACP

Hilary Jiggins adopts a straightforward and transparent style, making clear how therapy could unfold and what to expect from the therapeutic relationship. She works collaboratively, recognising that the individual knows themselves best and that meaningful change is most likely when therapist and client form a cooperative partnership. Trained across a range of approaches, Hilary integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) alongside humanistic practice, emphasising kindness, compassion, and the treatment of each person as an individual.

Her practice aims to be practical and goal-oriented when needed, with an emphasis on helping people reduce distress efficiently so they can move toward the life they wish to lead. Hilary views her role as supporting progress until a client no longer needs regular sessions, and she frames that outcome as a core objective of short-term work. With a background in medical science, she keeps up to date with research and relevant clinical guidance and is willing to explain the reasoning behind suggestions so clients understand the basis for interventions.

Hilary uses modalities including Solution-Focused work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills training, and she adapts techniques to suit individual preferences. Where appropriate, psychometric measures similar to those used in NHS practice can be offered to track progress, but alternative, more creative ways of working are also available for those who prefer not to complete traditional worksheets or homework. For clients open to longer-term exploration, Hilary offers a psychotherapeutic framework that uses the therapeutic relationship to examine how past experiences shape present patterns, which can help prevent future difficulties from re-emerging.

Her journey in mental health began co-facilitating support groups with the charity Mind 15 years ago; she later worked as a counsellor for organisations including As You Are, Cruse Bereavement Care, and Sussex Communities Development Association. She has experience working with adults, groups, couples, and young people. Hilary holds the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - indicating membership of a recognised professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Integrative Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Hilary combines Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills in her practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship that helps people feel understood and supported while exploring their concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, practical approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills training teaches practical emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques that can be helpful for managing intense emotions and improving relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Hilary works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt techniques over time, combining short-term strategies with deeper, exploratory work if a longer commitment is desirable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone make scheduling easier, while live chat and text-based messaging provide additional options for regular contact and check-ins. These formats increase accessibility for people with busy lives, mobility limits, or those who prefer remote care, while allowing therapists to use the same evidence-informed approaches that guide in-person work.