Hilary Jiggins , BACP

Hilary Jiggins brings a clear, practical approach to therapy, focusing on collaboration and straightforward explanations rather than professional jargon. With a foundation in medical science, she integrates evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy with humanistic, client-centered values, treating each person as an individual and adapting interventions to what will work best for them.

She aims to make therapy efficient and goal-oriented, keeping in mind that the ultimate objective is for clients to progress to a point where they no longer need ongoing support. At the same time she recognises that some people benefit from longer term exploratory work, using the therapeutic relationship itself to understand how past experiences shape present difficulties.

Practically, Hilary draws on a range of modalities including Solution-Focused work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills training. She keeps up to date with recent research and NICE guidance and will explain the reasoning behind any suggestions so clients can feel confident in how time is used. Where helpful, psychometric measures similar to those used in NHS settings can be offered to track progress, while alternative creative ways of working are available for those who prefer not to use traditional worksheets or homework.

Hilary has worked in charitable and community settings, including support groups and counselling roles, and has experience with adults, groups, couples and young people. She is open about when longer-term therapy may be needed and will refer to colleagues with specialist expertise if appropriate.

Approaches for online therapy and how they help

Hilary commonly integrates client-centered work and cognitive behavioural approaches in online sessions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance and supporting the client to explore their own goals, making it useful for issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and is often used when people are dealing with anxiety, low mood, sleep or eating-related difficulties.

She also uses elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training to teach practical techniques for regulating emotions, tolerating distress and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can be helpful for intense emotions, addictions or patterns of conflict. Choosing the right blend of approaches is a collaborative process - Hilary and the client work together to decide which methods best fit the person’s needs, goals and preferences, and can adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: sessions can take place via video call, by phone, through live chat or by text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and access support from different locations. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to suit different ways of working, maintaining a focus on meaningful, effective therapeutic contact.