Hilary Jiggins , BACP

Hilary Jiggins takes a straightforward and transparent approach to therapy, prioritising clear communication and collaboration while avoiding unnecessary clinical jargon. She works integratively, blending evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with humanistic, client-centred values that treat each person as an individual deserving of kindness and respect. Hilary holds BACP accreditation - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and draws on a background in medical science to keep her practice aligned with current research and clinical guidance.

Her practical aim is to make herself redundant by equipping people with tools and insights that reduce distress and support movement toward the life they want. She explains suggestions and interventions clearly and offers as much detail as clients prefer so that the rationale behind each step is understood and feels worthwhile.

Hilary uses Solution-Focused work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills training, adapting tasks and any 'homework' to suit each person. If standard formats do not fit, she offers creative alternatives and can use psychometric measures similar to those used by the NHS to track progress when clients want that kind of feedback.

For those interested in longer-term psychotherapy, Hilary provides exploratory, relational work that examines how past experiences shape present patterns and relationships. She will be honest when a longer course of therapy is likely to be beneficial and will refer to more specialist colleagues if she believes that is in the client's best interest.

Hilary began her therapeutic journey 15 years ago co-facilitating support groups with the mental health charity Mind and later practised with charities including As You Are, Cruse Bereavement Care and Sussex Communities Development Association, gaining experience working with adults, groups and couples.

Integrative therapy approaches for online care

Hilary draws on client-centred work, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to support people remotely. Client-centred therapy focuses on creating a respectful, empathic space where the person’s own experience guides the work - it is helpful for building self-understanding and addressing relationship or identity concerns. CBT is a structured, problem-focused approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and is often used for anxiety, depression and stress-related issues. DBT teaches practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress and improving relationships and can be useful where emotional regulation is a challenge.

Finding 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. She explains options clearly and adapts techniques so they fit the way each person prefers to work, whether that is shorter, skills-based sessions or more exploratory therapy.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to fit sessions around daily life and to maintain consistency. These formats allow therapists to share worksheets, skills coaching and reflective prompts in ways that support steady progress, while making therapy more accessible for people with busy schedules or limited local options.