Neill Hughes , BACP

Neill Hughes is a BACP-accredited therapist who combines person-centred and cognitive behavioral approaches to support people facing trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression and related challenges. He is also a certified schema therapist through ISST - the International Society of Schema Therapy - and draws on that training when working with complex patterns that stem from early attachment and longstanding relational wounds.

He has trained extensively in trauma-informed methods, including Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, and Mentalization-Based Therapy for families. Additional training includes ADOS-2 assessment methods for autism and Motivational Interviewing. This breadth of training informs a flexible practice that can address PTSD, attachment and abandonment issues, autism-related concerns, grief, anger, addictions and mood disorders among other presenting problems.

Neill works collaboratively with each person to identify goals and build resilience, using client-led, motivational and strength-based methods. He draws on CBT and DBT skills to support emotional regulation and to reduce unhelpful thinking patterns, while offering non-directive, person-centred space for insight, acceptance and self-compassion. He also provides parental support and practical guidance for families and caregivers.

Holding a first class BA Hons in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy from Middlesex University and top grades in certificate and diploma training in CBT accredited through the University of the West of Scotland, Neill blends lived clinical training with specialist trauma work to help people navigate difficult life changes and meaningful recovery.

Therapeutic approaches and how online therapy supports them

Neill integrates client-centred therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into his work. Client-centred therapy focuses on providing a respectful, non-directive space where the person leads the pace of change and builds self-understanding - it is well suited to people seeking acceptance and personal growth. CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns that maintain anxiety, depression or avoidance, offering practical tools to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. DBT teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful for mood instability, intense emotions and relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Neill collaborates with each person to decide what fits best. He draws on assessment, client preferences and evolving goals to tailor interventions, combining approaches as needed to address symptoms and underlying patterns in a pragmatic, strengths-based way.

Online therapy with Neill is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and geographic constraints, allow for continuity when travel or relocation occurs, and provide multiple ways for people to engage depending on their comfort and needs.