Dr. John Hilsdon

• Stress and anxiety
• Client-Centred Therapy
• Existential Therapy

About John

Dr John Hilsdon works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, grief and depression. He uses a conversational, client-centred style and draws on existential ideas to help people make sense of difficult choices and feelings. He is a member of the BACP and has 24 years' experience in practice.

He helps people talk through immediate problems such as panic, phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. He also supports those facing process addictions, gambling or issues linked to porn or excessive exercise. Practical coping strategies are discussed alongside longer conversations about meaning and life direction.

Additional areas of focus include work with first responder issues, men's issues and midlife concerns. He can also assist with communication problems, jealousy, guilt and shame, and feelings of isolation or loneliness. There is experience supporting people affected by cancer and those facing hospice or end-of-life decisions.

Sessions are conversational and aim to understand the person's priorities. Client-Centred Therapy is used to follow the person’s concerns, and Existential Therapy helps look at life choices and purpose. The approach is intended to be straightforward and practical, with attention to the issues the person brings to the room.

Dr Hilsdon practises from the United Kingdom and offers work in English. He has worked in the field for over two decades and combines experience with an interest in helping people manage both practical problems and deeper questions about meaning.

How his approaches guide online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what the person brings. It helps when someone needs time to talk through feelings, relationship problems or grief and wants a counsellor who follows their lead.

Existential Therapy looks at questions of meaning, choice and responsibility. It can help with midlife concerns, life purpose, and decisions around work, illness or big changes by examining values and the options available.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The counsellor will discuss needs, goals and preferences and recommend a way of working that fits the person rather than insisting on one method. This is a collaborative decision made in early sessions.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling around work, caregiving or travel commitments, and it can allow shorter check-ins when time is limited. It can also reduce the need to travel to appointments and help people access support from different locations.

Topics John lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Addictions
• Relationship issues
• Grief
• Depression
• Cancer
• Communication problems
• First responder issues
• Guilt and shame
• Hospice and end-of-life counselling
• Isolation and loneliness
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Phobias
• Prejudice and discrimination
• Process addictions
• Self-harm
• Quitting smoking or vaping
• Workplace issues

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Existential Therapy

Questions about John

Does he work with anxiety and panic?

Yes. He supports people with general anxiety, panic attacks and phobias using conversational strategies and coping techniques.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He uses Client-Centred Therapy and Existential Therapy, emphasising listening, personal meaning and collaborative exploration.

How much experience does he have?

He has 24 years' experience working as a counsellor in the United Kingdom.

Is he a member of any professional body?

Yes. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.

What languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with him?

Yes. He accepts international clients, though practical arrangements should be confirmed before booking.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I get started with him?

Use the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.