Dr. John Hilsdon, BACP
24 years in practice
Dr. John Hilsdon helps people work through stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, grief and depression.
License and registration
- BACP
- 76390 · expires June 2026
- Years in practice
- 24
- Languages
- English
Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the registration with the body that granted it.
About John
Dr. John Hilsdon helps people work through stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, grief and depression. He offers calm, straightforward support for those facing big life changes or persistent worries.
He is based in the United Kingdom and works in English. John keeps sessions simple and focused. He aims to make it easier to talk about painful or confusing feelings.
Conversations look at what matters most to the person and what might get in the way of change.
Background and approach
He does not rush solutions; the pace follows each person's needs. He draws on Existential therapy to look at meaning, choice and responsibility in life. That approach can help when people feel stuck, lonely, or unsure about purpose.
He also uses Client-Centred therapy, which focuses on listening closely and reflecting what a person says. Across his work he has helped with issues linked to cancer, hospice and end-of-life concerns, and first responder stresses. He also supports people dealing with guilt, shame, jealousy, isolation and communication problems.
Obsessions and compulsions, panic attacks, phobias and process addictions are within his scope too. John holds BACP accreditation, which is noted here as a credential. He brings 24 years of experience to sessions and aims to be practical and humane.
People often come wanting clearer next steps, and he helps shape realistic ways forward. To begin, a short matching questionnaire and scheduling step are used so sessions fit around the client's life. Therapy sessions are offered through several online formats to make attendance easier for busy or distant clients.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything John lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Depression
- Cancer
- Communication problems
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counseling
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Workplace issues
Approaches John names
Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.
Online support
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Existential therapy focuses on questions of meaning, choice and responsibility. In practice this often means talking about values, life direction and how everyday choices affect wellbeing. It can be helpful for people facing midlife doubts, questions of purpose or feelings of isolation.Client-Centred therapy places emphasis on attentive listening and reflecting back what a person says. The aim is to make people feel heard and to help them find their own solutions. This approach suits those who want a gently supportive space to make sense of feelings.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then choose ways of working that fit the person's needs. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as therapy progresses.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when bandwidth permits, while phone sessions need less data and can fit a short break. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer writing or want to check in between longer sessions. These options make therapy more flexible for people living far away or juggling busy schedules.
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Questions people ask
What concerns does John commonly help with?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, grief and depression, plus related areas such as cancer, end-of-life issues and first responder stresses.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He offers a calm, listening approach that prioritises what matters to the person. Sessions explore choices, meaning and practical next steps rather than applying one fixed method.
What is his background and experience?
He has 24 years of experience working as a therapist in the United Kingdom and has supported many people through life transitions and mental health concerns.
Which credential does he hold and where is he based?
He holds BACP as a listed credential and practises from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats does he offer online?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are arranged through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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