8 Relationship counselling can oftentimes be daunting, sparking fears that therapy means the relationship will come to an end. For some, it brings up feelings of failure, as if accepting help in their relationship is weak. A relationship counsellor must create a sense of safety for these couples, showing them that this process is actually a commitment to addressing these challenges before it is too late. This is an ethos well understood by HSP Therapy, ran by dedicated Director and Psychotherapist Hildah Makoni. We sat down with Hildah to find out more about her practice, as HSP Therapy receives recognition in the GHP Mental Health Awards 2026. Based in Bury, Greater Manchester, HSP Therapy is a respected counselling service that places its client’s wellbeing at the heart of its operations. The practice provides clients with a secure and confidential setting in which they can freely express themselves, empowering each client on their journey with a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach to counselling. HSP Therapy is operated by Dr Hildah Makoni, an experienced counsellor with an extensive background in person centred counselling, couples therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, brief therapies, trauma therapy, drugs and alcohol therapy, and bereavement. Utilising evidence-based therapeutic methods within a safe, warm environment, Hildah plays a powerful role in helping her clients overcome obstacles, strengthen communication, and rebuild relational harmony. Boasting more than 18 years of experience as an Integrative Counsellor, backed by an additional 27 years as a Registered General Nurse, Hildah possesses strong communication skills that allow her to easily establish individual client needs. Hildah leverages her invaluable background in her work with individual and couple clients alike, preparing and delivering the appropriate treatments and therapy plans in alignment with their needs. At the core of HSP Therapy’s offerings is its approach to relationship therapy. Hildah deploys Imago Relationship Therapy, which is a powerful therapeutic methodology designed to foster understanding, healing, and intimacy in relationships. It enables couples to get to the true root of their problems, uncovering their underlying emotions and improving the ways in which they communicate with one another. Imago Relationship Therapy works by focusing on transforming conflict into healing and growth through relationship connection. The therapy is based on the idea that feelings experienced in childhood relationships can resurface in adult relationships, influencing how partners relate, behave, and respond. The method aims to help couples stop negatively reacting to each other and instead become more understanding and empathetic. This offering can benefit couples who are trying to improve their relationships and become closer to their partners, as well as individuals in need of communication skills that will help them generally better their relationships. Alongside Imago Relationship Therapy, Hildah additionally provides therapy to individuals who have been subject to cheating, betrayal, affairs, and relationship trauma, helping them to emotionally recover and move on to healthy and harmonious relationships. With extensive education and training in a number of areas, Hildah also offers guidance to individuals experiencing a wide variety of life’s challenges. She utilises cognitive behavioural therapy when counselling clients facing depression and anxiety, helping them to identify their triggers and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. She also educates her clients on positive mindfulness and behavioural techniques that will aid them in their journey to finding inner peace and acceptance. Furthermore, Hildah also specialises in providing tailored counselling and emotional support to individuals who are struggling with substance abuse. Addiction is a complex issue that can cause immense amounts of emotional and physical pain, whether an addiction to gambling, shopping, substance abuse, or others. Hildah helps her clients take that important first step to recovery by providing them with the tools they need to recognise the signs of their addiction and develop the essential skills that will help them manage their emotions and behaviours. Hildah works closely with her clients to distinguish the deep rooted causes of their addictions and provides them with strategies to overcome the habits that are disrupting their lives. With HSP Therapy’s unwavering support, individuals can develop an understanding of their addiction and form the coping mechanisms they need to break free. This is a similar experience for clients navigating trauma and PTSD. HSP Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for them to process their traumatic experiences, utilising evidencebased treatments such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and mindfulness-based therapies to provide them with insight and understanding of their traumatic experiences so they can move towards healing. With such extensive experience under her belt, Hildah also applies her knowledge to shape the next generation of professionals within the industry. She delivers supervisory sessions that help aspiring counsellors reach their professional goals, become compliant with BACP standards, and transform into a confident, skilled, and up-to-date counsellor. Since establishing HSP Therapy, Hildah has worked tirelessly to create a safe space for clients to work through their problems and progress on their healing journey. Through a holistic, Most Supportive Relationship Counselling Provider 2026 – Greater Manchester
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