Rate Lorraine McDonnell

I am a BACP Qualified Counsellor and CBT Therapist offering a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to talk openly about whatever you may be experiencing.

Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, grief or trauma. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure about how to move forward. Sometimes, past experiences can continue to affect our confidence, relationships, emotional wellbeing or ability to cope with everyday life.

Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. We can start from where you are and work together at a pace that feels manageable for you.

My approach integrates Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). This allows us to tailor our work to you as an individual, providing a compassionate space to understand your experiences while also exploring practical ways to manage difficulties, build on your strengths and create positive change.

You are the expert in your own experience, and together we can explore what feels most helpful for you and your journey.

How I Work

My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed and tailored to your individual needs. I integrate Person-Centred Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), drawing on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels most helpful for you.

I also hold a Certificate in CBT for Trauma and have undertaken additional training in trauma, attachment, and pregnancy and baby loss.

Through CBT, we can explore the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical responses, and how these may be affecting your wellbeing. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) can help you identify your strengths, explore what you would like to be different, and focus on realistic steps towards positive change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions and reconnect with what matters most to you. Compassion-Focused approaches can support you in developing greater self-compassion and reducing harsh self-criticism.

My aim is not to tell you what to do. Instead, I will work alongside you to help you understand yourself, recognise your strengths, develop helpful coping strategies and make choices that feel right for you. Together, we can work at a pace that feels manageable, creating space for greater understanding, confidence and meaningful change.

Areas I Can Help With

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

Anxiety and excessive worry

Depression and low mood

Stress and emotional overwhelm

Workplace stress and work-related difficulties

Low self-esteem and confidence

Trauma and complex trauma

Loneliness and social isolation

Bereavement, grief and loss

Miscarriage, infertility and pregnancy loss

Infant loss, neonatal loss, stillbirth and baby loss

Life transitions and personal challenges

Faith and spirituality-related concerns

I understand that these difficulties often overlap. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore not only what is happening now, but also the experiences and patterns that may be contributing to how you feel