Donna Mcallister, BACP
Supportive counsellor for life transitions
Continue with Donna
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At a glance
- Listed location
- United Kingdom
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Credentials
- BACP
- Languages
- English
- Registration (United Kingdom)
- BACP · No. 404751
Copied as listed by the therapist. You can check a registration with the body that issued it.
- Practical coping strategies
- Calm listening approach
- BACP credential
About Donna
Donna Mcallister is a counsellor with a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Counselling (HONS) and three years of professional experience. She works with people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression and life changes. Her style is straightforward and calm, aiming to help people talk through what matters most to them.
In sessions she focuses on building trust and respect so clients can speak openly. She uses gentle questioning and listening to help people notice patterns in their thoughts and feelings. This can make it easier to find new ways of coping with chronic stress, grief, relationship strains or issues around self-esteem.
Donna draws on several practical approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centred methods. These approaches are used to help with problems such as sleep difficulties, anger, addictions and caregiver stress. She also works with concerns linked to ageing and geriatric issues, chronic illness, neurodiversity and attachment difficulties.
Her background includes counselling work in the United Kingdom and registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Donna aims to support people as they make changes, not to rush them or promise quick fixes. Sessions are intended to be a place to reflect, plan and try small steps forward.
People who choose to work with her typically want a practical, compassionate space to sort out current struggles. She encourages clients to set clear goals and to check progress together as therapy continues.
In sessions she focuses on building trust and respect so clients can speak openly. She uses gentle questioning and listening to help people notice patterns in their thoughts and feelings. This can make it easier to find new ways of coping with chronic stress, grief, relationship strains or issues around self-esteem.
Donna draws on several practical approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centred methods. These approaches are used to help with problems such as sleep difficulties, anger, addictions and caregiver stress. She also works with concerns linked to ageing and geriatric issues, chronic illness, neurodiversity and attachment difficulties.
Her background includes counselling work in the United Kingdom and registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Donna aims to support people as they make changes, not to rush them or promise quick fixes. Sessions are intended to be a place to reflect, plan and try small steps forward.
People who choose to work with her typically want a practical, compassionate space to sort out current struggles. She encourages clients to set clear goals and to check progress together as therapy continues.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and online support
Donna frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and decide what matters most to them. ACT encourages gentle acceptance of feelings while taking steps towards personal values, which can help with anxiety, depression and coping with life changes.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thinking patterns that feed distress and to practise small behaviour changes. CBT is useful for sleep problems, low mood and managing stress. Alongside these, a client-centred approach provides a respectful, listening space where the person sets the pace and priorities.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The counsellor will discuss options with each person and tailor methods to their goals and preferences. Together they will review what helps and adjust the way they work as therapy progresses.
Confirm the current online session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also suit people who prefer speaking without being on camera or who need to join from a quieter place during a break.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this counsellor help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety and depression as well as relationship and self-esteem issues. Additional areas include grief, addictions, caregiver stress and aging and geriatric issues.
How would you describe the therapy style?
Her style is client-centred and practical, combining listening with techniques from ACT and CBT. Sessions focus on noticing thoughts and trying manageable changes.
What is her professional background?
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Counselling (HONS) and has three years of professional experience in the UK.
Is she registered with a professional body and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she is able to work with international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are provided.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with this counsellor?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.