Lorraine McDonnell, BACP

Lorraine McDonnell is a BACP-registered counsellor who focuses on helping people manage anxiety, low mood and life changes. She brings four years of experience and a down-to-earth style to sessions. Lorraine aims to make therapy a practical part of daily life rather than a list of abstract ideas.

She understands what it is to feel trapped by worry and overthinking. Lorraine draws on her own experience of anxiety to inform how she guides conversations. The first step is usually to slow the noise and help people feel less overwhelmed.

Her approach is tailored to each person. Lorraine uses Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people make sense of their thoughts and try out new ways of coping. She also draws on Psychodynamic and Solution-Focused ideas when they fit the situation.

Sessions are conversational and straightforward. Lorraine listens without judgement, helps people spot patterns that get in the way, and works with them to set small, realistic goals. She aims to leave people with tools they can use between meetings.

People come for help with stress, grief, relationships, addiction and ageing concerns among other issues. Lorraine also supports those dealing with caregiving strain, chronic illness, end-of-life matters and loneliness. She works in English and is based in the United Kingdom.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the person. It aims to create a compassionate space where you can speak openly and be helped to find your own answers. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviour connect and helps people test new ways of thinking and acting to reduce anxiety and low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Lorraine will work collaboratively to identify goals and try approaches that suit your needs and preferences. She can adapt methods over time so sessions match what is most helpful for the issues you bring.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit meetings around work or caring responsibilities, reduce travel time, and allow more flexible scheduling. It also lets sessions focus on practical skills you can use between meetings, short check-ins when needed, and steady progress over time.