Contact Form:

07841 201166 gap smcdonnell.therapy@gmail.com gap Counselling Directory

I offer both short and long-term counselling for adults. Free initial 15-minute telephone consultation.

Are you struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, loss, relationships or trauma? I offer a warm, inclusive and compassionate approach, drawing on a wide range of techniques & experience to help you find effective strategies to move forward.

Approach

As a Humanistic and Internal Family Systems-informed therapist, I believe that the answers we search for lie within us and that we each have a natural capacity for growth. Sometimes, however, upsetting events or painful emotions block self-belief in our ability to heal ourselves.

Spending time with an empathic and non-judgemental therapist offers an opportunity to feel truly seen and heard, gaining insight into whatever’s troubling you. The aim is to unlock inner resources and help develop self-compassion, which in turn fosters healthier relationships, both within ourselves and with others.

About Me

I have extensive experience of working with a diverse range of clients:

I support adults suffering from stress and low self-esteem that are interfering with their life, and/or survivors of bullying, sexual, domestic or historical abuse.

I have a particular interest in working with unresolved past trauma and developmental injury, addressing their combined effects on mind and body. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Trauma Therapy offer gentle, trauma-informed approaches, which focus on your ability to self-care and regulate your emotions. Combining these with Mindfulness frees you to live your life and find greater fulfilment in the present.

I work with clients with personality disorders, PTSD / C-PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. I have considerable experience with LGBTQ and gender-diverse people, as well as those who may be questioning their identity. I’m keen to encourage parents who are uneasy or struggling to accept their child’s questioned or identified gender, to seek counselling.

Earlier in life I was a professional singer and teacher, which means that I’m familiar with careers and situations requiring you to perform under pressure.

In addition to private practice, I’ve worked with the East London NHS Integrative Therapy Team. Honorary psychotherapy placements include The Maudsley Hospital and IAPT Service for South London and Maudsley NHS.

During five years volunteering for Victim Support, I worked mainly with survivors of rape and domestic/sexual abuse.

Qualifications and Ethical Codes of Conduct

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling from The Metanoia Institute and am a certified Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment Therapist, having trained extensively with leading trauma and dissociation expert, Janina Fisher.

I’m currently working towards Certification in Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, having already completed Level 2 in both.

I’ve trained in Somatic Trauma Therapy with Babette Rothschild and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for C-PTSD and Dissociative Disorders with Janina Fisher.

I also incorporate Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping) in my work, which many people find to be a helpful means of self-regulation, reducing levels of distress, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, etc.

Additionally, I’ve undertaken professional development courses in personality disorders, early development, transgender issues, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Polyvagal Theory.

I’m a registered member of the BACP, and am qualified and insured to work with adults, both face-to-face and online. My professional insurance also enables me to work with clients from outside the UK.

Fees

£85 per 50-minute session