Lorraine McDonnell , BACP

When persistent worry, overthinking, or self-criticism make daily life feel like an exhausting loop, Lorraine McDonnell offers calm, practical support to help people regain steady ground. Drawing on her own lived experience with anxiety as well as her clinical training, she works online to help clients break repetitive thought patterns, reduce overwhelming emotions, and build clearer coping strategies. She tailors each session to the person in front of her, combining client-centered listening with cognitive behavioural techniques to foster self-understanding and gradual change.

Lorraine supports adults from a wide range of backgrounds facing issues such as grief, depression, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Her practice also spans stress, addiction, parenting and career concerns, trauma and abuse, sleeping difficulties, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. Sessions are offered in a way that aims to leave clients feeling heard, respected and better equipped to move forward. Lorraine is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support and Change

Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a supportive, non-directive environment where the client’s own goals and perspectives guide the work. This approach helps people process emotions, improve self-awareness, and build confidence in making personal changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is more structured and teaches practical skills to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Lorraine works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best. She listens to a client’s needs, goals and preferences and adapts methods so therapy stays relevant and useful for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. That flexibility makes it easier for people to access ongoing support from licensed professionals and therapists without rearranging work or travel plans, helping therapy become a consistent part of life when it is most needed.