Meet the team

Our specialisms include working with;

Trauma
Students
LGBTQ issues
Anxiety (including anticipatory anxiety)
OCD
Depression
Relationships
Bereavement
Compassioned focused therapy
CBT

Dr Louise McDonnell

Working days/evenings – Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist a member of the British Psychological Society and Health & Care Professionals Council. When I started in this career, my original counselling training was Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist (CBT). As a result, CBT continues to inform some of my work, alongside several other theoretical approaches. My special interest is in trauma and I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for adults and children. EMDR is a highly specialised way of working with trauma and complex trauma. In addition to my academic and clinical training, I have gained extensive experience working with Neurodiversity.

It is over 15 years since I began this journey. As a result I’ve worked in many settings; alternative education & mainstream primary and secondary schools, prison, GP surgeries, Durham university and a number of work place counselling services.

My work involves a collaboration with you to find the root cause of problems. I am interested in how we grow, learn and develop. What makes us resilient, and what causes us conflict.

Before retraining as a counselling psychologist I worked in industry for a decade. I lived in Sweden and then London for many years before returning to the north east.

After almost two decades I still love coming to work. I enjoy engaging in ongoing training so I can offer the most up to date, and informed, service I can.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

At least 40 hours of ongoing training each year.

2019 – Level 1 EMDR Europe Child Accredited Core Training

2015 – 2018 Taught Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Teesside University.
2016 – EMDR levels 1, 2 & 3
2012 – 2013 Masters in Psychology, Sunderland University.
2010 – 2011 BA (Hons) Counselling, Sunderland University.
2008 – 2009 Foundation Degree Counselling (Specialising in CBT), Sunderland University, 2:1.
2006 – 2007 Levels 2 & 3 Counselling, Sunderland University.

I have an extensive and ongoing portfolio of CPD, current enhanced DBS, professional indemnity insurance and undertake my own personal therapy.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

HCPC Registered
British Psychological Society (No. 350066) associate member.

Health and Care Professionals Council (membership number PYL36742).

Michael Steel, Counsellor

Michael Steel

Working day – Tuesday.

I am a counsellor and member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). In a journey of more than 15 years I have enjoyed working at Sunderland Mind, Northumbria University, Sunderland Counselling Service, Durham Prison, St. Benedict’s Hospice and GP surgeries. To augment my professional and personal development I continue to attend training events to develop and grow. Over my career I have developed a special interest in mindfulness and continue my training as a Mindfulness Teacher.

As a result, Mindfulness and compassion inform both my personal and professional life. I am aware that when we struggle with our mental health we quite often become unkind to ourselves. Therefore, I see my role as a facilitator of change by working collaboratively with you. To that end I see the therapeutic relationship as fundamental to creating an environment to allow you the space to explore the difficulties you are experiencing. Generally, I work from a person centred perspective, however I integrate other ways of working if it feels appropriate and beneficial.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

2017 Breathworks – Mindfulness Teacher Training – part 1

2013 Mindfulness in Individual Therapy

2013 Foundation in Mindfulness Stress Reduction

2013 EMDR levels 1 and 2

2010 – 2011 BA (Hons) Degree Counselling, University of Sunderland 2:1

2007 – 2009 Foundation Degree Counselling – (Core Model CBT)

2006 – 2007 Counselling Levels 2 and 3

Zoe Lane, Counsellor

Zoe Lane

Working day – Thursday.

I am newly qualified counsellor and member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), it is my goal to work toward accreditation with this governing body.

As a Person Centred Counsellor, I believe that given the right conditions any of us can reach our full potential and become our true authentic self. As a result, It is my belief that you are the expert on you and sessions are led by what you bring, not directed by me as the counsellor. It is my job to skilfully work alongside you and provide the right environment for you to find the answers you need.

I have been working as a counsellor in a local, well respected hospice since 2018 and this specialist environment has helped me to develop a strong interest in working with anticipatory grief, and bereavement. This involves supporting those who are nearing the end of their lives, and those who are bereaved. To develop a professional relationship with my clients, to be trusted with your story, is a privilege.

I am also passionate in supporting issues of low self-esteem and identity.

EDUCATIONAL/ PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Foundation Degree in Counselling
New College, Durham
Qualified 2019

Levels 1, 2 & 3 in Counselling skills
New College, Durham
2016- 2017

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