About Talk Durham

Dr Louise McDonnell

As a chartered counselling psychologist, I have completed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. I qualified as a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist (CBT) prior to my doctoral training. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a highly specialised way of working with trauma and complex trauma.

I also have a strong interest in the impact of the social and familial context in which individuals grow and develop and the interaction between internal and external processes. I believe it is the complexities of our internal narrative and external expectations which hamper our ability to adapt to change.

I have a special interest in trauma, identity and the impact of life transitions.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL 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 evidence of 40 hours of personal therapy undertaken in 2016/17.

MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

BACP logo HCPC Registered
British Psychological Society (No. 350066) associate member.
Registered Member MBACP (Accred) of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (No. 711227).
Health and Care Professionals Council (membership number PYL36742).

Michael Steel, counsellor

Michael Steel

I am a registered BACP counsellor with many years’ experience. As part of my training and general practice I have worked in a number of organisations which include Sunderland Mind, Northumbria University Student Service and Sunderland Counselling Service. I have worked in different settings which include Durham Prison, St. Benedict’s Hospice and GP surgeries. To augment my professional and personal development I have attended numerous training events to develop my mindfulness practice. I am currently a part qualified Mindfulness Teacher.

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. I see it as my role to be a facilitator of change and work collaboratively with the client. 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. I generally work from a person centred perspective, however I integrate other ways of working if it feels beneficial for the client.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

2006 – 2007 Counselling Levels 2 and 3

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

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

2013 EMDR levels 1 and 2

2013 8 week Foundation in Mindfulness Stress Reduction

2013 Mindfulness in Individual Therapy

2017 Breathworks – Mindfulness Teacher Training – part 1

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