About me
Hi, I'm Angela McDonnell.
I'm a reassuringly relaxed counsellor with over 15 years' experience.
I work in a down-to-earth way, taking the work seriously without making it feel heavy or intimidating.
I believe that therapy begins with two people meeting as human beings first, and so I arrive as myself, inviting you to bring the realest version of yourself too.
When you work with me, you'll know you've got me on your team.
What You Can Expect
At the heart of my work is curiosity.
I'm interested in understanding you - how you tick, how you think, how you feel, and how your experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and the world around you.
I'll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you gently untangle whatever feels confusing or stuck. Together, we'll make sense of your experience, notice patterns that may no longer be serving you, and explore new ways of understanding yourself and your life.
There is no pressure to have the right words or arrive with everything figured out. You can bring whatever feels important, and we'll work at a pace that feels right for you.
Because every person is different, the way we work together will be too. I'll adapt our sessions to what feels most helpful for you, rather than following a fixed process.
There's no one right way to do therapy. Together, we'll find an approach that feels natural and genuinely helpful for you.
Who I Work With
Clients often come to me when something just isn't sitting right anymore. From the outside, life might look fine - but inside, it feels like a different story.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, stressed, disconnected from yourself, or quietly carrying more than anyone realises. Perhaps you're moving through a big life change, struggling with the impact of past experiences, or simply aware that life isn't feeling the way you hoped it would.
Often, there's a quiet sense that something needs to change, even if you're not quite sure what that is yet.
Perhaps you're...
• Navigating a significant life change or transition
• Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself
• Carrying the impact of past experiences or trauma
• Struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, or burnout
• Questioning your direction, relationships, or sense of purpose
• Simply aware that life isn't feeling the way you hoped it would
If some of this feels familiar, therapy can offer a space to pause, make sense of what's going on, and begin to feel more like yourself again.
Working in Different Ways
Although conversation is often where we begin, therapy doesn't always have to stay with words.
If it feels right for you, we might also weave in more creative or experiential ways of working. This could include getting paper and pens out and writing things down, visual mapping, therapeutic journalling, visualisation or imagery, mindfulness, nervous system regulation practices, felt sense awareness, expressive exercises, or simply slowing down and noticing what's happening right there in the moment.
These aren't techniques you need to learn or "do well". They're simply different ways of helping you explore, process, and make sense of your experience. Many people, even those who wouldn't describe themselves as creative, find they really enjoy working in these ways.
And if sitting and talking is what's right for you, we'll do that.
Ways of Working Together
• In-person counselling in Chorlton, South Manchester (M21)
• Online counselling anywhere in the UK
• Nature-based therapy sessions in Chorlton
The therapy room is easily accessible by tram and bus, with nearby parking.
Please note that the premises are not currently wheelchair accessible.
Taking the Next Step
I offer a free 30-minute introductory chat, either online via Zoom or in person at my therapy space in Chorlton. If you choose to come along in person, I'll have a herbal tea waiting for you.
It's simply a chance for us to meet, talk a little about what's been going on for you, and explore whether working together feels like a good fit. I'll also share more about how I work, and you're welcome to ask any questions you might have.
There's no pressure and no obligation, just the opportunity to see whether it feels right.
"You don't have to have it all figured out to take the next step."
Ways to Reach Out to Me
At the top of this page you'll find options to book an introductory call, send me an email, or visit my website. You're very welcome to use whichever feels easiest.
If you can't find a suitable time in the online diary, please do get in touch anyway. I often have more flexibility than the booking system is able to show, and I'm always happy to see if we can find a time that works.
If now doesn't feel quite right, you're also welcome to save my profile and come back whenever you're ready.
Whenever you're ready, I'd love to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
My practice today reflects not only my formal training, but over 15 years of continued learning, reflection, and experience working with a wide range of clients.
My professional development has been guided by a longstanding interest in trauma, relationships, the nervous system, embodiment, creativity, and human change. I continue to invest in learning that deepens both my understanding and my practice.
Specialist Training & Ongoing Development
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Polyvagal Theory
• Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
• Parts Work
• Focusing and Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy
• Non-Verbal Behaviour Therapy Index (NVBTI)
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
• Outdoor Nature Based Practice and Wilderness Therapy
• Walk and Talk Therapy
• Therapeutic Coaching
Core Qualifications
• Qualified Integrative Counsellor
• Diploma in the Theory and Practice of Counselling
• Diploma in Creative Expressive Therapies – Arts Specialism
Coaching Qualifications
• Certificate in Coaching Skills (ICF Accredited)
• Certificate in Consciousness Coaching (ICF Accredited)
• Certificate in Somatic and Trauma-Informed Coaching (ICF Accredited)
Professional Memberships
• Accredited Registered Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
• Professional Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)
Increasingly, many of my clients are fellow counsellors, psychotherapists, and other helping professionals.
I attend monthly clinical supervision in accordance with the requirements of the NCPS, undertake regular continuing professional development, and hold full professional insurance.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Upcoming events
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Session Pricing
Sessions are £60 per session
A reduced daytime rate may be available for regular online bookings on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays before 4.00pm.
When I work
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