About me
Hi, I’m Donna, a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist offering in-person psychotherapy in Reading and online therapy across the UK for adults aged 18 and over. In addition to private practice, I also have experience within education, charity settings and the NHS.
Are you finding yourself lying awake at 3am, replaying every conversation and wondering if you made the right decision? Perhaps that background anxiety has moved into the driver's seat, and you're feeling exhausted? Does it feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough, and you feel overwhelmed?
This isn’t an inevitable part of adult life, and things can get better. Anxiety doesn't have to run your life. You can learn to manage the racing thoughts and find your calm. Asking for support isn't a sign of weakness, but the bravest step you can take toward a healthier you.
You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, or trauma. You might feel like you’re putting on a brave face around others, whilst struggling internally. By supporting you in knowing your feelings are valid, at the same time as identifying what’s keeping you stuck, our work together will enable you to find different ways of approaching life’s challenges, which will help you come unstuck and reclaim connection and joy in your life.
I offer a unique approach to therapy, which combines traditional Psychotherapy with Somatic (feelings based) techniques that support Nervous System regulation as well as exploring emotional thoughts. It is often the combination of these two approaches that leads to meaningful change, even for people who have tried talking therapies in the past, but left feeling disappointed, or continuing in the same patterns.
We are living in uncertain and demanding times, which can intensify feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or emotional exhaustion. Over time, this sense of overwhelm can begin to affect your confidence, relationships, family life, or sense of identity.
I provide a confidential, supportive space where you can take pause, explore what’s really going on for you, away from the pressures and distractions of daily life.
We will work collaboratively to help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. Gaining insight can often be the catalyst for meaningful change - helping you feel less stuck and more able to move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.
Whether you are booking your first therapy session or returning to therapy after a break, I provide a non-judgemental, compassionate space where you can talk openly about whatever feels important to you.
Areas I support
I provide psychotherapy and counselling for adults experiencing:
• Anxiety
• Low mood and depression
• Trauma
• ADHD
• Bereavement and loss
• Stress and overwhelm
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Family issues and relationship problems
• Loneliness
Prior to establishing my private psychotherapy practice, I have worked across a range of sectors including corporate, education, charity, and the NHS. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the pressures people face in professional environments, including stress, burnout, performance anxiety, and the impact of high expectations.
This professional background, combined with my own personal experience of therapy, has elicited a first-hand appreciation of how external expectations placed upon us, can often get in the way of our ability to be our authentic selves. Therapy can provide the opportunity to challenge unhelpful patterns, process past experiences and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
I have also worked as a professional organiser, supporting those with Hoarding Disorder, as well as being a contributing writer to the book “Overcoming Chronic Disorganization: Finding Strategies That Work” published in June 2024, by Jo Cooke, an internationally regarded specialist supporting those with Hoarding tendencies.
As a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, I draw from a range of psychotherapeutic approaches to tailor therapy to your individual needs. I work in a client-centred, relational way, placing you at the heart of our work together.
We will explore your experiences, needs and frustrations, from your perspective.
Why the therapeutic relationship is unique
It is likely you will find the therapeutic relationship a very different experience to other relationships in your life, and this is often how change can happen. Our work together will provide you with a new perspective, and strategies and tools you can implement in daily life to help you feel more resilient, regardless of what life throws at you. This can be incredibly freeing - even life changing.
How I work
I offer weekly or bi-weekly counselling and psychotherapy sessions, either in person in private therapy rooms in Reading or online via Google Meet. Sessions can be short-term or long-term, depending on your needs and what you would like to work towards.
If you’re considering therapy and wondering whether it’s right for you, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free introductory call.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Master’s Degree (MSc) in Psychology - University of Surrey
- Level 5 Certificate in Somatic Therapy (Accredited by CPCAB)
- Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling (Awarded by CPCAB)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Training in Trauma and somatic healing
- Accredited Registered member of the BACP.
I have worked as a counsellor in both in private practice and agency settings, and have experience within an NHS Adult Mental Health Team, all of which involved working with various clients with a vast range of issues.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
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
Fees
£65.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
When I work
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