About me
I’m Donna, a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist and EMDR therapist based in Middlesbrough. I offer in-person and online therapy for adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, depression, low self-esteem and the ongoing impact of difficult or overwhelming life experiences.
You may be looking for therapy because you feel anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, on edge, low in confidence, or affected by things that happened in the past. You may have been trying to manage for a long time, perhaps quietly coping on the outside while finding things much harder on the inside. Therapy can offer a safe and supportive space to begin making sense of what is happening, reduce distress and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Before moving into private practice, I worked in the NHS for 19 years, including in Talking Therapies and Medical Psychology services. During this time, I supported adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, long-term health conditions and complex life experiences. This experience has shaped the way I work now: with care, steadiness and respect for the whole person, not just the difficulties they bring to therapy.
My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma-informed. I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting, especially if you are worried about being overwhelmed or having to talk about painful experiences before you feel ready. We will work together gently and thoughtfully, with time to build safety, understanding and trust.
I use CBT, EMDR and integrative therapy. CBT can help you understand the patterns keeping difficulties going and develop practical tools for change. EMDR can help process traumatic or distressing memories so they feel less vivid, intrusive or emotionally powerful. Where helpful, I also use stabilisation and grounding approaches, particularly when clients need support with anxiety, regulation or feeling overwhelmed.
People often come to me when they feel they have reached a point where they no longer want to keep struggling alone. Therapy can help you understand yourself more clearly, develop steadier ways of coping, and begin to feel more connected, confident and able to move forward.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can briefly discuss what you are looking for, whether I may be a good fit, and what the next steps would be.
Whether you a re seeking therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or the ongoing impact of difficult life events, I am here to support you. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can discuss your needs and you can ask any questions about the therapy process.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- EMDR Attachment-Focussed Part 2 2024.
- EMDR Attachment-Focussed Part 1 2024.
- EMDR Parts 1 - 4 2020.
- Transactional Analysis (Introduction) 2017
- Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision for Cognitive Behavioural Practice 2015.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2012.
- Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Mental Health 2007.
- Post Graduate Diploma BA (Hons) in Psychology 2004
Accreditation
- Fully Accredited Member of the BABCP
- Membership Number: 111023
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.
The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
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
£80.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Individual sessions are 60 minutes and cost £80. I offer CBT, EMDR and integrative therapy for trauma, anxiety, health anxiety, OCD, depression and low self-esteem.
I also offer a 3-session stabilisation package for £200, focused on grounding, coping strategies and emotional regulation.
A free 15-minute telephone consultation is available to discuss what you are looking for.
When I work
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Daytime appointments available, with limited Monday and Tuesday evenings. Friday sessions are online only. Please get in touch to discuss current availability.
Further information
I offer therapy in a calm, private setting in Middlesbrough, as well as online. My approach is collaborative, structured and trauma-informed. We will begin by understanding what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to be different, and what may be keeping the difficulty going.
I work at a pace that feels safe and manageable, particularly when clients are seeking support for trauma, anxiety or difficult past experiences. Therapy may include CBT, EMDR, stabilisation strategies, grounding skills and reflection on patterns in relationships, thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
You are welcome to contact me with any questions about how I work. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation so we can briefly discuss what you are looking for and whether I may be the right therapist for you.
