Dr John McDonald
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
Welcome to Real Talk Counselling & Psychotherapy
I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, which means I look at the whole of your experience — your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and the way stress can show up in the body. I believe each person is unique, and therapy should reflect that. There is no “one size fits all” approach.
At the heart of my work is respect, curiosity and genuine care. I aim to offer a space where you feel accepted as you are, while also supported to make the changes you hope for. Our work together is collaborative — we explore what feels difficult, confusing or overwhelming, and begin to understand it in a clearer and more manageable way.
I have extensive experience supporting people experiencing anxiety in its many forms — persistent worry, panic, overthinking, performance pressure, or a constant sense of being “on edge.” Many people also come with low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, or a growing sense of dissatisfaction or self-doubt. Sometimes it is not one single issue, but a general feeling that things are not quite right.
In therapy, we work at a pace that feels safe and manageable. We may focus on understanding and reducing anxiety, improving confidence, or exploring patterns in relationships. We might also look at how past experiences influence how you see yourself and respond to others today. Gaining insight can help you feel more grounded, steadier and more able to respond to life in the way you want to.
I place strong importance on the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Feeling heard and understood is often the foundation for change. Over time, this can support greater emotional steadiness, resilience and self-trust.
I offer both short-term counselling and open-ended psychotherapy, depending on what you need. I work with adults of all ages and across a wide range of concerns.
If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss what you are looking for and whether working together feels right for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualified Psychotherapist accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Post-graduate diploma, Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling.
Doctor of Philosophy, PhD Research Project:“Functional Consequences of Nociceptin Receptor Activation”.
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences.
I have extensive experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist. I worked for over four years within a counselling centre and previously spent several years as a Victim Support Worker with Victim Support, supporting individuals affected by crime and trauma.
I initially trained at the University of Leicester, completing a Certificate of Higher Education in Contemporary Psychodynamic Counselling. I then undertook a four-year Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI) in Nottingham to deepen my clinical knowledge and skills.
I am accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and practise in accordance with their Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Conduct. I am also a member of the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute and adhere to its professional standards.
I receive regular clinical supervision to support safe, reflective and ethical practice.
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 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I charge £50 per session for individuals.
A minimum notice of 48 hours is required for cancellation session, the usual charge will be made for any session booked but not attended.
