Manuela MacDonald
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
The most important thing first: No matter what place you’re in - there is hope for change and for things to get better. You may be reading this feeling vulnerable, disempowered, dejected, fearing disappointment or simply too overwhelmed to know how you feel. I'll meet you wherever you are and with whatever you bring and we can walk through your confusion and distress together. I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people with an equally diverse range of individual challenges. Spending time exploring your challenges can bring clarity, empower you to break with old patterns and help you find a positive way forward.
The basis of my work is person-centred and I offer a safe, professional but warm relationship defined by respect, honesty and empathy. I bring my skills as a counsellor into this relationship but consider YOU to be the expert of what it feels like to be you. I will do my very best to truly hear you and support you to find your own way.
I value everyone as unique, with their own potential, and aim to connect and work with you in a way that resonates with you as an individual. Be sure that I appreciate that starting something new is always a brave step to take, regardless of whether you have had counselling before or not. When you’re ready to take the leap of faith - I am here for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully qualified counsellor (L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling CPCAB) and a registered member of the BACP.
I have experience in working with young people, people with learning disabilities and autism, family carers as well as people who have had traumatic health events, which may have resulted in communication difficulties. I am able to adapt and adjust my approach creatively to make counselling work for a diverse range of clients with different needs.
I am also comfortable with using a Solution Focused Brief Therapy Approach where appropriate and have delivered training to other counsellors in this.
Having previously worked as a student counsellor in further and higher education as well as a job coach, I am currently also an associate counsellor for an organisation supporting people living abroad as well as an emotional support co-ordinator and counsellor for the Stroke Association.
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
Fees
£45.00 per session
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £45.-
Session frequency and the duration of our work together will be led by you. Please note that I am also experienced in and feel comfortable with working with a 'one-at-a-time' therapy model, where you can book sessions as and when you need then. I am happy to discuss with you if that may be appropriate.
When I work
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I am currently available on Thursdays and Fridays, evening appointments are available.
Further information
I currently only offer counselling via video platform or the phone.
I am very experienced in working remotely and will do my best to put you at ease.
