Rose McDonald

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she/her/hers
Therapeutic Counsellor BA (Hons), MNCPS (Acc.)

About me

You may have arrived here feeling unsure of yourself, doubting your abilities, or quietly believing you’re “not enough.”  It can feel like carrying an invisible weight, whether this is recent or long-standing. Perhaps anxiety, low self-esteem, or a change in your circumstances — such as bereavement, loss, or an unexpected life shift — is affecting how you see yourself and your relationships. You may be longing to feel more confident, more like yourself again, and able to move through life with greater ease. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or what you need from counselling before getting in touch.  Sometimes, knowing that you'd like things to feel different is enough. I’m Rose, and I work with people who feel this way…

I provide a warm, supportive space to explore self-esteem, confidence, identity, anxiety and life transitions. Together, we can make sense of what's happening for you, helping you develop greater self-awareness, resilience and self-compassion. I also integrate practical tools and evidence-based approaches to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and nervous system, so you leave therapy with both insight and strategies to support your wellbeing.

Feel free to request your free 20-minute introductory call. This is a relaxed, informal conversation to talk about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and see whether I might feel like the right counsellor for you. There's no obligation to book a counselling session afterwards.

Self-Esteem, Confidence & Identity

Many people reach a point where they question who they are, what they have to offer, or whether they are “enough.” You may notice this as self-doubt, low confidence, or a sense of disconnection from yourself. These feelings can be unsettling, yet they are also an invitation to understand yourself more fully and rediscover your inner strength.

Low self-esteem, uncertainty about identity, or lack of confidence can develop gradually — often after periods of change, stress, or prioritising others’ needs. Life transitions, including perimenopause or menopause, can make these feelings more noticeable.

You might notice anxiety in social situations, hesitation at work, or uncertainty when speaking up or performing. Comparisons, difficulty setting boundaries, or feeling invisible in relationships are also common.

Counselling offers a safe space to explore these experiences. Together, we can rebuild confidence from the inside out, recognise your strengths, reconnect with your identity, and develop a supportive relationship with yourself.

Common areas I can help with include:

  • Low self-esteem, confidence and identity issues
  • Anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Negative thought patterns and overthinking
  • Nervous system and emotional regulation
  • Menopause-related psychological changes
  • Performance anxiety (work, exams, public speaking, music/theatre performances)
  • Depression and low mood
  • Abuse recovery
  • Bereavement, grief and loss (including miscarriage)
  • Relationship and trust issues

Feel free to request your free 20-minute introductory call. This is a relaxed, informal conversation to talk about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and see whether I might feel like the right counsellor for you. There's no obligation to book a counselling session afterwards.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training: Person Centred Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) 

Degree/Diploma: BA (Hons) Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy and  Edexcel Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 5

Additional Credentials:

  • Certificate: Level 3 in Counselling Skills, CPCAB 
  • Certificate: Level 2 in Counselling Skills, CPCAB

As a committed practitioner, I am constantly increasing my knowledge and continuing professional development with specialist training, most recently in the neuroscience of trauma, nervous system and emotional  regulation and  specialist menopause counselling support. 

Experience

I have worked extensively with young adults, adults and elders (face to face and online) with a variety of concerns, personal challenges and overwhelming feelings. I have also worked with carers for loved ones, allowing me to understand the impact on a carer's life they face on a daily basis in addition to navigating their own personal challenges and life experiences.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • Menopause Transition
  • Grief, loss, sadness, bereavement
  • Survivors of abuse
  • Confidence and Self Esteem
  • Negative thought patterns and overthinking
  • Performance anxiety e.g. sports, music, acting, exams, public speaking

Photos & videos

Fees

£65.00 - £75.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

Additional information

Payment is made through an online platform 48 hours prior to a session taking place. Please do let me know if you prefer another method of payment and I will do my best to accommodate this.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

I am an Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Membership Number: NCS23-03763. This is recognised by the Professional Standards Authority.

I hold professional liability insurance - Oxygen Insurance

Cambridge Therapy Rooms, 11B Kings Parade, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1SJ

c/o Rutland Therapy Centre, 40 Melton Road, Oakham, United Kingdom, LE15 6AY

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Zoom

Social