Catherine McDonald Counselling
Therapeutic counselling in Richmond and online
Welcome to my counselling practice – a space grounded in warmth, compassion and respect.
Together, we find a way forward
There are times when it can be difficult to move through life’s unpredictable waters with ease and stability – when we feel isolated, confused or weighed down in sadness and uncertainty.
At the heart of my approach is the belief that, when we are met in these times with compassion and acceptance, we can develop a deeper and more honest understanding of ourselves, our relationships and the dilemmas we face. With this, there is the potential for relief, healing and growth. I offer a calm, welcoming and confidential space in which you can pause and share your story.
Grounded in trust
I believe we all have an inner compass that guides us towards growth and fulfilment but many things throughout life can interrupt and distort that fundamental sense of direction and balance. Therapy can offer a space for you to reconnect with what is truly important, revisit the narratives you have held about your life and develop a deeper and more caring trust in yourself.
An integrative approach
My practice draws on a range of therapeutic approaches and considers the whole person: mind, emotion, behaviour and body. I integrate humanistic theory from Person-Centred, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis approaches, centred in the knowledge that healing comes when we connect with our own inner strength and wisdom. My core task is to listen attentively, with curiosity and respect, as we explore what’s difficult for you here and now.
Collaborative & creative
We build our therapeutic relationship together. My role is to be alongside you, to meet you just as you are with compassion and honesty, free from the fear of judgement. I bring my knowledge and experience to help guide our work; you lead us, as we walk at your pace. The insights and practical strategies we may uncover in our work are grounded in your unique experience.
Support through life’s challenges
My clients come to counselling for many reasons – sometimes for support with emotional or relationship difficulties, sometimes at a time of great upheaval and distress, and at other times for a steady companionship as they try to resolve a feeling of being ‘stuck’ or seeking a deeper understanding of life.
I work with adults of all ages and have a particular interest in:
Self-worth & identity
Anxiety & overwhelm
Reconnection to meaning & fulfilment
Low mood & depression
Relationship difficulties
Loss & life transitions – grief, separation, parecareer change, health issues
About me
I hold a BSc(Hons) in Humanistic Counselling from the Metanoia Institute and have worked in a number of settings, including several years’ experience in charitable organisations and as part of an NHS-affiliated service. I have been privileged to support clients from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. As a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
Prior to training as a therapist, I worked in management and family support roles in the non-profit sector, both in the UK and US, with a career break to raise my children. I bring to my therapeutic work an informed understanding of the pressures and complexities of work and family life.
Getting Started
At the heart of successful therapy is a trusting, collaborative relationship. Finding the right therapist for you is really important – someone with whom you can imagine feeling connected and safe.
I welcome the opportunity for an introductory 20-minute online conversation to see if we could be a good fit and answer any questions you may have about what to expect from counselling.
If you are happy with this first contact, or want to skip the introductory call, we’ll arrange a convenient day and time for our first session, when we can explore what brings you to therapy, how we might work together and what you are hoping to get out of our sessions.
My location
I practice in Richmond, South West London, at The Greenhouse Therapy Rooms on Paradise Road – a short walk from the train station and close to many bus routes. Paradise Road multi-story car park is just across the street. Unfortunately, the therapy rooms do not have step-free access.
I work with adults of all ages (18+), both face-to-face in Richmond and online on Zoom.
Fees & availability
I meet clients on a weekly basis, at the same time each week, for a 50 minute session and offer both short-term and longer-term therapy.
I practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 8.00am and 6.00pm.
Please contact me for current availability.
£65 for each 50 minute session in-person or online.
Our introductory conversation is free of charge.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about how counselling works or would like to arrange a call, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Please complete the secure contact form to send a message or you can call me on +447344325089
All enquiries are treated with care and confidentiality, and I will respond as soon as I'm available.