Samantha McDonnell

I currently have some availability for online sessions.

Are you struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, loss, relationships or trauma? I offer a warm, inclusive and compassionate approach, drawing on a wide range of techniques & experience to help you find effective strategies to move forward.

As a Humanistic therapist, I believe that the answers we search for lie within us and that we each have a natural capacity for growth. Sometimes, however, upsetting events or painful emotions block self-belief in our ability to heal ourselves.

Spending time with an empathic and non-judgemental therapist offers a space in which to feel truly seen and heard, gaining insight into whatever’s troubling you. The aim is to unlock inner resources and help develop self-compassion, which in turn fosters healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

I have extensive experience of working with a diverse range of clients:

I support adults suffering from stress, low self-esteem, and/or survivors of bullying, sexual, domestic or historical abuse.

I work with clients with personality disorders, PTSD/CPTSD, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD.

Both professionally and personally, I have considerable experience with LGBTQ and gender-diverse people, as well as those questioning their identity. I’m particularly keen to encourage parents who are struggling to accept their child’s questioned or identified gender, to seek counselling.

I have a particular interest in working with unresolved past trauma, addressing its combined effects on mind and body. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment and Somatic Trauma Therapy, offer gentle, trauma-informed approaches, focusing on your ability to self-care and regulate your emotions. Combining these with Internal Family Systems, Emotional Freedom Technique and mindfulness, frees you to live your life and find greater fulfilment in the present.

Earlier in life I was a professional singer and teacher, so I’m familiar with careers and situations requiring you to perform under pressure.

Practice

I practise at The Awareness Centre SW4 and Thrive@SW6 in South-West London:

https://theawarenesscentre.com/therapists/samantha-mcdonnell/

http://thrivesw6.com/samantha-mcdonnell/#therapists  

I offer both short and long-term counselling for adults, face-to-face, online or by telephone - please enquire directly.

Free initial 15-minute telephone consultation.

NHS and Voluntary Work

In addition to private practice, I've worked with the NHS East London Integrative Therapy Team and hold an honorary psychotherapy post at The Maudsley.

During five years volunteering for Victim Support, I worked mainly with survivors of rape and domestic/sexual abuse.

Qualifications and Ethical Codes of Conduct

Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Metanoia Institute

Certified Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment Therapist (training with Janina Fisher)

Completed Levels 1 and 2 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), and Advanced SP for C-PTSD and Dissociative Disorders. Currently working towards SP Certification (Level 3).

Completed Internal Family Systems Level 3.

Currently working towards Emotional Freedom Technique Level 3 Accreditation. 

Previously, I've trained in Somatic Trauma Therapy with Babette Rothschild.

Additionally, I’ve undertaken professional development courses in  personality disorders, early development, transgender issues and Mindful Self-Compassion.

I’m registered with the BACP and abide by their codes of ethics.

A first session offers the chance for us to meet and for you to decide if you would feel comfortable working with me. It's also an opportunity to air any questions or concerns you may have. You might then choose to have a few sessions before reviewing our work and deciding whether you would benefit from longer-term therapy.