Bethany Macdonald

General Info

I am a  psychotherapist with 20  years experience working with individuals and couples.  I also offer supervision to trainee and experienced therapists.  

In addition to working from my consulting room - I  work with people in nature. 

Prior to working as a psychotherapist I worked in both mental and physical health sectors of the Canadian health care system as an occupational therapist.   

I was drawn to psychotherapy to build on the psychological aspects of health, quality of life and living a meaningful life.  I moved to London from Canada to take advantage of its excellent psychotherapy training opportunities.  Originally I had planned to return to rural Canada after my training, but in the end I liked it so much I stayed on and have now made a home here in the UK.  

Qualifications

• MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling
  
• Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy
  
• Diploma in Couples Therapy (Re-Vision Centre for Integrative Psychosynthesis).
  
• Diploma In Psychotherapy Supervision (Re-Vision)
  
• Diploma in Nature Allied Psychotherapy (Current)
  
• United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapist Accredited
  
• Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
  

Experience

In addition to my private price I have worked in the NHS, Higher Education, and Charity Sector. I currently Supervise trainee and experienced therapists at Spiral Therapy Centre in North London. 

Sessions - General Information

Sessions last one hour and usually take place on a weekly basis and at a regular time.

Fees

£80 per session for Individuals

£95  for Couples

£80  for Supervision

£80 for Psychotherapy Sessions in Nature

My Therapeutic Approach/How I Work

My approach is Integrative which means that I draw upon different models of psychology and psychotherapy. This allows me to work flexibly, depending on your particular needs and experience.

Overarching my approach is an Existential Perspective which acknowledges that life is complex and to struggle with daily living is an inevitable part of being human.  Psychotherapy provides the opportunity to explore and consider one's struggles and this leads to new sense of meaning and direction and engagement in life.

I also work Relationally, and consider how life can be complicated by difficult experiences in relationships – past or recent. 

In addition, I provide Psychotherapy in Nature.

Psychotherapy in Nature is simple that - where the therapy room is nature itself instead of a traditional consulting room.

Nature brings so much more to therapy than is possible in an indoor setting.

Simply being in nature is grounding.  You become less stressed and adrenalised and this provides a powerful gateway to healing and change.

Nature Allied Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that sits alongside the theories of eco-psychology, eco-therapy and wild therapy.  These approaches believe that alienation from nature contributes to suffering, a sense of disconnection and. illness - mental and physical.  Reciprocally, nature heals.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and alienating environments, psychotherapy in nature becomes a way of gently accessing and bringing the natural world into ones life with the support of another.  A stepping stone towards a more grounded, nourished and satisfying sense of belonging in the world. 

I currently offer nature allied psychotherapy sessions in a woodland in North London.

Making an Appointment

After an initial contact by email or phone we will arrange an appointment as soon as we can.  

The First Session

The first session is for you to tell me about yourself, the issues you would like to explore and to ask any questions yo may have about the way I work or the psychotherapy process.

At the end of this session we should have a good idea as to whether we want to work together and continue with further sessions, or you may want to think it over.

Once we decide to work together I suggest an initial commitment of 6-8 sessions.  At this point in times we will review the work together and decide to either complete therapy or continue with ongoing sessions.  The initial sessions can be a useful guide for helping you decide if you are wanting to work on a short or longer term basis.

I provide private Clinical  Supervision to Counselling and Psychotherapy trainees and graduates, as well as with more experienced practitioners. 

I am registered  with the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP) and a Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).  I am also registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

I hold an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy. I hold a qualification in Couples Therapy from the Re-Vision Centre for Integrative Psychosynthesis and have  a Supervision qualification in Integrative Supervision from Re-Vision.  

In addition to private practice I have worked in the NHS, Higher Education, and the Charity Sector, and continue to work within the NHS.

My approach to supervision is Integrative and draws on over 15 years of clinical experience, including supervision of healthcare professionals within the NHS.

With an Integrative approach,  I draw upon different models of psychology and psychotherapy.  This allows me to work flexibly within your own model of practice and experience.  This also affords the opportunity to expand on your own theoretical framework should you wish to.  

I endeavour to create a reflective and supportive space within which to explore the work in an honest and professional manner that supports your learning and development as a therapist.

To enquire about Supervision contact 07949580881 or email me at enquires@bethanymacdonald.co.uk

Enquiries & Making an Appointment

If you wish to find out more about Supervision,  contact me by phone or email and I can answer any initial questions you may have before scheduling an initial session.   

After an initial contact by email or phone we will arrange an appointment as soon as we can.

First Meeting

The first meeting is an opportunity to meet one another and decide if our working together is right for you. It will be a space for you to tell me about your training and experience and your supervision needs and wishes. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the way I work. At the end of this first session we should have a good idea as to whether we want to work together and decide whether or not to continue with further sessions.

Frequency and Scheduling

When a decision has been made to go ahead we discuss frequency of sessions and agree to a regular time to meet.

Preparation for Supervision

In order to get the most from your supervision I suggest some preparation for your sessions.  If you would like guidance in how to prepare or present your supervision material,  I can provide you with a template to use or adapt to your way of working.