Bernadette McDonald

I am currently accepting new clients.

I offer face-to-face appointments in both London Bridge and Eltham, as well as online therapy for those who prefer the flexibility of working remotely.

Daytime and evening appointments are available. Please contact me to discuss current availability and find an appointment that works for you.

I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on you, your experiences and what you need from therapy. I don’t believe that one way of working fits everyone.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe that being genuinely heard and understood can be an important part of healing. My role is not to tell you what to do or to try to “fix” you, but to sit alongside you as we explore what is happening in your life and begin to make sense of experiences that may feel difficult, confusing or overwhelming.

Our work may involve looking at your current situation as well as exploring how earlier experiences, relationships or patterns may be influencing how you feel and relate to yourself and others today. Where appropriate, I may gently challenge beliefs or patterns that appear to be keeping you stuck, while always respecting that you are the expert on your own life.

I work collaboratively and at your pace. Some sessions may involve exploring difficult experiences or emotions, while others may focus on understanding yourself more deeply, recognising patterns, developing different ways of coping or considering what you would like to change.

I aim to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where there is space for all parts of you – including the things that may have felt difficult to say elsewhere.

You may be considering therapy for a particular reason, or you may simply feel that something in your life needs attention. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected from yourself, or noticing patterns in your life and relationships that you would like to understand better. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can begin from where you are.

I hold an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling and am a registered member of the BACP. I work with adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship difficulties, family dynamics, self-esteem, identity, caring responsibilities and significant life changes.

My therapeutic experience includes individual work, alongside experience of working therapeutically with couples and families. I have particular experience in grief, bereavement and loss, including the complexities that can accompany serious illness, anticipatory grief, end of life and adjusting to life following a bereavement.

Alongside my private practice, I work within specialist palliative care and as an Honorary Psychotherapist at the Royal Marsden, providing therapeutic support to NHS staff. These roles have given me considerable experience of supporting people through difficult, uncertain and often life-changing circumstances.

I also bring more than 16 years’ experience as a qualified social worker, working with adults, children and families. This broader professional experience informs my understanding of relationships, family systems and the many experiences and circumstances that can shape our emotional wellbeing.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life.

I will invite you to tell me a little about what is happening for you, what you would like support with and what you hope to gain from therapy. There is no expectation that you tell me everything in the first session; we can work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I may ask some questions about your current circumstances, significant experiences and your emotional wellbeing. We will also discuss how we might work together, confidentiality, boundaries and any questions you may have about therapy.

Most importantly, the first session gives you an opportunity to experience how it feels to talk with me. The relationship between therapist and client is an important part of therapy, and there is no obligation to continue if you feel I am not the right therapist for you.