Liana McDonald

I currently have availability during the day on Wednesdays, with some flexibility for evening and weekend appointments. Please get in touch to discuss a time that works best for you.

Hi, I'm Liana, a qualified CBT Psychotherapist working with adults and young people.

I believe you are the expert in your own experience. My role is to listen and work alongside you, bringing my therapeutic knowledge and experience while keeping your individual needs at the heart of our work.

My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches to reflect your individual needs. Different people may benefit from different approaches, so we'll work together to explore what feels most helpful for you.

Together, we can explore the connections between your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences, develop practical ways of coping and build a more compassionate understanding of yourself.

My approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ inclusive. I aim to offer a welcoming, supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgement or assumptions.

There are many reasons why someone might consider counselling. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress or burnout, navigating change or loss, or finding that familiar ways of coping are no longer helping. Sometimes there is no single explanation. You may simply feel unlike yourself or recognise that something needs attention.

Life's challenges can take many forms, including changes in relationships or identity, or the emotional demands of caring for others. When much of your time and energy goes towards supporting those around you, finding space for your own wellbeing can be difficult.

Whatever has brought you here, your experience matters. Counselling offers space to explore how you're feeling, make sense of your experiences and consider what you might need moving forward.

Qualifications & Training

• Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
• BSc in Professional Health Studies
• ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Additional information

Alongside my private practice, I work as a counsellor with a mental health charity, supporting young people within mainstream secondary schools and an additional support needs (ASN) high school.

Before training as a psychotherapist, I spent many years working in acute healthcare as an HCPC-registered healthcare professional, including intensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting people during some of their most vulnerable and challenging moments helped me develop valuable transferable skills, particularly in communication, compassion and advocacy. These experiences continue to shape the understanding and values I bring to my therapeutic work.

I offer a free 15–20-minute telephone consultation, giving us an opportunity to have an initial conversation about what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have and explore whether working together feels right for you.

Taking the first step towards therapy isn't always easy. It can feel daunting, but it can also be the beginning of making space for yourself, your needs and your wellbeing.