Welcome to Vicki McDonald Counselling
Supporting you with life's challenges
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Vicki McDonald Counselling
About Me
I started my career within Human Resource Management and as time progressed I qualified as a Coach, which I enjoyed because it gave people the space they needed to process what was going on for them in the workplace. I then decided to volunteer as a Samaritan, as I got so much satisfaction out of the coaching and I wanted to help people find a better life for themselves both in and out of work. Eventually this led to me retraining as an Integrative Counsellor, which is work I love, I really believe we all have the answers within us, we just need the right safe and accepting environment to find them.
I offer a chance to reflect on the difficulties or problems you are experiencing in a safe and confidential environment, with someone from outside your day-to-day life.
Together we can explore your situation in a way that leads to fresh perspectives – and perhaps a new understanding of yourself. Therapy isn’t about giving you solutions or advice, but empowering you to make your own changes.
I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming to me with a diverse range of problems. As a fully-qualified therapist I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics.
My Approach
I am an Integrative Counsellor, I work within Person-Centred and Psychodynamic therapies. This means tha I will be led by my client and what you need to discuss week by week, staying at your pace and helping you to trust that you are your expert, you have it in you to help yourself, with the right support. This is integrated with working Psychodynamically, exploring the past and what might be the foundations of your beliefs, values, relationship styles, barriers. What from the past might be affecting today?
Most importantly, I aim to give my clients a safe, confidential, non-judgemental place to recover, grow and move forward.
What issues can therapy help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through therapy:
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
"I will never be able to thank you enough, I was in a black hole drowning, now I can see light and I’m learning to tread water. Truly grateful."
"Vicki’s sessions helped guide me through many issues that were too difficult to face on my own. I have grown a great deal and now approach life with more self-empathy"
“Vicki helped me through a really difficult time after a relationship break up. She helped me process the new reality I was faced with and reframe how I might approach romantic relationships in the future. I can’t recommend her enough.”
My location
I work from a quiet and confidential practice room with a view over the fields featured on the website. It is a 5 minutes walk from Goring and Streatley train station and has off street parking.
You can choose to meet me in person, virtually or on the phone, whatever suits you, I am also happy to flex this session by session depending on your needs.
Fees & availability
Sessions are 50 minutes and usually take place on a weekly basis, although there is some flex on this based on your needs. The session is £55, I do have limited availability for a reduced session cost for students or those on low income.
I offer a free 30 minute Introductory Session, to allow us to decide together whether the type of counselling I offer might be helpful to you.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial consultation appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07469 293871 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.