Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell , BACP

Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell is a UK-based therapist with 16 years of professional experience supporting adults, young people, and children through a wide range of life challenges. She works with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, self-esteem, parenting concerns, neurodivergent needs, and many other areas listed in her specialties. Cheryl trained primarily in Person-Centred counselling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - approaches that inform a flexible, client-led practice. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy techniques to tailor sessions to each person's goals and circumstances.

Cheryl offers weekly sessions via video, telephone, chat, or text-based messaging and is experienced in working with neurodivergent clients, adapting to sensory and communication needs during online work. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community she provides an affirming space for sexual and gender minority clients and attends to the particular challenges those clients may bring. Her background includes work in GP practices, schools, women’s services, bereavement and cancer support, and services for victims of crime, giving her broad experience with loss, trauma, parenting support, and emotional neglect.

She aims to create a nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore thoughts, emotions, boundaries, and goals. Cheryl holds BACP membership - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects professional standards in the UK. Please note she is not currently accepting new clients.

Approaches That Guide Online Work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and build small, practical steps toward a more meaningful life. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and situations where avoidance or stuck patterns are getting in the way of valued living.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship in which the client leads the pace and topics of work. This approach is especially helpful for building self-understanding, confidence, and emotional processing in a compassionate setting.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replace them with more adaptive ways of coping. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating difficulties, and stress-related concerns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Cheryl will work collaboratively with each person to identify the methods that best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and may blend elements from different approaches as appropriate.

Online therapy with Cheryl is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which makes it easier to access support from home or wherever is most convenient. These options provide scheduling flexibility and allow clients to engage in ways that suit their communication style and daily life.