Dr. Louise McDonnell , DCounsPsych (UK)
Counselling Psychologist (DHCC Branch)
I understand that addressing pain and making changes is a difficult path to take, but is it more difficult than your current path? As a counselling psychologist, I fully believe that with the right support, humans have an undisputable ability to overcome adversity.
I am a chartered counselling psychologist with over 15 years of experience working in therapeutic environments. My commitment and passion for this role is driven by my clinical experience and expertise, academia, and a keen interest in continuous learning. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals across a range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with a variety of presenting issues. I work with clients across the lifespan, ranging from children aged 5 years old, to adults over the age of 80+ years.
As an integrative therapist, I draw on psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred theory. My approach in working with clients is one of collaboration and is guided by the belief that each individual holds within themselves the power to change and grow, and each is the expert on themself. My role is to companion individuals on their journey, helping to bring awareness and understanding to light from past experiences, in recognising repeating patterns of behaviour and emotions, relating to others, and exploring ways of redressing and rebalancing.
Expertise
Anxiety
Attachment
Changing identities throughout life, sense of self
Repeating patterns of destructive behaviour
Depression
Eating disorders
OCD
PTSD
Trauma
Perfectionism
Psychosomatic issues
Interpersonal relationships
Psychological assessments
Tools
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
- Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for adults, and for children who have symptoms of, or a diagnosis of PTSD.
Qualifications & Memberships
- Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, Teesside University, UK, 2019
- M.A. in Psychology Sunderland University, UK, 2013
- BA (Hons) Counselling, Sunderland University, UK, 2011
- EMDR for children, 2019
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Levels 1, 2 & 3, 2016
- Health and Care Professions Council (No. PYL36742)
- Chartered member of British Psychological Society (No. 350066)
- Registered with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)