Profile / United Kingdom
Lorraine McDonnell, BACP
United Kingdom
BACP counsellor - anxiety and depression
See online therapy options- Anxiety and low mood
- Grief and loss
- CBT and client-centred
About Lorraine
Lorraine McDonnell is a counsellor registered with the BACP and has four years of professional experience. She works with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and low self-esteem. Sessions focus on noticing unhelpful thoughts and finding more workable ways to cope with day-to-day pressures.
She describes feeling the weight of constant overthinking and uses that firsthand perspective when talking with people. Conversations centre on breaking cycles of worry and reducing the mental effort that keeps people stuck. Practical steps are introduced alongside reflective discussion so thinking and behaviour can change together.
Lorraine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centred and psychodynamic ideas. That means sessions can include looking at automatic thoughts, testing beliefs in real-life situations, and thinking about past patterns that keep repeating. She also draws on solution-focused work to set small, achievable goals and to track progress week to week.
She works with a broad range of concerns beyond anxiety and low mood, including relationship and family stress, addictions, sleep problems, parenting strains, career pressures, chronic illness and end-of-life issues. Her approach emphasises clear tasks and regular check-ins so people know what they are trying between sessions.
Language of work is English and Lorraine practises from the United Kingdom. She asks people to choose an initial option through the platform, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
How CBT and related approaches work in online sessions
Lorraine blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centred work to keep sessions practical and focused. CBT looks at automatic thoughts and unhelpful beliefs and uses short exercises to test new behaviours. This is useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep problems where changing day-to-day thinking helps reduce distress.Client-centred elements mean the counsellor listens with attention to the person’s experience and priorities. That approach helps identify what matters most to the individual so goals and tasks can be chosen together. The combination makes it possible to mix hands-on techniques with more reflective exploration of past patterns when useful.
Finding the best approach is part of the work. Lorraine will discuss options, explain how different methods might help, and agree a plan based on goals and preferences. This is collaborative: clients and the counsellor review progress and adjust tasks as needed.
The biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm which options are currently offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Registered or accredited professionals often use these practical benefits to help clients keep therapy consistent alongside everyday commitments.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with most often?
She works with anxiety, depression, grief and low self-esteem, plus related issues such as sleep problems, addictions and relationship stress.
How would sessions with her feel day to day?
Sessions combine practical tasks and talking. Lorraine uses exercises to notice unhelpful thoughts and tests new ways of responding between meetings.
What experience does she bring to the work?
She has four years of practice and draws on personal experience of anxiety when helping others understand cycles of overthinking.
What professional registration does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the BACP and works from the United Kingdom.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I have a remote or in-person session?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.