Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell , BACP

Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell is a UK-based therapist with 16 years of professional experience and registration with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She offers weekly sessions conducted online by video, by telephone, or via chat, and works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and sleeping difficulties, addictions, parenting and family problems, neurodivergence, and mood conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Her practice is informed by training in Person-Centred counselling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and she adapts a variety of counselling techniques alongside life coaching to meet each person’s needs. Cheryl supports adults, teenagers and children across different settings, bringing experience from GP practice, schools, women’s services, grief support through Cancer Connections, and work with victims of crime and families affected by traumatic loss.

She prioritises a nonjudgmental, accepting space where clients can explore emotions, boundaries, and life goals. Cheryl has particular experience helping people make sense of childhood emotional neglect, examine attachment patterns, and develop practical skills for emotional regulation and social interaction. She is attentive to the sensory and communication needs of neurodivergent clients and, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community herself, provides an affirming environment for sexual and gender minority clients.

Conversations and treatment plans are tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on respect, sensitivity, and compassion as people work toward clearer direction and improved wellbeing.

Practical Therapeutic Approaches for Online Sessions

Cheryl uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, giving people space to explore feelings and values while the therapist follows the client's lead to build insight and self-direction. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and learn practical skills to respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, often supporting those facing ongoing challenges or life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Cheryl works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and needs. She adapts interventions over time so the work remains relevant and useful.

Online therapy offers practical benefits such as flexible scheduling and easier access from home or other locations. Sessions can take place by video call, by phone, via live chat, or through text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose the format that best suits their communication style and day-to-day life. Licensed professionals are able to provide meaningful support through these online modalities while tailoring the pace and focus to each person.