Nichola McDonald, BACP
Humanistic therapist supporting women through stress and burnout
- Support for women
- Stress and burnout
- Flexible session types
About Nichola McDonald
Nichola McDonald is a humanistic therapist who offers a compassionate, client-centered approach from her base in the north of Ireland. She focuses on creating a calm and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and potential for growth - mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Nichola specialises in working with women in demanding careers and with high-responsibility roles such as healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders, start-up entrepreneurs, healers, parents, and carers. She supports people who are feeling overwhelmed by daily demands or who are managing fatigue, stress, trauma, or long-term health challenges.
Her therapeutic practice integrates somatic approaches alongside evidence-informed methods. She draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) including intentional tapping, mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, breathwork, HeartMath, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and other somatic techniques to help clients reconnect with their bodies and regulate emotional responses. Her style emphasises a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship that prioritises being heard, validated, and respected with a compassion-focused stance.
Nichola aims to meet each person where they are and to co-create treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals. Whether the objective is symptom relief, improved daily functioning, deeper insight, or a greater sense of fulfilment, she works collaboratively with clients to pursue those outcomes.
Her decision to work exclusively with women experiencing stress, trauma, fatigue, or burnout is informed by her own life experience, which she says enriches her professional understanding and empathy. As a practitioner who manages a private practice, Nichola may not always display available time slots on listing pages to avoid double bookings - prospective clients are encouraged to reach out with preferred times so a suitable arrangement can be found.
Nichola holds BACP accreditation - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and brings four years of clinical experience to her work. For further information, her practice website is listed on this page.
Nichola specialises in working with women in demanding careers and with high-responsibility roles such as healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders, start-up entrepreneurs, healers, parents, and carers. She supports people who are feeling overwhelmed by daily demands or who are managing fatigue, stress, trauma, or long-term health challenges.
Her therapeutic practice integrates somatic approaches alongside evidence-informed methods. She draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) including intentional tapping, mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, breathwork, HeartMath, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and other somatic techniques to help clients reconnect with their bodies and regulate emotional responses. Her style emphasises a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship that prioritises being heard, validated, and respected with a compassion-focused stance.
Nichola aims to meet each person where they are and to co-create treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals. Whether the objective is symptom relief, improved daily functioning, deeper insight, or a greater sense of fulfilment, she works collaboratively with clients to pursue those outcomes.
Her decision to work exclusively with women experiencing stress, trauma, fatigue, or burnout is informed by her own life experience, which she says enriches her professional understanding and empathy. As a practitioner who manages a private practice, Nichola may not always display available time slots on listing pages to avoid double bookings - prospective clients are encouraged to reach out with preferred times so a suitable arrangement can be found.
Nichola holds BACP accreditation - membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and brings four years of clinical experience to her work. For further information, her practice website is listed on this page.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Nichola McDonald have?
Nichola McDonald has four years of professional experience as a practicing therapist.
Is Nichola McDonald a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds BACP accreditation, which denotes membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In which languages does Nichola McDonald provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Nichola McDonald located?
Nichola is based in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Nichola McDonald as my therapist?
You can work with Nichola McDonald through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Nichola McDonald work with international clients?
Yes, Nichola McDonald works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Nichola McDonald cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Work for You?
Many people wonder whether connecting with a therapist remotely can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating major life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions.One of the main benefits is flexibility - individuals can choose the mode of contact that fits their needs and lifestyle, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This range of options helps therapy become more accessible and easier to schedule around work, family, or caregiving responsibilities.
Licensed professionals provide care through these formats, and clients may change therapists if they feel a different match would be more helpful. For many people, remote therapy offers a practical, effective way to engage in therapeutic work without the need to travel to an office.