Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell

Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell is a UK-based therapist with 16 years of professional experience, offering weekly sessions by video, telephone, or chat.

She currently has daytime availability on Thursdays and a limited number of evening appointments. She does not offer fortnightly or ad-hoc sessions, preferring weekly work at the start to provide structure and consistency; if, after several sessions, it seems appropriate to reduce frequency, she will discuss how best to move forward.

Her approach is tailored to the individual client. Whether someone is new to therapy or seeking support for difficult emotions, Cheryl works alongside them to explore thoughts, needs, feelings, aspirations, and personal boundaries. Sessions are led by what the client brings to the space each week and can be delivered online or by telephone depending on preference.

Cheryl aims to create a non-judgmental space where people can be themselves and feel heard. She focuses on helping clients build a deeper connection with themselves while offering acceptance, sensitivity, and compassion.

Her experience spans work in a GP practice supporting adults with depression, low mood, anxiety, stress, lack of confidence, eating problems, lack of life direction, divorce, loss, and parenting skills. She has worked in schools supporting children with everyday worries, exam pressure, and school avoidance, and advising parents on how best to support their child. In Women’s Services she has supported families through miscarriage, stillbirth, fertility problems, and termination of pregnancy. She has also worked with Cancer Connections to help individuals and families navigate loss and grief, and has supported victims of crime and people bereaved through murder and manslaughter with trauma-related work.

Cheryl helps adult clients understand and move forward from Childhood Emotional Neglect, including setting boundaries, and explores attachment styles and their impact on friendships and relationships. She trained primarily in Person-Centred counselling and CBT and adapts her work using a variety of counselling techniques and life coaching approaches.

She has experience supporting neurodivergent adults and children, particularly with social skills and emotional regulation, and is mindful of sensory needs when working online. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Cheryl offers a welcoming space to explore issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. She tailors dialogue and treatment plans to meet each person’s specific needs with respect and compassion.