Nichola McDonald, BACP
Supporting women through stress and burnout
- Women in demanding careers
- Trauma and burnout support
- Flexible online sessions
About Nichola McDonald
Nichola McDonald is a humanistic therapist based in the north of Ireland, United Kingdom, who focuses on creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for women to explore personal growth - mentally, emotionally and spiritually. She works primarily with women in demanding careers or high-responsibility roles, including healthcare professionals, educators, executives and caregivers, helping those who feel overwhelmed by stress, fatigue, burnout, trauma or ongoing health challenges to regain balance and function.
Nichola combines somatic-informed practices with a range of therapeutic techniques, drawing on approaches such as intentional tapping, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, breathwork, HeartMath and elements of neuro-linguistic programming to support embodied healing and emotional regulation. Her style is client-centered and compassion-focused, prioritizing a trusting connection so clients feel heard, validated and respected as they explore their experience.
She collaborates with each person to develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at symptom relief, improved day-to-day functioning, deeper insight or greater life fulfilment, depending on the client’s goals. Nichola’s practice reflects both professional training and personal insight into stress, trauma and burnout among women, which informs her sensitive, strengths-based approach. She is a member of BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.
Nichola combines somatic-informed practices with a range of therapeutic techniques, drawing on approaches such as intentional tapping, mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, breathwork, HeartMath and elements of neuro-linguistic programming to support embodied healing and emotional regulation. Her style is client-centered and compassion-focused, prioritizing a trusting connection so clients feel heard, validated and respected as they explore their experience.
She collaborates with each person to develop an individualized treatment plan aimed at symptom relief, improved day-to-day functioning, deeper insight or greater life fulfilment, depending on the client’s goals. Nichola’s practice reflects both professional training and personal insight into stress, trauma and burnout among women, which informs her sensitive, strengths-based approach. She is a member of BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
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 4 years of professional experience.
Is Nichola McDonald a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds BACP, which stands for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.
In which languages does Nichola McDonald provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Nichola McDonald located?
She is located 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 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.
Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support
Nichola brings together several evidence-informed approaches to help clients navigate stress, trauma and life transitions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility by teaching practical skills for accepting difficult feelings while committing to meaningful action - it can be useful for anxiety, low mood and motivation struggles.Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on relational patterns formed in early life and how they influence current relationships and emotional responses. This approach can be helpful for people dealing with intimacy issues, attachment wounds, abandonment or family and relationship difficulties.
Nichola also uses client-centered principles that prioritize empathy, nonjudgmental listening and collaboration - this creates space for clients to steer the process and work toward goals that matter to them. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process: Nichola will work with each person to identify the best fit based on their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting methods as therapy progresses.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging - making it easier to access support from different locations and around busy schedules. These options allow clients to engage in therapy in the way that feels most comfortable and sustainable for their life.