Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell, BACP

Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell is a UK-based therapist with 16 years of professional experience who offers structured weekly online sessions. She currently has daytime availability on Thursdays and does not offer evening or weekend appointments. Sessions are provided weekly by video, telephone, or chat, and she does not provide fortnightly or ad-hoc appointments.

Her work is client-focused and tailored to the individual, whether someone is new to therapy or seeking help with persistent or acute difficulties. Cheryl guides clients through exploration of thoughts, emotions, needs, aspirations, and personal boundaries, shaping each session around what the client brings to the space. She strives to create a nonjudgmental environment where people can be heard and connect more deeply with themselves.

Cheryl has a broad range of practice settings in her background, including work in GP practices supporting depression, anxiety, stress, low confidence, eating difficulties, relationship change, and parenting; school-based support for children facing exam pressure and school avoidance; women’s services for pregnancy loss and fertility-related issues; and roles in bereavement and trauma support, including work with victims of crime and families affected by murder or manslaughter. She also supports people working through Childhood Emotional Neglect, attachment-related concerns, and relationship patterns.

Trained primarily in person-centred counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, and drawing on life coaching techniques, Cheryl also works with neurodivergent adults and children to address social skills and emotional regulation while being mindful of sensory needs. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she offers an affirming space for sexual and gender minority clients. Her approach is respectful, sensitive, and adaptable to each client’s specific needs.

Therapeutic approaches online with Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports people to clarify what matters to them and to take action in line with those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts or feelings. It can help with anxiety, low mood, and life transitions by focusing on small, value-driven steps. Client-Centred Therapy - also called person-centred therapy - creates a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead to build self-understanding and confidence; it is well suited to those who need a compassionate, listening-based approach. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns through practical strategies and skill-building, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Cheryl works collaboratively with clients and registered professionals to determine what best matches each person’s needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions can blend elements from different approaches as the work evolves to stay relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy with Cheryl is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility to fit therapy around work, family, and mobility needs. These options make it easier to access regular, weekly support from home or another convenient location, while allowing clients and therapists to focus on practical progress and emotional exploration.