Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell

Cheryl McDonald-Tuckwell is a UK-based counsellor with 16 years of professional experience. She offers a steady, weekly approach to therapy and aims to create a space where clients can be heard without judgement. Cheryl works online and by telephone, and she tailors each session to the person in front of her.

Cheryl begins by listening to what matters most to the client. She helps people talk through difficult emotions, everyday stress, and major life changes. Sessions look at thoughts, feelings, personal boundaries and practical steps that fit each person’s life.

Her background includes work in GP practices, schools and specialist services. That experience means she is used to helping with depression, anxiety, low confidence, grief, parenting concerns and trauma. She has also supported people through fertility loss and bereavement linked to crime.

Cheryl trained primarily in Person Centred counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, and she adapts methods to suit the client. She also uses life coaching techniques when helpful, and draws on Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy as part of a blended approach.

Cheryl is comfortable working with neurodivergent clients and pays attention to sensory needs during online sessions. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she offers an accepting space for people exploring related matters. For practical arrangements, Cheryl offers weekly sessions and asks clients to confirm session options before booking.

Therapeutic approaches and online working

Cheryl commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that align with their values rather than getting stuck in struggle. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Cheryl treats this as a collaborative process and will help clients explore which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. Sessions are adapted over time as priorities change and new goals emerge.

Cheryl offers weekly online sessions and telephone appointments, though clients should confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Telephone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or when an on-camera conversation feels too demanding.