Jane McDonald, Counsellor in Bristol ,

Jane McDonald MSc, BSc 

Integrative Counsellor in Bristol

Short-term and long-term therapy for adults aged over 18. 

Pronouns: she/her

Through being in conversation, counselling can support, witness, and integrate our story by providing a safe and unconditional relational space. Sometimes we connect our past experiences with our present, shining a light into our unconscious, developing insight into repeating patterns of behaviour. We may start or continue our journey to resolve and repair relational wounds, difficulties, and challenges that repeat in the here and now. 

I am a humanistic and integrative counsellor with a psychodynamic focus, which means that we will explore and address your present difficulties with reference to your past experiences and childhood. When we find ourselves feeling stuck or at a point of crisis in our emotional lives, unsure where to turn counselling provides an opportunity to understand ourselves, to untangle inner conflicts and areas of distress in a way which can bring both solace and change.

My uniqueness as a warm and open counsellor originates in my life experiences, alongside my CranioSacral Therapy and Somatic Pilates practice. The values and qualities I embody in the therapeutic relationship are authenticity, empathy, and compassion. I am confident with complex presentations; with the intention of providing safe therapy that does not retraumatise. Being body orientated is an integral part of my practice, the body is a resource to stabilise, build awareness, resilience and recover. Somatic experience can be resource for holding boundaries, as well as exploring sensations to access thoughts and emotions in a safe and supportive way.  

My therapeutic work has evolved to focus on clients presenting with complex trauma, many of whom are neurodiverse and/or gender-diverse, as well as those who have experienced acute single-event trauma. I frequently work with issues such as grief, self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders.

I believe the therapeutic relationship to be at the centre of therapy, like the thread that holds us together through difficult times. At the beginning, I offer a free 20 minute call before progressing to an initial consultation on zoom (50 minutes - £30), both explore the parameters of counselling and agree whether we are suited to working together. It may be that I suggest a referral to another therapist or service following our meeting, or that we decide the availability or suitability doesn't match.

At the start of therapy, you will have a minimum of 8 weekly sessions and then a review, unless agreed otherwise at the initial consultation. If you want to end therapy earlier than planned, we will have a 2-4 sessions to therapeutically end. Sessions are 60 minutes and take place on the same day at the same time each week with a 48-hour cancellation notice.

As an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy I abide by both of their code of ethics. I receive regular supervision and undertake continuing professional development. 

Location My practice is based at the front of my house (BS3 1LS), there is access to a toilet, is wheelchair accessible as well as private and confidential; further details provided following the online initial session.. 

Active Travel, Transport Links and Parking The location is accessible by walking and cycling, if this is not possible for you, where you can please use public transport. Alternatively, paid short-term street parking is also available.