Rob McDonald
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Life is miraculous and extraordinary but it can also be tough.
Whatever you are going through right now, having someone to listen and help you find a way forward can make your situation feel more manageable and lead to a better outcome.
Reduced Cost Therapy
I am a counsellor and psychotherapist based in the Wirral and I offer face to face, online and walking therapy sessions at a reduced cost - please see the About section below.
Free Initial Consultation
Taking the plunge and deciding to work with a therapist can feel daunting, I completely get that.
I offer a free, informal, no obligation phone conversation to answer any questions you may have, usually lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. It is also an opportunity for me to find out what you want from working with me. Please contact me using the Contacts form.
Heswall therapy room
I am Rob McDonald, a counsellor and psychotherapist in training, and I offer reduced cost talking therapy.
I am here to listen to whatever is on your mind.
This could be related to any of the following, or something different:
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship issues
Grief, loss or bereavement
Narcissistic Invalidation / Abuse
Personal development
Problems with confidence and self-esteem
Who you are and what you are here for
Life coaching
Managing overwhelming, difficult to manage emotions
Resolving an issue that appears unsolvable
Addressing damaging, repeating patterns of behaviour
Climate Anxiety
I have a background working in the NHS which is where my passion for counselling and therapy stems from. Although my primary focus is on counselling and therapy, I am also qualified and experienced in life coaching.
I am a trainee member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA).
First and foremost, I am a compassionate, down-to-earth human being. I have learned many life lessons in my life which helps me in my quest to be a rounded and effective therapist. You will find me approachable and non-judgemental.
The types of therapy I offer include transactional analysis, humanistic and solution focused.
I offer face to face, online and walk-and-talk therapy. Walk-and-talk therapy usually takes place on West Kirby beach.
All BACP therapists, both trainee and qualified, meet with a supervising therapist regularly to ensure that client work is moving forward appropriately and safely. Client personal information is never shared as it is strictly private and confidential. Supervising therapists are never present during actual client work.
Face to face sessions take place at the following address:
Heswall Hills Counselling Centre
99 Brimstage Road
Heswall
Wirral
CH60 1XF
Heswall Hills Counselling Centre is located in Heswall on the Wirral in Merseyside, UK.
Online sessions take place using either your laptop or mobile phone, instructions will be provided.
Parking
There is a car park at the rear of the building.
Bus
The number 73 bus stops close to the Centre
Rail
Heswall train station is located opposite the Centre.
Initial 15-20 minute phone conversation: Free
Therapy session(50 minutes): £30 - half the average therapy fee of £60. £30 includes the cost of room hire
The initial 15-20 minute phone conversation is a chance for you to ask any questions you may have. We'll briefly discuss what you want from working with me. If you decide that you wish to go ahead we can agree a day and time to start the process or if you are undecided it can be arranged later on through email.
You can request the free initial phone conversation via the Contacts section below.
Please use the contact form to arrange an initial free phone conversation or to ask any questions that you may have.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER IF A REPLY DOES NOT APPEAR IN YOUR INBOX WITHIN 48 HOURS.
Initial Contact
"Reaching Out"
This is the first step, via the contact form on this website. You can briefly share what’s bringing you to therapy, or simply forward your email address. I will usually respond within 48 hours and we'll find a mutually agreeable slot for an introductory call.
Introductory Call
"A short, informal conversation"
For the introductory call, I will contact you for a phone conversation of around 15 to 20 minutes. This is a chance for you to ask any initial questions, and for me to get a feel for what you want from the process. There's no pressure or commitment.
If we decide to work together I will send you the welcome documents and payment information. We will find a regular time to meet, either face-to-face or online. The initial frequency of appointments will be agreed at this point.
Assessment
"Beginning to get a sense of things"
The work will enter a period of assessment, which normally lasts for 2-4 appointments. This is a longer conversation where you and I explore what has brought you to therapy, what changes you would like to make in your life, and how we might be able to work together towards those goals.
Sessions in this period are likely to focus on building a mutual connection, while seeking some sense of your situation, both in the present and if helpful, in your past.
Ongoing Therapy
"The main therapeutic work"
Regular sessions begin and we will work together at a pace that feels manageable and meaningful, exploring thoughts, feelings, behaviours, patterns, and possibilities in a way that works for you. It will be collaborative, flexible, and about working to produce agreed changes.
Closing
"Ending well"
When the time is right, we’ll plan for an ending together. This might happen naturally over time, or require a more structured approach. The aim is to reflect on what’s changed, what’s been learned, and what comes next.