the process/how it works

There are many reasons why you may need to talk through what is going on in your life and manage your emotions. You may be going through relationship problems, dealing with stress, loss and bereavement, abuse or the dynamics of family relationships. I provide Counselling for individuals and couples ready to make a change. That’s where we can work together and identify what the changes are you want to make and how to get there.

When it comes to Coaching, we’ll establish your goals whether they are professional or personal, and through direct questions delivered in a thought provoking process, we’ll uncover any triggers and blocks to inspire personal growth and maximise potential.

When you initially get in touch we can arrange a suitable time that is convenient to you for a call. A brief chat for no more than thirty minutes will enable us both to discuss the context of your enquiry and if we’ll be a good fit when it comes to working together.

Please note this is a no-obligation call and allows both of us to gain more information and understanding of the next steps.

During the call I will assess whether a Counselling or Coaching route will be the best choice for you and we can discuss the next steps.

Each session is one hour long and can take place by telephone, Skype or face to face if required.

Throughout the whole process I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental professional relationship based on dignity, respect and compassion. I’m here to help you grow and reach your potential.


my experience

I am a qualified and registered Counsellor and Life and Executive Coach with over twenty years of experience working in a hospital, community clinics, staff care, and freelance work, now based in Aberdeen, Scotland.

My area of specialism is as a Couples Counsellor and I’m a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist which allows me to provide a healing process for couples and singles. Traditionally this was thought of as marriage guidance but today we acknowledge that relationships may or may not include marriage. Whatever your relationship, therapy offers a healing route back to connecting and intimacy.

I’m driven by a passion in my work to facilitate the growth of others by supporting them to face their challenges and reach their personal goals.

Many years in private and community practice around the world has given me an appreciation of different and multicultural perspectives as well as the opportunity to observe the underlying universal themes of the human condition as we navigate our lives and seek love, acceptance and a more meaningful life.

I can help you understand your distress, clarify your thinking and find new perspectives or behaviours to support your wellbeing and how to live your life more fully. Through warmth and understanding I invite you into a sensitive caring space to discuss your difficulties or aspirations freely.

Whether it is the heartbreak of bereavement or the challenges of major adjustments and transitions, I have a wealth of experience and understanding to support your work towards awareness, change and growth.

When you are ready to get in touch please email denese@denesemacdonald.life for a free telephone consultation.


QUALIFICATIONS

I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling for individuals and couples.

I am a professionally certified Relationship Counsellor and Life and Executive Coach.

I am also a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and a PCC Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.


costs

Consultations cost £55 for an individual and £75 for a couple.

Sessions last for 1 hour.

Get in touch with a brief outline of why you are seeking counselling or coaching and I will get back to you with a suggested time for a an initial phone conversation.


TESTIMONIALS

I first met Denese while I was having a very hard time focusing and writing my doctoral thesis. It was more than just “writer’s block”. I felt anxious and overwhelmed. With her help, I came to understand the nature and causes of my lack of focus, anxiety, and procrastination. Through focused activities and reflections, Denese provided me with the tools to successfully deal with my issues and move forward with confidence and strength. From the very start, I found Denese to be a very experienced and competent professional with a pleasant personality. I highly recommend her!
— S.
Working with Denese during the first years of my marriage saved my marriage, to say the least. Denese helped me understand what was going in my new relationship, what part that I had influence on and what part I didn’t. I developed my skills to convey what I want and don’t want in my relationship. I learnt how to channel my anger and frustration.

Also having step-children wasn’t a straight-forward activity at all. I worked with her to know how to deal with a teenager vs a child and how to make them accept me as a step-mom and deal with me as a mom. Denese was sent from heaven, I don’t know how would I have done it if it wasn’t for her being there, with her full non-judgmental listening, encouragement and support.
Forever grateful!
— R.
It’s not an easy thing to go into treatment. To do the meaningful work, you need to be vulnerable in front of another person. Luckily, for me that person is Denese. She can be entirely entrusted with your vulnerability, guiding you through sessions as a consummate professional, and a highly empathic one at that. To anyone seeking a capable counselor and coach, I  recommend Denese without hesitation.

Having worked with Denese for some months now , I have found that Denese can be entirely entrusted with your vulnerability, guiding you through sessions as a consummate professional, and a highly empathic one at that. To anyone seeking a capable counselor and coach, I  recommend Denese without hesitation.
— N.