Rate Donna Lemaitre

I am an experienced Integrative Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP, working in private practice at Betterhelp. I hold a certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling and am undertaking further advanced training in Psychotherapeutic and Integrative Counselling. I have attended numerous CPD courses to further enhance my knowledge and professional development in areas such as trauma, abuse, anxiety, bereavement, depression, and self-acceptance, low esteem and self-confidence.

I am dedicated to providing a safe, warm, empathetic and non-judgemental space where I can explore with clients their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, without fear of judgement. My approach is primarily person-centred, based on the belief that the client is the expert in their own life. I encourage clients to develop insight and a deeper understanding of their experiences, while supporting them to build confidence and enhance self-development.

I also draw on a range of therapeutic models and techniques including Psychodynamic, CBT approaches and being a trauma informed and culturally informed practice, tailoring my work to meet each client’s unique needs. My aim is to support clients in developing self-awareness, making sense of their experiences, and finding a way forward that feels right for them.

I previously worked as a Volunteer Counsellor with a mental health charity, supporting individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. This included working with issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse, stress, anger, PTSD, low self-esteem and general life challenges. I also worked for three years as a Bereavement Support Volunteer at a Hospice, where I supported clients through their grieving process.

Through both my professional and personal experience, I understand that grief is not only associated with death, but can also arise from many life transitions and losses.

Having experienced being a client in therapy herself, I appreciate how rewarding and sometimes challenging counselling can be. I reflect upon that “coming out the other side with a new sense of understanding, perspective and focus has been incredibly empowering.”

If you're considering therapy and wondering whether it might be a good fit, you're welcome to get in touch and we can talk about what's bringing you here and whether working together feels right to you. Taking the first step takes courage and I am really glad you're here.