Isla Donaldson

Isla Donaldson works with people facing change and challenge, helping them reconnect with themselves and use their direct experience as a practical resource for everyday life. Her work supports clients in restoring a clearer sense of balance, connection and meaning.

In therapy she provides a safe, collaborative space that centres on what matters most to each person. Isla accompanies clients with understanding and presence, offering support and sometimes gentle challenge as they process what is happening together. All aspects of a person’s experience are welcomed without judgement, allowing self-awareness, self-acceptance and an embodied sense of safety to develop - qualities that can foster greater resilience, self-trust, clarity and hope.

Her approach is person-centred and relational, grounded in a belief in each individual’s capacity for growth and in the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship. The client’s unique experience always guides the pace and direction of the work. Isla also practises in a somatic, trauma-informed way, attending to in-the-moment sensations and feelings as primary means to expand awareness, process emotion and memory, and support nervous system regulation.

Over the past five years she has worked with both adults and young people on a range of concerns including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss. Isla has particular experience supporting people who have lived through trauma or abuse and those experiencing suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviours.

Isla holds a first-class BA in Humanistic Counselling Practice and is committed to ongoing professional development. Her additional training includes Somatics and Embodiment, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Systemic Trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory, Sex and Sexuality, Boundaries and Consent, Safeguarding, Applied Suicide Intervention and Online Therapy.

Her schedule is fairly flexible and she is willing to consider session times outside the listed availability when possible. Reaching out can take a great deal of courage - Isla meets what is shared with respect and understanding. Prospective clients are invited to make contact to discuss what has brought them to therapy now, what they would like to be different, and any questions about the process.