Rachel McDonald (Oxford)

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I welcome people of all gender identities, sexual practices and orientations, and relationship structures, and I am kink-knowledgeable.

I offer psychotherapy to individuals, working with a wide range of issues, including trauma, abuse, anxiety, self-harm, dissociation, OCD, the impact of mental and physical health problems, and struggling to find meaning in life. Therapy is also a wonderful opportunity to explore ourselves, resulting in a better quality of life and more affirming connections of all kinds.

I have a particular interest in working with sex and also offer psychosexual therapy (also known as sex therapy) to individuals, couples and polycules, working with all kinds of sexual issues, including difficulties with sex related to trauma or dysphoria, discrepancy of desire or other sexual issues within relationships, erectile problems, pelvic pain, vaginismus, orgasm problems, and low desire.

I work gently and compassionately with my clients to build trust and create a space which feels safe enough to explore whatever you need to bring to our sessions.

I am experienced in working with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences, and I celebrate difference and diversity. My practice is neuroinclusive and I have experience working with autism, ADHD and other kinds of neurodivergence. I work hard to practise in an anti-oppressive way, and I actively explore my power and privilege in and outside the consulting room through formal training and ongoing personal development.

I work in a variety of locations in Oxford and Faringdon, but can only list one address here. The other locations in Oxford are on Abingdon Road and off Iffley Road, and in Faringdon I am based at the Lotus Retreat in the town centre.

Sexual identity:

Kink - BDSM
Queer

Gender identity: Non-binary

Gender history: Not as assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: Yes

Intersex: No

Trans: Yes

Neurodivergent: Unsure

Personal pronouns: They/them

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice, University of Oxford

Accredited by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Currently completing a Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy, Tavistock Relationships

Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)

Trained in working with survivors of sexual violence through Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Experience and approach:

My approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational. This means that I think there is value in paying attention to what may be happening in our unconscious as well as our conscious minds, and in thinking about what might be happening in the relationships we have, including between myself and my clients.

I use a biopsychosocial model for psychosexual therapy, alongside a psychodynamic approach, which means we will think about your issues holistically to find the best treatment for you. Sex therapy also incorporates cognitive and behavioural approaches where appropriate.

I come to my work with humility and curiosity, and recognise that each therapeutic relationship is unique. I believe that building trust and a solid foundation is crucial for that relationship, so creating a space that feels safe-enough for you is always a priority.

My practice is trauma-informed and influenced by queer theory and queer of color critique. For me, this means I think it is valuable to consider our place in society, and how structures of power and the social norms they produce affect us, and what these dynamics might bring to bear on our choices and behaviours, unconsciously and consciously.

I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice and am currently completing a Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy. I also have many years' experience in supporting survivors of sexual violence, and of community building and activism in feminist, queer and kink communities.

Approaches: