Rachel Spence
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a Relate trained counsellor experienced at working with both couples and individuals.
I offer a down-to-earth, forward thinking, non-directive approach. I endeavour to create a warm, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where we can focus on you and your situation. I will work with you to find an understanding of your concerns, your deeper needs and how they are affecting your relationships.
Many people bring past expectations and experiences into their present relationships and this may lead to feelings of being misunderstood, unheard and of loneliness. You might need to find a new balance after a time of crisis, or perhaps rekindle the spark in a good relationship that no longer feels quite right. You might be aware of repeating arguments and a sense of “here we go again” with no resolution, or beginning to see repeating patterns emerge but not be sure how to change. These are just a few of the many reasons people decide to seek counselling.
As an individual or a couple, feeling something is "just a bit off" or dealing with a crisis, this an opportunity to gain insight into yourself and others. Counselling provides a safe environment to discover new perspectives, access inner resources and have the confidence to address change.
I have worked with a wide range of problems including communication difficulties, anxiety, depression, divorce, affairs, self esteem, grief, issues of trust, difficulties with the wider family, cultural differences, and changes in the relationship such as a new baby, illness, retirement and many more. I have worked with clients from the LGBT community and from diverse backgrounds.
Some clients feel “stuck”. Sometimes talking with someone who is not involved in your day to day life, and outside of all work and family relationships gives a freedom to see life from a different perspective and explore other options. Exploring relationships with others but also with ourselves can provide a feeling of empowerment and confidence.
I also offer online counselling, and you can find out more about the online sessions I offer on my website onlinerelationshipcounselling.uk
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained with Relate and during training was privileged to work with a very diverse group of clients. I feel this gave me a invaluable insight into a wide range of different issues, cultures and ways of resolving difference and communicating productively . Before that I trained as a Samaritan and volunteered for 5 years. I have also had life experience of many of the same issues clients bring to counselling.
Qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Counselling
- 5 years experience with the Samaritans
- BA (Hons) languages degree.
I maintain significant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including recent courses in Eating Disorders, Suicide / Self-Harm, Aspergers, Solution-focused Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Narrative Therapy.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
Each 50 minute consultation costs £65.
Appointments need to be booked in advance. You can contact me to arrange this by telephone, text message, email or the contact page on this website.
Once in contact, we can arrange a suitable time to meet along with any other practical details. Sessions can be for individuals or couples and can also include others involved in the situation as appropriate. I only ask that we agree beforehand who will be at each session.
I offer early morning (from 7am), lunchtime and evening appointments.
I ask that all sessions are paid in advance, and this is not refundable if you are unable to come.
Please be aware that I am often not immediately available by telephone. When I am not available you will be able to leave a voice mail message, contact me by email or text. I will aim to return your call within 24 hours unless it is a weekend or holiday.
When I work
Monday 7am-9pm, Tuesday 7am-9pm,
Further information
Most clients have an initial session which gives an opportunity to go into more detail about what they are dealing with and what is hoped for from the counselling. New clients can see that they feel comfortable working with me and get a taste of how I work.
After that, they can decide what would be most helpful ongoing and can either book weekly sessions or work around family and work commitments
