Dr Rachael Hunter
About me
I am an experienced clinical psychologist who is able to offer two clinics:
a) Parent Consultation for children's mental health: I worked for ten years as a Highly Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Psychologist (CAMHS) in the NHS. I am able to offer consultation and support to parents/carers who may be concerned about their child's emotional wellbeing or behaviour. Many young people are struggling and I want to support families to gain a deeper understanding of their children so they can respond/support them as best they can. I have experience in working with children/families where there may be concerns about eating disorders, anxiety and low mood, attachment disorders or trauma. As a clinical psychologist, I am able to draw upon a range of evidence-based theories and therapeutic approaches including CBT, family therapy and solution-focused.
b) Providing psychologically informed support for people who have experienced a life-changing diagnosis or health event. Looking beyond standard medical care, I am able to draw on evidence from psychology, neuroscience, nutrition and exercise, to provide a truly holistic approach and help people find a positive and meaningful way forward. Many of us want to take a much more active role in understanding and managing our health, but it can be hard to know where or how to start. My approach helps you to explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual factors that influence your well-being and seeks to help you heal and thrive!
As a clinical psychologist, academic and researcher I am able to draw on a range of skills and experience. But it was navigating my own diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2012 which opened up a whole new way of working for me. I am an experienced facilitator and have been involved in the delivery of a number of health retreats and work closely with a number of patient charities.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have a Masters's degree in Psychology, and a British Psychological Society accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2004). I am an experienced Chartered Psychologist who previously worked in the NHS in a range of mental health and medical health settings. I am registered with my professional body (HCPC). I hold an academic position and am an active researcher with a number of published peer reviewed empirical papers, blogs and a book chapter on 'Resilience'.
Since 2012 I have worked with a range of organisations including charities. I am an experienced speaker and have been involved in developing and delivering patient webinars on topics such as mental health, wellness, and resilience. I am also an experienced facilitator of health retreats.
Member organisations
Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
Health and Care Professions Council
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- holistic
- wellness
- wellbeing
- coping after diagnosis
- emotional support
