About me
About me: I am Rachael - a fully qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Hypnotherapist based in Ledbury, Herefordshire. Times are hard and life is challenging, so putting yourself and your mental-health first does not always feel like a priority. But, what would it feel like if you were happier, lighter, more content and more settled? What difference would it make to your life and relationships? How could things improve for you? Therapy really can help with this.
About my ethos: I believe that we often bury difficult life experiences and trauma deep within us, telling ourselves that everything is alright, or that we are coping - which is a clever defence mechanism our brain has designed to protect us from mental distress. However, over time, these complex feelings and emotional experiences build and can manifest themselves in ways that are surprising and often feel completely unrelated.
Headaches, anxiety, low mood, poor digestion (including IBS), controlling behavioural habits (such as obsessive thinking/ rituals) and sleep disruption are just a few of the signs that your body could be struggling with something that has not yet been fully processed. The reality is, these feelings do not go away by ignoring them, but instead become deeply integrated into our everyday selves as simply “who we are”. But, what if there was another option?
Talking things through can help you gain a deeper understanding of how your life experiences, survival responses and learned behaviours might be impacting your current circumstances and thought patterns.
The aim of my work is to help you build greater awareness and self-compassion, in order to begin facilitating positive change in the areas that really matter to you.
About my experience: As an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I am qualified to practise counselling and psychotherapy with adults aged 18+. I hold Diplomas at Level’s 3, 4 and 5 in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and am a Level 3 certified Hypnotherapist.
Post qualification, I have gained experience working privately with a diverse client base and a variety of presenting issues - including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and childhood trauma. I am also currently working with a charity supporting individuals who have experienced domestic abuse and the impact that this has had on their lives. Abuse comes in many different forms and its legacy lives on in the body far beyond the point that the immediate danger passes.
What can you expect? By drawing on a range of therapeutic perspectives, including psychodynamic theory, trauma-informed practice and cognitive behavioural techniques, we can create a therapeutic plan that fits your personal aims and goals.
My therapy room offers a comfortable, safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where you are free to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace.
I understand how important it is to find a counsellor who feels right for you. If you are unsure whether I may be a good fit, I welcome you to get in touch for a free, informal conversation so you can decide if I am the right fit for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Accredited Registrant (MNCPS Acc.) with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
- Level 5 Diploma in Psychotheraputic Counselling
- Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory.
- Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
- Certificate in Transactional Analysis
- Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy and member of the National Hypnotherapy Society.
- BSc (Hons) in Psychology.
- Enhanced DBS certified.
Member organisations
school 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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I believe counselling and hypnotherapy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of personal or financial circumstances. For this reason, I offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces. Please feel free to contact me for further information.
When I work
I currently work Monday-Friday and can offer some early morning/ evening sessions to fit with your availability. I understand that life is busy and always try to give flexibility so that your therapy time does not impact your other commitments.
Further information
Over the course of my training and post-qualification, I have worked with several counselling charities and am currently volunteering with Women's Aid.
