Rachel Anderson

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***Now offering Hypnotherapy based sessions***

About me

Life can be extremely challenging and you may feel like you need someone to talk to about your current or past experiences however, finding the right person to speak to can often bring about many questions. I hope that my short introduction and the information that follows, proves helpful in assisting you to make a decision about whether to contact me. I am very happy to answer any questions you may have personally via email, text or phone call.

I am a qualified counsellor working in Colchester and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I abide by their ethical framework. I realised my interest in counselling whilst undertaking a degree in psychology. Studying psychology enabled me to identify that I wanted to work in close relationship with others. I became weary of studying the statistics of psychological trials and the analysis of behaviour and became very passionate about subjective experience – feelings, hopes, emotions, wishes and fears. Counselling had also greatly helped me in the past to overcome personal barriers and move forward with certain life events that I had been burdened by previously. Being in a trusting and empowering therapeutic relationship encouraged me to begin counselling training so that I could support people in the same way that I had been supported by my counsellor.

I believe in individuals' capacity for growth, change and development and I am passionate about the therapeutic process. I believe that given the right conditions, we can all thrive and expand our awareness enough to live a fulfilled life. I have a particular interest in psychodynamic work (exploring childhood), transactional analysis (the way we relate to others) and working with issues such as low self-worth and shame. I practice from a humanistic stance and integrate CBT, gestalt, transactional analysis, existential, transpersonal, person centred, psychodynamic, mindfulness and creative approaches.

What is counselling

Counselling is a process whereby various issues can be worked through in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental setting. As your counsellor, I will work alongside you, exploring your feelings, thoughts, behaviours, emotions, and past and present experiences - helping you to gain more personal awareness and insight.

How do I work?

My core approach comes from a humanistic base focusing on the relationship between myself and you as my client. I strongly believe that providing a confidential, non judgemental, safe and empathic environment will enable you to explore your predicament at your own pace without feeling rushed or pressured. I believe that therapy needs to fit with the needs of the client therefore, I integrate different approaches based on individual need. For example, some clients may wish to work with the CBT model as they benefit from exploring issues in the here and now whereas others may find it more beneficial to explore the ways in which they relate to the world around them based on their childhood experiences, and how they can understand these processes in order to make a change in the present.  I believe that integrating different approaches can help clients move forward and develop in a way that suits their needs. I work with my clients best interests at heart and I believe that the client knows what is best for them and what feels right. Empowering clients to make their own decisions and choices is a key part of my work. I also work in creative ways using art, movement, music and sand tray if the client finds this beneficial.

How can I help?

You may be experiencing any number of difficulties from work stress, grief, difficulties in current relationships or painful feelings about relationships lost. Perhaps you are overwhelmed by previous events in your life or you feel stuck with something that is going on for you now. Talking about your current situation can help to heal wounds, old and new - and being heard, empowered and understood can help you to process the feelings you may have held inside or tried to bury. The therapeutic process can help you to identify patterns of behaviour and can provide a different perspective on a challenging situation. It can assist you in handling painful emotions that arise from situations that you are not in a position to change.  It can also encourage you to utilise and consider options for those situations that can be changed.

How do I know you are the right counsellor for me?

Our first session together will be an assessment session. At this session I will gather some background information and discuss your expectations, together with any areas that you would like to work on. The assessment session also gives you the opportunity to ask me questions about anything you may be unsure of. We can then both decide if we feel we can work together. Should this be agreed, then an initial contract of 6 weekly sessions would be offered, followed by a review of our work together. A review session at the 6 week mark allows us to evaluate the work carried out and decide whether to continue with the therapy sessions. If considered appropriate the option of an open-time contract will then be offered. This means we will both commit to on-going therapy until you feel the work is complete.

Whilst I am happy to work with what you choose to bring to the sessions, it can be helpful to know your reason for coming including any areas you would especially like to work on, plus any specific aims or goals you may have in mind so that these can be taken into account. I understand that these areas may change as the therapy progresses.

How long does each counselling session last and where are they held?

Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes and are held near Bury St Edmunds 

Sessions are £60 (inc VAT) however, concessionary rates may be available upon enquiry.

Availability, Monday to Friday – various times between 8am – 8pm – please contact me for current slots available.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange an assessment, please contact me via email and I will get back to you within 24 hours

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