About me
Hello, I'm Rachel, and welcome to Lotus Counselling Therapy 🪷
Perhaps you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed or low. Maybe something has happened that you're struggling to make sense of, or perhaps you simply don't feel quite like yourself at the moment.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and explore whatever is going on for you, at your own pace. Together, we can begin to make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more fully, build confidence and, in time, begin to feel like yourself again.
How I Work
I am a qualified Person-Centred Experiential Counsellor and Psychotherapist, working with both adults and young people.
For me, the relationship we build together is at the heart of counselling. I believe that feeling safe, accepted, heard and genuinely understood can be the starting point for meaningful change.
Clients often describe me as warm, approachable and easy to talk to. I don't believe you need to say the “right” things or know exactly what you need from counselling. My role is to meet you where you are and help you explore what matters to you, without judgement.
I support people with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationships, family difficulties, grief and loss, life changes and feeling overwhelmed.
Neurodivergence & Understanding Yourself
I also support adults who are exploring or have recently received an ADHD or autism diagnosis.
A diagnosis later in life can bring relief and understanding, but it can also bring unexpected emotions as you begin to look back at your experiences through a different lens.
Counselling can provide space to explore identity, self-understanding, relationships, confidence and the feelings that can come with finally making sense of yourself.
Alongside my private practice, I also work as a counsellor in a local high school, supporting young people with their emotional wellbeing, including those who are neurodivergent.
Creative Ways of Working
Sometimes, words aren't enough.
For those who find it easier to express themselves differently, I can incorporate creative approaches into our sessions, including sand tray work, drawing and painting, imagery and metaphor.
These can offer another way of exploring thoughts and feelings when putting things into words feels difficult.
Finding the Right Counsellor Matters
I know how daunting it can feel to look for a counsellor. You might be wondering:
“Will this person get me?”
“What if I don't know what to say?”
“Will what I'm bringing be too much?”
These are completely understandable feelings.
Sometimes the first step is simply finding someone you feel comfortable talking to.
I offer a free, no-obligation introductory phone call, giving you the opportunity to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and get a sense of whether I might be the right person for you.
Where I Work
📍 Face-to-face: In a peaceful, private, garden room in Southport
💻 Online: Counselling available UK-wide
📞 Free introductory call: A relaxed, no-obligation conversation before deciding whether to book.
If you're thinking about reaching out, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Click the Message/Email button above to get in touch.
You don't have to know exactly where to start. Sometimes taking that first step is enough.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications and Experience
I hold a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy, together with postgraduate training in counselling children and young people. I have also completed additional training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy and creative therapeutic approaches, enabling me to respond flexibly to each person's unique needs.
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), work within their Ethical Framework, and hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Alongside my private practice, I work as a counsellor in a local high school, supporting children and young people with a wide range of emotional challenges. Previously, I counselled at a local women's charity and volunteered with the Samaritans, experiences that deepened my understanding of how important it is to feel heard, especially during life's most difficult moments.
I have a particular interest in perinatal emotional wellbeing, and my degree research explored the emotional challenges and societal expectations that can accompany pregnancy, parenthood and family life.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years helping people navigate journeys across the world in the airline industry. Today, I have the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate their inner emotional world.
Working with children, young people and adults has shown me that every person brings their own unique story. Whatever your age or circumstances, I believe meaningful change begins with feeling genuinely heard, understood and accepted.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Aviation Professionals
I have a particular understanding of the unique demands of working in the aviation industry, having spent many years in the airline sector before becoming a therapist. I welcome airline crew, pilots and trainee pilots, offering a confidential space to explore the personal and professional challenges that can accompany this career.
I am also experienced in supporting trainee pilots and can provide reports for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Please feel free to get in touch for more information.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
When I work
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