Rachel Cooke
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
You may have found your way here feeling anxious about what's ahead, stuck on parts of your past and dealing with a chronic sense of being too much or not enough. Maybe you’re not treating yourself very well, are approaching or have reached burnout (aka capitalism fatigue), and your internal monologue is a lot of shoulds and criticism. That's an exhausting way to live and be. I’m sure you’d like to feel a lot more emotionally grounded, aligned, connected, fulfilled, and tuned into yourself, your work, environments and relationships.
I specialise in working with eager, sensitive people of all genders who are often questioning and struggling with attachment, anxiety, nervous system regulation, trauma, boundaries, loneliness, the effects of living under patriarchy and capitalism, meaning, purpose and identity.
I’d love to support you. Sessions can be in person, online or walking/sitting in Victoria Park. Choosing a therapist and starting therapy can be overwhelming, please book a free chat with me so you can tell me a little about what’s going on for you, ask any questions you have, as well as make sure you’re comfortable and feel a good click with me.
I offer intersectional, integrative/pluralistic, trauma informed, social justice oriented, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, anti-ableist, feminist, ecological, neuro affirming and queer affirming therapy. In practicing from a trauma-informed perspective, I centre consent and agency in our work. I am passionate about abolitionist, liberatory and decolonial approaches.
I work with people of all ages but you may well be in your late 20s or 30s, feeling overwhelmed, disconnected and lost in your relationships, work or current lifestyle. Maybe you’re experiencing anxiety and despair about the state of the world - the climate crisis, the political landscape, the “never enough” of late stage capitalism, the effects of colonisation, the multitude of oppressive systems that plague us.
You might already have a sense of the impact of transgenerational, ancestral or collective trauma on you, your relationships or your communities, which we can sensitively explore together.
I have lots of experience working with LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and disabled clients. I’m queer myself, kink allied, supportive of sex work and diverse approaches to / experiences of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships, which includes polyamory, Relationship Anarchy, open relationships and other forms of consensual non monogamy.
"We spend our lives thinking there's something wrong with us, when really we're just waiting for the thing our body is built for: warmth, understanding, belonging, safety and togetherness with others" - Sarah Peyton
There are often limits to labels, but they can be useful for getting an initial handle on what’s going on for us. Maybe you’ve already recognised signs of what’s called codependency, anxious attachment or strong tendencies towards people-pleasing, poor boundaries, squashing your own needs and abandoning yourself in your work and relationships.
You might recognise that you’re often experiencing the stress or trauma responses of fight, flight, freeze, fawn (also known as appease or people please) and dissociate.
Perhaps you can identify with the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Sensory Processing Sensitivity - you have a finely tuned and easily overstimulated nervous system, high empathy and depth of information processing, are very observant, are affected by people’s moods and atmospheres, have high awareness of environmental subtleties, are imaginative, creative and experience more overwhelming feelings than others. You may need to learn how to support yourself through the world’s (and your body’s) cycles, seasons and rhythms that require divesting from grind culture. You’re not alone!
Many people, particularly those socialised as women, find their way to me struggling with autoimmune conditions, chronic illness, awful menstrual periods or PMDD, and a plethora of symptoms relating to Long Covid.
I also have people find their way to me because they’re feeling ambivalent about whether to have children, or they’ve chosen to be childfree and are wanting to be intentional about their next steps in life.
I’m very passionate about working with artists, activists and social entrepreneurs who are struggling to balance their energy, compassion, vision and creativity.
"Rachel is different to any therapist I've tried - we really connected. She's insightful, funny, calm, really kind, patient and I've grown so much while seeing her. I understand myself so much better and am moving forward like I never thought I could. She simply gets me and I feel safe. Honestly just talk to her and you'll know if she's right for you." - JD, London
I also offer psychedelic preparation and integration sessions (please note I don’t offer guided/assisted psychedelic work). I run various groups: women’s circles (for anyone who identifies as a woman), queer circles, social justice groups, attachment groups, non-monogamy support groups, email me if you’d like more info!
I offer relationship therapy, often called couples counselling, for those who want to work with their romantic/sexual partner(s), but can also be between friends, family members, colleagues etc.
I've worked with thousands of individuals, couples and groups in the past 15 years as a practitioner. I have a Master's Degree in integrative therapy, meaning that I've trained in different types of therapy/counselling so that I can effectively adapt to you as an individual. I have also trained in mindfulness, NLP, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Embodied Coaching, so that I can offer a blend of coaching therapy.
I believe most of us have experienced some degree of trauma, particularly relational trauma (which often leads to insecure attachment in our relationships as adults). Due of our upbringing, society and experiences we can develop habits and narratives in our lives that may not serve us anymore.
How do I work?
I am attachment-focused, trauma-informed, work relationally and in an embodied way. This doesn’t need to mean much to you reading this! Research has shown over the past several decades that the best predictor of success for therapy is not down to the therapist's training or even experience. It's about the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
For me, the relationship between us is the most important part of therapy. Once we base this on safety, openness and realness you will experience shifts in your way of being. You will likely start to feel more curious about and accepting of yourself, which tends to be a huge relief from the relentless critics in our heads.
I'm easy for most to open up to, genuine, warm, see therapy as a very collaborative process and find space for humour in our sessions. I’m here to be with and alongside you for as long as it feels helpful and growthful.
I’m committed to anti-oppressive practice, continually deconstructing entrenched societal malarkey and relearning more sensitive and informed ways of being, supporting and holding space.
Where do I work?
I work from a calm, private room very close to Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Bank stations, as well as in Hackney E9.
I offer face to face and phone sessions. Also walking/moving (and/or sitting) sessions in Victoria Park in Hackney.
I have extensive experience with online therapy (video, instant messaging, email) providing the flexibility and convenience you need.
What type of therapy do I practice?
I'm a fully qualified and insured Counselling Psychotherapist with a Master's Degree in Integrative therapy. This means I utilise a range of types of therapy to allow me to tailor my approach to suit you as effectively as possible. These include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which focuses on how a person’s thoughts and perceptions affect the way they feel and behave), psychodynamic (sees human functioning as based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly unconscious ones) and humanistic therapy (focuses on self-development and growth. Recognises a person's strengths, creativity and choice in the here and now) as well as many branches within and adjacent to those approaches.
I’ve trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy as well as sound therapy. I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist as well as an NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), Mindfulness Meditation and Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner. I use elements of psychodrama, attachment-based therapy, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Existential, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Authentic Relating, Circling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) as well as Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). I follow Brené Brown's work on shame and vulnerability, I’ve also done a lot of reading into and workshops on PolyvagalTheory, which has added new dimensions to my work with clients. I’m a fan of Gabor Maté and his Compassionate Inquiry as well as Staci Haines’ generative somatics.
I have experience in and regularly work with a range of issues, some of which include: anger, “generalised anxiety disorder” and the many kinds of anxiety, grief, loss, body image, childhood issues, confidence, depression, disabilities of many kinds, eating “disorders”, family issues, gender identity and gender expression issues, IBS, identity, life transitions such as parenthood, separation, divorce and retirement, OCD, phobias, panic disorder / panic attacks, emotional abuse, addiction, BPD or EUPD, pain management, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), sexual abuse, relationship issues, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), self esteem, self harm, sexual issues, spirituality, stress, suicidal thoughts and trauma as well as the many other things that life can throw at us.
I am also a therapy supervisor, please take a look at my supervision profile if applicable.
What should I expect from therapy?
We get curious. We talk. Sometimes we don't. Sometimes we move. We try things differently. We edge gently into vulnerable places, with consent. It's a safe as possible space to bring and be yourself.
Together we may: make sense of how your past is affecting your present, explore how you relate to yourself and others, pay attention to your nervous system patterns of feeling, thought and behaviour, bring awareness to how you experience your body and make links between your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations so that I can support you to build skills and resources for living in ways that are more fulfilling to you.
The aim of my form of therapy is for you to feel heard, held, understood and respected; to empower you with resources and ways to manage life so that you can live, feel and be as you want. Let's talk about how we can work together.
***I am currently running a group on Attachment, Boundaries & Relationships, one on Nervous System Regulation and another on Non-Monogamy Support. Please get in touch for more details***
Call 07591 575260 or email ptherapy.com@gmail.com
Instagram @racheljanecooke
Facebook Rachel Jane Cooke & P-Therapy
Twitter @P_Therapycom
Training, qualifications & experience
Training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Embodied Coaching
Sound and Gong Therapy
Master's Degree in Integrative Therapy
PHTA (Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Training Academy) Diploma
Cruse Bereavement training
Online Counselling training
NLP Dynamics
EFTTA (EFT Training Academy)
Qualifications
Embodied Coaching Certificate Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Level 2
MA Integrative Psychotherapy, University of East London
Higher Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy, PHTA, Regent's College London
HPD (Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma)
EFT Level 2
NLP Practitioner, NLP Dynamics
Supervisor Training, CSTD
Experience
Therapist for large social enterprises
Therapist with addictions clinic
Therapist for mental health charity
Group therapist at eating disorders clinic
Online therapist for adolescents and young adults
Private practice since 2009
Own and run a large website for a group of 12 specialised therapists
I have attended workshops and trainings on:
- Understanding Complex Trauma
- Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems Therapy-
- Gender Identities
- New Rules of Love - Esther Perel
- The Daring Way - Brené Brown
- Narcissism, Gender Roles & Psychopathy
- Sexuality & Gender in Therapy
- Relationship Diversity in Therapy
- Anger Management
- Working with Dissociation and DID
- Alternatives to Medication for Depression
- Psychedelic Integration
- Understanding Self Harm
- Sleep Issues
- Working with OCD
- NPD-related Trauma
- The Neuroscience of Addiction
- The Body Keeps the Score Trauma Training
- Working with Sexual Dysfunction in Couples
- Relationship Communication & Conflict
- Nonviolent Communication in Therapy
- Introduction to EMDR
- Working with Trans Identified Partners
- Safeguarding
- Working with Longterm Health Conditions
- Complex Grief
- Child Exploitation Training
Member organisations
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Eco anxiety and climate grief
- Ethical / Consensual non monogamy
- Intersectionality, social justice issues
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Dissociation
- Gender-based violence
- Political anxiety
- Body positivity and body acceptance
- Self Worth and Self Respect
- Couples/Relationships
- Vulnerability and Shame
- Life transitions: Divorce, Parenthood, Retirement etc.
- Social Anxiety/Social Confidence
- Social Media Addiction
- Orthorexia
- Overeating/Emotional eating
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 - £160.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Face to Face and Online (Zoom/Skype/Instant Messaging)
£80-115 per 50 minute session
Discounted block of 6 x 50 minute sessions
75 min sessions also available, as well as 3-6 hour therapy / therapeutic coaching days.
Relationship Therapy / Couples Counselling
£110-150 per pair/group: 60 minute session
£135-175 per pair/group: 75 minute session
- Can be more than two people in a romantic/sexual relationship but can also be friends, colleagues, family members
25% of my practice is low cost (£45-60) for people who can't afford the full fee. These spaces are generally full with a waiting list of at least a few months, but you’re welcome to enquire.
I’m not currently signed up with any health insurance companies, however many clients have been able to be reimbursed by their providers when discussed before beginning therapy, I am happy to provide an email/letter.
When I work
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Monday-Friday 9.30am-2/3pm
Further information
Recent Feedback
• I really felt terrible about myself before I started seeing Rachel. I only realised during our 6 months together how much critical self talk was going on in my head and how negatively it was impacting every area of my life. Rachel gently and patiently helped me to understand and accept myself, giving me practical exercises to work on between sessions which really helped me feel grounded. I can barely relate to how I used to treat myself and can't recommend Rachel enough. It is like having a new lease of life and I feel calm and confident 95% of the time. When I don't, I know how to take care of myself and get back to my new "normal". Lauren, 35, UK
• Working with Rachel was a complete life changer for me. Her relaxed, supportive and understanding approach enabled me to be honest when speaking with her and helped me to recognise the thought patterns and behaviours which had been inhibiting me in moving forward in my life. Her practical advice and strategies were easily integrated into my life meaning I went from being on the verge of crippling depression to getting the happy and light version of myself back. Working with Rachel has allowed me to make enormous gains in my life and I will continue to use the strategies which I learnt with her. Entirely grateful Rachel - thank you so much! Olivia, 32, NZ
• I honestly thought I was at the end of the line until I stumbled upon Rachel and P-Therapy while Googling depression. It took 3 months for me to start to regain my sense of self, hope and enjoyment in life but I GOT THERE with the help of my wonderful therapist. I'll never forget what she helped me not only to understand, but to believe and embody: "Depression is living in the past, Anxiety is living in the future. Living in the Present is... Living!". Thank you for giving me back my life. Sara, 26, UK
• It's not an overstatement that I was a wreck this time last year. Drugs, alcohol, gambling, you name it I was doing it. I had tried counselling a couple of times but either wasn't ready for it or it just didn't work for me. I sent an email not expecting much and was really surprised by the thoughtful, personal response. I decided to embark on a fairly intense 3 sessions a week and the addictions began to melt away one by one. I still have off days and sometimes slip up but I've gained an understanding of myself and why I do what I do that will be invaluable to me. Gerry, 34, UK
• Online therapy wasn't something I thought would work for me or be effective for anyone, but when my arthritis and fibromyalgia got out of control I simply couldn't have made it outside of my house without breaking down. Despite my skepticism Rachel used hypnosis and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, check it out!) to massively reduce my pain as well as my reaction to it. I feel much more calm, in control and am able to get out and about like I hadn't in 3 years. Skype therapy really worked for me and I continue to use the techniques Rachel taught me every day. Jess, 52, India
• I spent the afternoon just enjoying the sun on my face, the sounds of the birds and the wonderful smells. Who knew something so simple could make you so happy? Thanks for listening, for understanding, for getting to know me - the light and the dark. It's a new dawn, it's a new day and I'm feeling good. Francis, 67, UK
• I had quite severe bulimia for many years. It wasn't exactly ruining my life but something in the back of my mind always said I needed to get help. As I started to experience more side effects I sought help at P-Therapy. I wasn't very committed in the beginning but the counsellor was really patient, understanding and challenging when it really mattered. I was often avoidant, dismissive, cranky and hormonal but Rachel stuck by me. I feel very differently about how I relate to myself and other people, I also actually now LIKE the person I am! Soon I was able to stop throwing up and bingeing, I can truly say that disordered eating is not a part of my life anymore. Anyone who needs help with an eating disorder should try contacting this site. Jean, 22, Ireland
• Maybe I should be mortified to say that I used to have sexual problems, but I'm not now, not least because they're gone! My counsellor was extremely capable and made me feel both safe and comfortable - something I wasn't used to feeling. We worked on my chronic impotence and sexual fetishes. The therapy was a perfect blend of practical and emotional work which allowed me to move at my own pace and see noticeable progression. Rachel believe it or not I'm in a really good place and a happy, fulfilling relationship now, though I know you won't be surprised, you always believed in me. Thanks again. Jonathan, 42, UK
• Trauma and neglect in my childhood had left me feeling like a hopeless case. I went from one alcoholic partner to another, reaffirming my worthlessness over and over. A recommendation from a good friend led me to P-Therapy and I thank God I picked up the phone when I did. My therapist was so warm and gentle with me, she nurtured me when I needed it most. It's taken time but I'm almost unrecognisable. I have a great job I love, fantastic friends, hobbies and interests that fulfil me and I know love is around the corner. I have now gone on dates with balanced men and made the conscious choice that although they were good people they weren't the one for me. I've found peace with myself. Abigail, 36, UK
• I'm quite embarrassed still to admit I had an addiction - a social media addiction. I spent literally hours and hours a day on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, whatever! Not only was it consuming my time but it was getting in the way of work, friends, my marriage and even sleep. I couldn't find a therapist I liked in my area so turned to the internet... I went for telephone sessions in the end at the suggestion of my therapist. We went for a Mindfulness mixed with CBT approach as they seemed to perfectly suit my needs. I could see an improvement after 2 sessions and continued for another 8. I am happy to say I now use social media for 30 mins or less a day, have taken up new sports and hobbies and my relationship with my wife is flourishing. I may well come back to therapy some day but for now I'm really happy with what I've achieved and how things are going. Richard, 30, Australia
• Something bad happens. I feel anxiety. I use OCD behaviours to feel better. Something bad happens. I feel anxiety. And so on. That's how I thought I would live the rest of my life. My relationship with my beloved began to break down because of my anxiety and OCD and I know I had to sort it out as I didn't want to let this person go. My wonderful psychotherapist spent quite some time helping me to grasp that I needed to want to change for myself for the therapy to really be successful, it took me a few sessions to understand that wanting to change just to keep someone else wasn't the same as me wanting to change for my own good. I began to understand, accept and even LOVE myself, something I'd never have fathomed before. Once that happened I became really committed to my recovery and my therapist gave me loads of resources and work I could do. Probably the best thing I did was keep a journal - I wrote every day about my thoughts, feelings, dreams, desires, as well as the dark side of me that I'd never acknowledged before. It stimulated my creativity and I began painting, writing poems, sculpting, meditating. All of these things really helped my fears and anxiety, once I had a handle on that the OCD all but disappeared. I'm incredibly grateful for what Rachel did, we were a team, a winning team! Federica, 33, UK
• I will make this short and sweet. I want to say a huge "thank you" Rachel for your encouragement and support in the last months. I have found our sessions invaluable and I would recommend anyone having difficulties to contact her. My life is simply better in so many ways and I feel a sense of clarity and hope I didn't think possible. Mohammed, 46, Dubai