Rachel Dowling


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Neuro-affirming counsellor with ADHD, working on a 121 basis with neurodivergence such as ADHD, Autism, AuDHD; LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety. I offer you a warm, accepting listening space to work through your experience. LGBTQIA ally. Adults 18+. ONLINE & IN-PERSON COUNSELLING. Please use booking link for a free 15-minute zoom chat.
Hi, I’m Rachel. I appreciate how difficult and nerve-wracking it can feel to take that first step to seek support. So I would like to offer you a space to be truly heard.
It’s really important to find the right counsellor that you can connect with so that you can freely express yourself and get the most from therapy.
I work on a 121 basis with individuals aged 18+ from diverse backgrounds, on a wide range of sensitive topics such as ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, LGBTQIA issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-harm, life changes, and harmful relationships.
To arrange a free 15-minute Zoom chat so I can answer any questions you might have about working with me, please book here.
My practice:
I work with individuals aged 18+ from diverse backgrounds, on a wide range of sensitive topics such as ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, self-confidence, LGBTQIA+ issues, life changes, and harmful relationships.
I want you to feel comfortable to talk about any topic with me: if it’s important to you it is important. I firmly believe that you are your own expert and I hope to work with you as you explore your own answers to enable you to bring about any changes you might be looking for.
Whatever your situation I hope to offer you professional counselling without judgement.
I provide both short-term and long-term online counselling, and short or long-term face to face counselling from St Barnabas House Counselling and Therapy Centre in Gillingham, Kent.
My HR background has provided me with experience and understanding of a range of complex mental health conditions, bullying, harassment, PTSD, Autism, ADHD, work-related stress, LGBTQIA issues, and the importance of truly listening to individuals.
My lived experience of my own ADHD and a range of neurodivergent diagnoses of family members has also led to me taking a keen interest in neurodivergence and understanding that one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to counselling.
I believe it is essential to tailor counselling to the needs of each individual, whether that be communication styles, sensory requirements etc to ensure a safe environment in which to explore issues.
What to expect in the initial consultation:
This session provides an opportunity to explore your current situation, what you hope to work on, and your expectations of counselling. If you feel that we are a good fit and you would like to work with me, we can then arrange our first full session together where we will agree ways of working together, and I will carry out a full assessment to ensure I can provide you with the help you are looking for.
I want you to feel comfortable to talk about any topic with me: if it’s important to you it is important. I firmly believe that you are your own expert and I hope to support you as you explore your own answers to enable you to bring about any changes you might be looking for.
Whatever your situation I hope to offer you professional counselling without judgement.
What can counselling do for you?
As a mostly Person-Centred humanistic counsellor I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow and manifest positive change, given the right conditions which can be provided through therapy.
I aim to respond to new client enquiries within 48 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred (Humanistic) Therapeutic Counselling - CPACAB
- Member of the Inside of Autism
- BSc (hons) in Psychology
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Theory - CPCAB
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills - CPCAB
- Long term counselling with adults of all ages with MID-KENT MIND
- Short-term EAP work with University students 18+
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
Neurodivergence and Neuro-affirming therapy.
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 - £60.00
Free initial online session
Additional information
- £55 day rate
- £60 evening rate (6pm onwards)
When I work
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I have availability for face to face counselling sessions on Tuesdays, based at St Barnabas Counselling & Therapy Centre, Gillingham.