Rachel Poot

Greetings and a warm welcome,

Life often presents us with profound challenges, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, lost, tired, anxious, frustrated, and uncertain about how to navigate these difficulties. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of anxiety, or experiencing a persistent sense of emptiness which might leave you feeling that life is meaningless and pointless. Perhaps there's a specific issue like a toxic relationship, or work-related stress weighing heavily on your mind. In more severe cases, you might be grappling with the aftermath of a significant loss or a traumatic event.

These emotional burdens can gradually erode our sense of well-being, impacting not only our day-to-day happiness but also our self-esteem and confidence. Amid the ongoing pressures and uncertainties brought on by living through the pandemic, feelings of isolation and confinement may become even more pronounced. 

When we take a closer look at things that bother us, we often find that we can describe our situation in terms of disconnectedness.

We can be disconnected from others, from ourselves, from resources, from our past, from our essence, from our roots, our culture, our future… the list is endless. The process of therapy can restore our sense of connection with ourselves and with the world that surrounds us, in past, present and future. 

The space that l will offer you is a supportive environment, so you can explore and navigate these challenging periods. Within the confidential and non-judgmental space of therapy, you're invited to voice your thoughts and emotions, creating a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. Through this process of attentive listening and reflection, you gain insight and clarity, empowering you to make more informed and positive choices.

Therapy is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it's about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth, where you can cultivate resilience, heal emotional wounds, and ultimately, lead a more fulfilling life.

About Me

I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and have experience working with people across the lifespan and with the full range of presenting difficulties. I see people who may use a variety of creative ways to cope with their emotional experience including codependency, dissociation and complusive disorders. I have a particular interest in supporting people who have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, people who identify as LGBTQIA and young people 18+ negotiate their transition into adulthood.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate and curious. I believe strongly in the value and importance of developing a trusting relationship with you,  through which you can explore how you understand yourself and your relationships.

I am passionate about empowering the people l work with to develop and rediscover their own resourcefulness, creativity and strengths. I work in a way that focuses on what lies beneath your actions and repetitive patterns; to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of how you see yourself and others, as well as how past experiences may affect the present, your relationships, your feelings and your sense of self.

I believe in embodied approaches to therapy, and in thinking about the interaction between our minds and our bodies, and supporting the people l work with to pay close attention to both physical and emotional feelings.

Previous Experience and Qualifications

I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to my work. I have worked for charities and community services, including a Specialist Addiction Charity, a Brain injury charity and Mental Health Services.

I currently work in private practice and for a sexual abuse charity. I have a particular interest in how trauma and mental health difficulties can impact our sense of wellbeing and connections to others and Self.

How l Work

l provide online therapy, face to face, and offer walk and talk therapy. I offer a confidential space where you can openly express yourself, free from judgment or expectation. I blend evidence-based approaches and holistic practices, tailoring your sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. 

My commitment is to provide you with a safe, supportive environment where you feel valued, heard, and understood. 

While rooted primarily in Integrative 'talking' psychotherapy, I also incorporate mindfulness, therapeutic yoga, compassion exercises, and breath work when appropriate, embracing a whole body/mind approach.

This can help in building a toolkit for long-term recovery.

Enquiries are welcomed, and I invite you to reach out via email to schedule a discussion about the possibility of working together. Upon contact, we'll arrange an initial assessment to determine the suitability of my approach for your needs.

Feeling comfortable with your choice of therapist is essential for effective counselling. I find it helpful to have one or two initial assessment sessions, to give us both a bit more time to get to know each other and find out if we can work together. A initial assessment session is £60.

I do offer a limited number of concessionary places (during daytime hours) for those on low income and I am very happy to discuss this with you.

I am happy to work on either a short term or longer term basis. In practice I am used to working with clients for any period from a single session to multiple years. Shorter term work may often involve resolving an immediate crisis or learning practical skills / strategies. Longer term work can focus on resolving more complex issues or examining any contributing underlying factors. 

Before starting therapy, I am happy offer a free 15 minute phone call, to answer any questions you may have.

Therapy can stir up many emotions that have been hidden or unprocessed, which might include potential negative side effects. It is really important to feel able to discuss this in advance and make sensible plans to manage any increase in distress.

In order to be the best possible counsellor that I can be for my clients and in accordance with BACP guidelines I work under ongoing professional supervision from a senior practitioner.

My commitment to professional and personal development means that I regularly undertake further training in the form of counselling courses, workshops, research and reading.

If you have any questions, please do contact me and l'll be happy to discuss things further with you.