Rachel Roxburgh

Hello, I’m Rachel. I’m a qualified humanistic counsellor offering telephone and online video sessions. I also offer therapy outside in natural spaces - These Nature Allied Psychotherapy sessions take place in beautiful outdoor locations in Horsham and Crawley. I believe that for many people, time spent in nature can be an uplifting and healing experience, supporting us to connect more deeply with ourselves, others and the natural world.

My aim is to build a trusting relationship with you to enable you to safely explore your thoughts, feelings, difficulties and strengths. I believe that being in an empathic, authentic therapeutic relationship can support you to navigate life’s challenges, gain greater self awareness and make positive changes leading to a more flourishing life.

As an integrative counsellor I am able to draw on several counselling approaches and will tailor my approach to your individual needs.

I offer short-term therapy focused on specific issues and open-ended therapy where we can work together for as long as it is helpful to you.

I know it requires great courage to take that first step of asking for help. Deciding to have therapy and choosing who to see can feel daunting. It’s really important to find a therapist who feels a good fit for you, so if you’d like to have an informal conversation (without obligation to commit), to discuss what I can offer and how our sessions will be, please contact me.

What is Nature Allied Psychotherapy?

Nature Allied Psychotherapy takes place in nature and offers a therapeutic relationship between counsellor, client and nature. As a therapist I work in allegiance with nature, with nature acting as a co-therapist supporting the therapeutic process. 

Time spent outdoors in natural spaces can improve our sense of wellbeing, increase our openness to connection and bodily experiences, and bring us more in touch with who and how we are.

The state of our relationship with nature affects our sense of wellbeing. During sessions, there will be opportunities to explore and deepen your relationship with nature, as well as your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others. Your connection with nature can provide an important source of emotional support long after therapy ends.

What will sessions be like?

In our first session you will have an opportunity to get a sense of how I work and whether this feels a good fit for you. We will explore what brings you to counselling at this time, and your hopes for counselling.
 
Sessions are held weekly, usually at the same time each week. Sessions last for 50 minutes.
 
Sessions are client-centred, and so I will be led by you in terms of how we use the space. For some, nature is a beautiful setting in which to have therapy. For others, their sense of belonging to nature and their relationship with nature may be developed or deepened through the therapy.

How we work in nature will be led by your sense of connection.

• We can walk and talk, sit and engage our senses (developing an embodied sense of our surroundings), practice mindfulness or work creatively.
• We might explore metaphors and symbolism that the natural world inspires, as a way to better understand your emotions and the difficulties you are facing.
• Being in nature may help you to become more present in the moment and to engage in bodily awareness, allowing you to practice regulating your nervous system.
• Time in nature might also provide opportunities for play, assessing risk and exploring issues around resilience and self care.

You don't need any previous experience of working therapeutically outdoors - Just a willingness to try.

What do I need to consider?

• As sessions take place outside rather than within an enclosed room, we may come into contact with other people and animals, such as dogs. We will take time to talk through how we address the important issue of privacy and anything else you feel may be challenging about working in this way.
• Nature Allied Psychotherapy offers the opportunity for an ongoing relationship with nature, rather than a one-off experience. Therefore, sessions are held outdoors in all seasons and weathers, with the exception of high winds and storms. 
• You will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear for the location and the weather.

You may not have a specific issue that you wish to bring to counselling. It may be more a feeling of discontent or disconnection - from yourself, others or nature. You may be experiencing feelings like guilt, shame, unworthiness, or wrestling with perfectionism or a sense of imposter syndrome. Perhaps you often find yourself giving to others, but struggle to set boundaries and show self-care. Counselling can be used as a reflective space for personal development, to increase your self awareness, build your resilience and improve your self-compassion.

I offer concessions. If you would like to engage in counselling and cannot afford this fee, you are most welcome to make contact so we can discuss your needs and negotiate a fee together.

I offer a free initial 20 minute telephone consultation to help you decide whether I am the right therapist for you.

•  I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their ethical framework.
• I receive regular clinical supervision to ensure I am working safely and effectively.
• I hold an up-to-date DBS check.
• I am covered by professional indemnity insurance.