“There is no one-size-fits-all path when it comes to counselling. Your needs are as unique as you are.”

Taking the first steps on your therapeutic journey is courageous and commendable. I will ensure you are safe and supported throughout. Together, we can change old and unhelpful perspectives and feelings about yourself and your life, helping you make the positive changes you want and need. I can help you explore your current situation through a new lens — one that offers greater light, deeper understanding, and clearer insight.We will work together to help you make empowering changes, leading to loving your life and accepting every aspect of it.

If this feels like the right approach for you, lets talk and take the first step together on what might be the most important journey you will ever take.

Where My Path Meets Yours

I came to counselling through my own experience of how painful it can feel to live with self doubt and a harsh inner critic. Learning to listen differently, with kindness and compassion, instead of judgement changed my life and it is at the heart of the work I do.

My training, NHS work, and years of experience give me the tools to support you while creating a safe space where you feel understood, respected, and never alone in what you are carrying.

“Sessions with Rachel helped me by providing support and explanations helping me to understand what was happening. It was a place where I could say how I felt without any repercussions. It changed my perception of myself which up until then had been based on negative feedback from people in my life. I now experience feelings of freedom and self-worth.” – Client Testimonial

Rachel Barlow Counsellor
Rachel Barlow

I am a fully qualified, accredited and experienced person-centred integrative counsellor with a demonstrated history of success in helping people to make positive changes in their lives. In addition to my counselling expertise, I bring over two decades of experience in mentorship and coaching, which allows me to provide compassionate guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. Alongside my work with private clients, I work with a large NHS mental health trust, victim support and local council services. As an accredited registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) my practice adheres to and aligns with their rigorous ethical and professional frameworks. Additionally, I am accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Training and qualifications:

BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling – University of Chichester
Certificate in Counselling Skills – University of Chichester
Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health – University of Lincoln

Recently published Articles:
Know your emotional rights: How to feel seen, heard and safe – Counselling Directory
Understanding self-stigma: Why we feel we are “not enough” – Counselling Directory
When connection hurts: Anxiety, depression and self-abandonment – Counselling Directory

NCPS Membership number: NCS24-00809. ICO Registration Reference ZB589802.

 

Therapy

There are times when the challenges of life can make you feel emotionally overwhelmed and isolated, and it may feel difficult to talk about how you feel to those who are closest to you. You can experience crises such as a sudden trauma or loss which makes coping with every-day life a struggle. Sometimes you can experience personal difficulties with their roots buried in past trauma and sometimes you just do not know what is wrong.

Through exploring problems together, you will discover a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you to conquer issues that may have previously been experienced as all-consuming or overwhelming. We will look at your problems in the present and identify the roots of these problems from your past, exploring here and now possibilities for coping with and for improving your life.

Online Therapy

Online therapy is popular for people who find it safer and more convenient. This means you can continue to get the support you need at a time that fits around your schedule whilst in the comfort of your own home. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.

Why Online Therapy Could Be a Good Option for You:

  • It could be more practically feasible for you, as you don’t have to travel long distances to see a therapist and it can fit around you and your time. This may especially suit people living in remote areas.
  • You can access online therapy from the comfort of your home.
  • It may feel less daunting to ‘meet’ someone online rather than face to face and it can sometimes feel easier to talk about difficult issues this way due to the sense of security it can provide.
  • Online counselling can work well as a steppingstone for someone wanting to transition to face to face counselling, such as those with social anxiety.

Walk and Talk Therapy

The healing powers of being with nature have been proven time after time and are without doubt. I offer Walk and Talk Therapy where you can talk about issues whilst walking in a mutually agreed, nature rich location.

You might have already tried traditional counselling and felt it was not for you. Walk and Talk Therapy could be the alternative. If you are feeling nervous or anxious about counselling, consider the wonderful outdoors for talking about your worries and problems. Whatever your problems are; depression, anxiety, sadness, loss, grief or life transition, you may feel more comfortable talking about your feelings while meandering along a country path or breathing in the sea air, strolling along the shoreline. You can set the pace of the walk and choose the park bench stops!

I feel very comfortable talking with Rachel and although not currently having ongoing sessions I would feel more than comfortable to book an appointment with Rachel if needed and without hesitation. 

I had complete trust in Rachel and felt a bond with her. We were on a journey together and she genuinely celebrated each milestone with me. She conducts herself in a professional but compassionate manner and is very well informed. I can highly recommend her.

Sessions with Rachel helped me to work through deep rotted troubles from previous family experiences and past relationships. Rachel helped me to explore these feelings and process them in a way which I felt comfortable with.

Seeking counselling was a big step for me and one that I was nervous about starting, when I met Rachel, she instantly made me feel at ease and comfortable in talking to her which I feel contributed heavily to the progress I made in improving my mental well-being. 

I have worked relentlessly with Rachel to challenge my limiting self-beliefs and insecurities. Thanks to working with Rachel, I’m now entering a new chapter of my life, one that I had always doubted was possible. Thank you so much Rachel for everything you’ve helped me achieve.

Since working with Rachel, I have felt an uplift in my mood with a more positive outlook on life and feel more able to process and manage difficult situations. Rachel has helped me to set boundaries to protect my own mental health which I feel has helped me massively in maintaining a positive mindset. I now feel more comfortable to talk about how I’m feeling and recognising what my needs are, something I previously struggled with. 

Rachel had an amazing ability to help me find peace within myself by letting me talk and find my own way forward whilst accepting that I had become overwhelmed. She created calm in a very safe, welcoming environment and gave me the chance to talk, cry, reminisce and find my smile again. Rachel left a footprint on my life by giving me support, encouragement, and the strength to find myself again.

Sessions with Rachel helped me by providing support and explanations helping me to understand what was happening. It was a place where I could say how I felt without any repercussions. It changed my perception of myself which up until then had been based on negative feedback from people in my life. I now experience feelings of freedom and self-worth.

Rachel’s office is a warm and comfortable place where I felt safe to explore my emotions with her guidance. Rachel has a great ability to guide me to explore my feelings while not making me feel pressured.

Rachel’s caring personality comes over in her practice as she works with you to explore your problems whilst not putting pressure on you but guiding you through the experience.

Rachel helped and supported me through a period of crisis, from seeking emergency intensive support through to helping me process and move forwards once out of the crisis period. Without Rachel’s support during that time, I’m not sure what position I would be in now and will be forever grateful for her support. 

I would 100% recommend Rachel’s services to anyone who felt that they needed support. Rachel creates a calming and safe environment and is without a doubt one of the most friendly and caring people I have met.

I was so happy when I found Rachel. She is someone I could really talk with and connect with and someone who was so understanding of my situation. She was willing to help me get through one of the most difficult parts of my life which has led me to feeling so much better.

Booking an Appointment

I offer a free 20-minute initial telephone consultation. This is a calm and confidential space where you can talk about what has been going on for you, what has led you to consider counselling, and for us to connect and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

Fees

The weekly session fee is £60 per 50 minute session.

(Fee consessions are available for counselling students)

Location

The practice is a 10 minute drive from central Chichester and a 2 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

As well as face to face counselling I offer online and telephone therapy which can be blended with face to face sessions and walk & talk therapy.

Contact

Please get in touch on 07802 513 143
If I am unable to answer your call please leave a message, including your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I aim to contact you within one working day.

Email: rachelbarlow-counselling@outlook.com

or contact me via the form below