“When life feels overwhelming or hard to move through, and you feel stuck, you don’t have to navigate it alone.”

I’m Rachel, a fully qualified, accredited counsellor and EMDR therapist. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing, at your own pace, and in a way that feels safe for you.

This means:

• you are listened to with care and respect.
• there is no pressure to be any particular way.
• we work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

My work is grounded in a person-centred approach, meaning you are met with care, respect, and without judgement. Together, we can explore what’s going on for you through counselling, and where appropriate, I may integrate EMDR therapy to support the processing of more deeply held or distressing experiences. When appropriate, I offer EMDR therapy for people experiencing trauma, complex trauma, complex PTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, low self‑esteem, relational difficulties, and emotional overwhelm.

My Approach to EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a gentle, structured therapy that helps the brain process distressing or overwhelming experiences that may feel “stuck.”

Sometimes, talking can help us make sense of what we’re going through. At other times, we may notice that certain memories, feelings, or responses continue to resurface, even when we understand them. EMDR can support the processing of these experiences so they begin to feel less intense and more manageable.

My approach to EMDR is calm, relational and paced around you. Before any trauma processing begins, we take time to build safety, stability and a strong therapeutic foundation. This is an essential part of the work and helps ensure that EMDR is used safely and effectively.

We may not begin EMDR straight away. Some clients work with me through counselling first, and together we decide if and when EMDR feels appropriate. You will never be pushed into any part of the process before you feel ready.

EMDR is most effective when approached gradually and with adequate preparation, so it may not be suitable for those seeking a rapid or immediate intervention. I integrate EMDR within a supportive therapeutic relationship, so that the work feels containing, respectful, and guided at your pace.

My Background

As well as being a qualified psychotherapeutic person-centred counsellor, 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. My training in EMDR therapy enables me to support deeper processing of trauma, anxiety and emotional distress.

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.

“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

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• EMDR Therapy Practitioner – EMDR Academy, accredited by EMDR UK & Europe (all 4 parts)
• 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
• Safeguarding Children Level 2 – University of Lincoln
• Certificate in Online Counselling – Open University
• Professional Accreditation in Counselling and Psychotherapy – The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
• Professional Accredited Member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
• Member of The EMDR Association UK (EMDRA)
• Member of The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
• Member of The Person Centred Association (TPCA)

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
• When kindness becomes survival: Understanding the fawn respo… – Counselling Directory
• Alone at Christmas: How to reclaim the season on your own te… – Counselling Directory

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