“When something feels stuck, overwhelming, or hard to move through you don’t have to carry it alone.”

I offer EMDR therapy for people experiencing anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, relational challenges and emotional overwhelm.

Sometimes talking helps us understand what’s going on. But sometimes, difficult and distressing feelings remain held in the body, resurfacing again and again.  EMDR is a gentle, structured therapy that helps the brain process what hasn’t fully settled, so that feelings and life can begin to feel calmer and manageable.

My approach is calm, relational, and paced around you. Before any processing begins, we take time to build safety and stability together. You won’t be pushed into anything before you’re ready.

Although I specialise in EMDR, my work is grounded in a person-centred approach which means you are always met with care, respect, and without judgement.

“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’m Rachel, a fully qualified EMDR therapist and accredited, experienced counsellor with a demonstrated history of success in helping people to make positive changes in their lives. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing and gently move towards change.

My work is centred around EMDR therapy, supporting people with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem and emotional overwhelm.

Alongside this, my approach is grounded in person-centred values. 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 Approach to EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy offers a way of working that goes beyond talking alone. It allows experiences that feel “stuck” to be processed more fully, so that they begin to lose their emotional intensity.

I integrate EMDR with a relational, human approach so that the work we do together feels both effective and containing.

My Background

As well as being a qualified 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 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.

Training and qualifications:

  • EMDR Therapist – EMDR Academy, EMDR UK & Europe
  • BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling – University of Chichester
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills – University of Chichester
  • Counselling and Psychotherapy Professional Accreditation – The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
  • Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health – University of Lincoln
  • Safeguarding Children Level 2 – University of Lincoln
  • Certificate in Online Counselling – The Open University

Recently published Articles:

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

 

EMDR Therapy

What EMDR Can Help With

  • Anxiety that feels persistent or overwhelming.
  • Past distressing and traumatic experiences that still feel present.
  • The lasting impact of growing up in complex or emotionally difficult environments.
  • Low self-esteem or a strong inner critic.
  • Difficult memories that are hard to move on from.
  • Emotional responses that don’t seem to make sense.

You don’t need to have experienced a single major trauma for EMDR therapy to be helpful. It can also support the impact of ongoing or relational experiences.

What to Expect

We begin by getting to know you and understanding what has brought to therapy. Together, we will build a sense of safety and develop ways to help you feel more grounded before moving into any deeper work. EMDR therapy is always collaborative. You remain in control throughout.

EMDR Online Therapy

EMDR Online 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 EMDR 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.

What is EMDR Therapy?

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

Sometimes, even when we understand what’s happened, the emotional impact remains. You might notice certain memories still feel intense and distressing or that your body reacts in ways that are hard to explain.

EMDR works by supporting the brain’s natural ability to process these experiences, so they begin to feel less overwhelming.

I work with you in a paced and contained way, helping feelings settle so they no longer carry the same trauma, distress emotional weight.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

Booking an Appointment

If you’re wondering whether EMDR therapy might be right for you, 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 EMDR therapy or counselling, and for us to connect and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

You don’t need to have everything figured out – we can begin from where you are.

Fees

The weekly session fee is £100 per 50 minute session.

Location

My practice provides services internationally, nationally, and closer to home across Chichester, Bognor Regis, and the Portsmouth area, with locations conveniently positioned near public transport links.

As well as in person sessions I offer online and telephone therapy which can be blended with in person sessions.

Contact

Please get in touch on 07802 513 143

If I’m 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