Counselling in Topsham

My work deals universally with the reduction of suffering, your suffering. Specifically this may include Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Loss of purpose, Grief, Relationship issues, managing change and family problems. Often we can be lost in our thinking and we can swing, like a pendulum, between worries of the past and anxieties of the future, never really pausing to be present now. This is normal, we all have these times. However sometimes, some of us get stuck in these places and need some guidance to bring us into balance and offer us support,at difficult times in our lives.

I believe that life is a gift; yet, at times, it can feel quite the opposite. Sometimes, we can feel overwhelmed by our difficulties. ​Often, a trained, non-judgmental and objective ear can help order one's thoughts, challenge ingrained patterns of behaviour, and manage emotions. 

I am a very experienced psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor based in both central Exeter and London. I provide a confidential, safe and impartial space where you can talk about difficult thoughts or emotional issues. I specialise in working with my clients to improve their quality of life and relationships. My role in offering both counselling and psychotherapy is to help you make sense of what you are experiencing, develop the skills to know and accept yourself and to make changes that are right for you.

Maybe there is a specific event you are aware of, or thoughts & feelings are overwhelming for no known reason. Perhaps you've not been feeling yourself or maybe something has always been missing. Together, we can explore the feelings, thoughts & relational patterns that have been causing you distress. I can support you to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of past experiences & how these may impact your struggles in the present. I hope to encourage self-acceptance as a good enough person, quietening the inner critic & bringing compassion to the relationship you have with yourself & transforming your relationship with others.

I work ONLINE via WhatsApp, FaceTime or Zoom and in Topsham. I have over 39 years experience working effectively in private practice as an integrative holistic healthcare practitioner and previously as a nurse in both the NHS and private healthcare specialising in women’s health. My psychotherapeutic counselling practice draws upon several humanistic, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches incorporating the very best techniques including creative ways of working to best fit your needs. I have a lot of life experience both personally and professionally. I am a good listener. I am not easily shocked.

Hello, I'm Rachael. I have a warm, down to earth approach and I can offer you my empathy, support and kindness. I want to listen and validate the difficult emotions you are experiencing. I provide a secure place, where you will be able to talk about your thoughts and feelings in confidence, without the fear of being judged. I know the thought of having counselling can be daunting, but I will help you to feel comfortable and relaxed. All my clients and their issues are extremely important to me, so there is no such thing as a client or an issue being ‘unimportant,’ or a problem being too ‘minor’. The sessions are all about you...

My work is undertaken within a spiritual framework. I am able to offer a safe place where you can be heard, thus enabling you to look at issues, feelings and emotions. I will give you the support and clarity you require to empower you to make the changes in your life you feel you’d like to make. I am able to work in a creative way this can often help when you feel that word are just not enough to express what you are feeling. I am able to work not only with the problem on top but also with any underlying problem or pattern of behavior you may wish to change.

Life sure can be complicated… Counselling can be a great way to explore anything you may be struggling with.

Reaching out can be hard. Are you feeling overwhelmed? struggling to cope with your situation? your emotions? your experiences? If your trust has been damaged, talking to someone who will take time to understand you can be a huge relief. Perhaps you need support through a crisis or you are at the end of your tether with multiple stresses. Even if you have longterm issues that seem stuck, talking to someone can make a difference. You may gain insight into the roots of your difficulties and find qualities in yourself that have never had a chance to develop. The aim is to help you live a more rewarding life.

I’ve worked in the caring professions since 1997 with young people and families in a wide variety of settings around the UK as well as in South East Asia and some consultancy for South African charities. I qualified as an integrative counselling therapist in 2012 and have since been in full time counselling and therapeutic work both in private practice and with the NHS. I currently work under Jenni Gates Therapy as well as Pink Therapy, and I also research and write published articles & books on psycho-education. I work in a person-centred way, focusing on my clients’ goals and psychologically supporting their journey of change.