About Rachel

Who am I?

Hi there, I'm Rachel: an ADHD-er, an Autism parent, LGBTQIA+ ally, and a neuro-affirming counsellor with a passion for helping people to work with their amazing brains, not against them.

​

My own experience of counselling wasn't always easy, at times it was painful, but it has helped me to learn a lot about myself, become more authentically me, and trust my own instincts. I have also been on my own journey of understanding and working with diagnoses of Autism and ADHD within my own family.

​

I’ve always been a caring supportive person, I like to nurture people, look beyond the surface, and understand what is going on for people that perhaps they don’t share.

​

Qualifications

​

I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) with the following qualifications:

• CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Studies (Humanistic, Person-Centred),

• Degree in Psychology (BSC Hons),

• CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies,

• CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

• Specialist training through The inside of Autism and Free2BMe Neurodiversity Training.

​

I trained for 6 years in Humanistic Counselling, working face-to-face with clients through Mid-Kent MIND's low-cost counselling service. 

 

I have also worked online with young adults studying at Rose Bruford College of performing arts, based in Kent and the North East of England.

​

Specialist Areas

 

I work with a number of areas such as:

• ADHD

• Autism

• AuDHD

• RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria)

• PDA (Pervasive Demand Avoidance or Clinical term of Pathalogical Demand Avoidance)

• LGBTQIA+ issues

• Self-confidence & Self-esteem

• Depression

• Anxiety

• People pleasing

 

Who do I work with?

I work with Adults (18+) with ADHD, Autism, AuDHD (self-diagnosed or clinically diagnosed), adults considering a possible diagnosis for themselves or others, adults who care for those with ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

I particularly work with late-diagnosed women, and young adults making a move into adulthood and perhaps moving out or going to university.

​

Where do I work?

I am currently working online across the UK from my home office. 

For more information on where I hold client sessions please click below:

​

​​

​​

​

How I Work with Clients

I believe that everyone should be able to have their voice heard.

​

Sometimes when you may be experiencing challenges, you may just want a safe space to be able to speak freely and work through those difficulties. You don't want anyone judging you, adding their own interpretation on the situation, you just want someone to be there with you and listen. I won't tell you what to do, as I believe you know yourself the best, and know what's right for you.  I also won't give you homework to do. 

​

My core training is in Person-Centred counselling.  However, I may use a variety of modalities in our work together, including coaching, psychoeducation, neuroscience, and somatic work (if you are in agreement), to ensure that I am working in a neuro-affirming manner.

​

Sometimes you hold in feelings that you are too scared, ashamed, or guilty to verbalise, but counselling can help you to express them in a way that works for you, and work with them.  It is perfectly normal to feel any emotions such as sadness, anger, fear, shame, guilt.  You may not want to feel those emotions, you may not be able to identify those emotions, and sometimes they can be felt so keenly that they can overwhelm you, but actually, if you can find a way to express and acknowledge them, you can start to understand them, feel less overwhelmed, and more confident. 

 

I will never shy away from any topic you want to explore, however taboo you might think it is. If it is important to you, it is important to me. Counselling sessions are tailored to your agenda and requirements: they are your time, so it is important that you use them in a way that feels right to you.

 

My approach is to explore things with you, when you feel ready, in a way that suits you as an individual.

​

For more information on what a session might look like, please see my blog "You've Made Contact - So what Happens Next?"

 

​

What does “neuro-affirming” mean to me?

 

I often meet clients who have tried counselling such as CBT before, where they have made to feel like they are a "problem" to be solved or fixed.  Being neurodivergent is no better or worse than being neurotypical - it is not a problem or a deficit to be fixed or cured, it is a different neurotype, in the same way that some individuals have green eyes, and some have brown.

 

Neuro-affirming care means we look at both your individual strengths and challenges in life, and find ways to work with them that are suited to who you are as an individual.  We are not here to change who you are - you are exactly who you are supposed to be.  But we can look at tools and accommodations at home and work that may help you accept who you are, mask less, become more comfortable in your own skin, feel more regulated, and get the most out of your life.  

​

​

​

Why might you choose Taking Care Counselling?

​

It's so important you feel comfortable with your counsellor.  You can find the best qualified counsellor, but if you don't feel comfortable with them you won't get the best from your therapy.  ​

​

If you would like to work with someone who doesn't use lots of jargon, who you can laugh and cry with, who is genuinely excited to support you through this process, and who is proud to be an advocate for the neurodivergent community, please use the "Book Here" button at the top of this page to book a free 15-minute introductory Zoom chat with me.

​​

​

​

 

​

For a breakdown of my prices, click below:

​

​

​

​

​

​