Hi there, I’m Rachel and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. 

 

I am a qualified Children and Young People’s counsellor, having gained my MSc Counselling Children and Young People with the University of Northampton. I also have a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their code of ethical conduct for those working in the profession. 

 

The children and young people I have worked with in my placements have both inspired and educated me as they work through their experiences and personal challenges. I work in an integrative way, led by the needs of the child or young person. Many children and young people find it difficult to find the right words to express how they are feeling or talk about the things they are struggling with. I use creative tools and play - along with elements of cognitive behavioural therapy - to support this work. Applying theoretical knowledge of systemic therapy in terms of understanding the external, as well as internal, influences that are operating in the child’s life also supports my work. 

 

I have explored many issues with the children and young people I have worked with. These include anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, social anxiety, and social communication difficulties with and without Autistic and Asperger’s presentations and/or learning difficulties. Other issues I’ve explored with children and young people include gender and sexual orientation, bereavement, trauma, and issues relating to school such as bullying, gangs and school refusal. 

 

The world we live in can at times be a complex one for children and young people to navigate: social media; issues around equality, inclusion, and diversity; and questions and worries around global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and war. These questions and worries have been further compounded by the impact of Covid-19. Whatever is going on for the child or young person, my purpose is to work together, providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space. 

 

My passion for working with children and young people comes from being an adoptive parent to two children, both of whom have special educational needs and ASD/ADHD diagnoses. This has given me insight and a greater understanding of the needs of children and young people who are in - or have been in - the care system, as well as adapting ways of communicating with neuro-divergent children and young people. In addition, I have a greater understanding of, and empathy with, the challenges faced by parents and the potential impact on family dynamics, particularly around attachment difficulties.