Rachel Webster

BA (Hons), PGCE, PGC ICYP, MSc Psychology, MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

MNCPS (Acc.)., MBACP, MBPsS.

As an experienced person-centred, integrative therapist, I work with adults, couples, and  adolescents. I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions; some people find that they need just a few sessions, whilst others prefer working long-term or, as-and-when therapy feels needed.

People often want to talk to friends or family about their struggles. However, embarrassment, shame, worry or a sense of being stuck and just not knowing where to start, can prevent us from taking that first step. Talking to a therapist can help because it is a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space in which to explore relationship issues, personal difficulties and how you are coping with everything. Being open and honest with someone trained to help you unravel the mess can help you to find a pathway towards a better life.

Sometimes people develop ways of coping that are maladaptive or personally damaging. Risky behaviours, such as self-harm and substance misuse can feel scary and overwhelming to share. If you experience suicidal ideation this too can feel extremely hard to share with those closest to you. If any of these things are something you need to explore, we do this together in a calm, safe manner and I am confident in safeguarding & safety planning, plus I can help you find new coping strategies.

My experience includes working with neurotypical individuals who may or may not have diagnoses of autism / ADHD. Often, adults and adolescents struggle with social and communication interactions, peer and family relationships, conflict, being bullied or initiating and maintaining friendships. I have trained in IPT which aims to reduce depression and interpersonal difficulties via specific work to increase social skills and the ability to express emotions.

I also work with gender dysphoria & sexual orientation questions, issues around eating, self-esteem, loss, and grief.

I aim to offer a professional, yet down-to-earth, therapeutic relationship where we can work together on the issues that have led you to seek therapy for yourself, you and your partner or your child. I aim to offer you a compassionate safe space to talk – without fear of judgement. I acknowledge it can be challenging to trust someone with your innermost fears and worries; it can feel awkward or even painful. Yet therapy can offer you an opportunity to grow, to gain insight and to feel empowered to make changes or to accept yourself more genuinely.

Training, qualifications & experience

MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy

MSc Psychology

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

PGCE [Teaching]

PGC [Integrated practice in childhood and youth]

NHS CAMHS – senior CAMHS clinician 2020-24

NHS Certification / Training in specific mental health approaches: DBT skills and IPT training

NHS training and experience working with complex self-harm / suicidal ideation.

NHS Coaching training

NHS Safeguarding training

NHS Clinical supervision experience

NHS Risk assessment training

Certificate in working with couples.

Extensive experience working with diagnosed / undiagnosed neurodiversity (ASC / ADD / ADHD) and associated low mood / anxiety in adolescents and adults.

Continuing Personal & Professional Development in:

Safeguarding / child protection

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Working with suicidal clients – adults / adolescents / children

Bullying

Self-harm

Working With Trauma (including PTSD) – Trauma informed approach

Burnout

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Disordered eating / self-esteem / self-image

Equality and Diversity issues

LGBTQ – including gender dysphoria.

Bereavement, Grief & Loss