Rachel Johnston Counselling
About me
Hello, I’m Rachel and I know that therapy can change lives.
I believe that everyone is unique and has the capacity for growth, whatever their life experiences have been. I am here to listen, to talk and to help you understand the events and patterns of behaviour that have shaped your life, exploring how these affect you in the here and now.
If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, low self-esteem or the ongoing challenges of trauma, I can offer you a relationship built on empathy and a warmth and a space to explore your uncertainties to make positive change. Curiosity, questioning and even humour are at the heart of this relationship - every human experience and emotion under the sun are welcome here.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
I have supported adults of all ages with emotional challenges including anxiety, self-esteem and depression, relationship issues, burnout, work and study-related stress, childhood trauma, sexual violence and domestic abuse.
I have worked at a local organisation that supports those who have experienced sexual violence and domestic abuse and with international and home students in higher education. I also have experience of facilitation for groups in counselling and community settings.
I positively welcome LGBTQ+ clients, older people and neurodiverse clients and individuals with fluid and intersectional identities.
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Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Middlesex.
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Level 3 Certificate in Humanistic Counselling Skills, University of Chichester.
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Foundation Course in Art Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths College, University of London.
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I undergo regular CPD including trauma-informed and domestic abuse training, anxiety management, professional practice etc.
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Creative work in therapy.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am committed to working within the BACP ethical framework for safe practice. I am continuously developing my knowledge through further training and work with a qualified supervisor.
Values
Before training as a counsellor I worked in the arts for many years and my experiences as an artist, tutor and community facilitator taught me a lot about being alongside people, approaching problems creatively and with an open mind.
My practice is a safe, inclusive space for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or beliefs. I see personal identity as fluid, capable of change and never in a fixed state of being.
I welcome individuals to my counselling practice irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age or religious beliefs and take an anti-discriminatory stance. I am interested in the social implications of therapy, particularly how the intersections of class, culture, race, disability, age and gender impact on a client’s experience and the way that political events shape individual lives.
I see you as the expert in your world and don't offer tools or quick fixes for your problems. I will never push you to share more than you want - we will explore whatever it is you are bringing to counselling at your own pace.
At our first meeting I will take down a few essential details about you. After that, the space is yours - I'll meet you where you are on any given day. There are no wrongs or rights in this process and I will respect every part of you without judgement - the whole range of emotions from anger and fear to joy and humour will be honoured.
I offer short and long-term therapy and you may arrive with a clear idea of the issue you want to work with and for how long. Sometimes though, it can be hard to know where to begin, or even to identify what you are feeling, so the sessions may be more gradual, unfolding what lies beneath the surface.
What to expect
Areas of Support
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Personal growth and life transitions
- Attachment and emotional difficulties
- Depression and low mood
- Burnout and work-related stress
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual violence and trauma
- Navigating relationships
- Identity and cultural issues
- Menopause and aging
Creative Practice
It can be hard to put feelings into words. Creative methods such as drawing and collage can be integrated into our sessions as a way of finding themes and identifying difficult to reach emotions. These approaches are always optional and are at your own pace. The aim is not to analyse your image, but to see what arises as a new starting point for discussion and exploration. I have a variety of materials available and will try to accommodate personal requirements.
Practicalities
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I work with individuals aged 18 or over.
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Online sessions are via FaceTime, Google Meets, What's App, Doxy or Teams.
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In-person therapy is held at a dedicated space in Southsea, PO4.
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Meetings typically take place weekly at the same time
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Sessions are 50 minutes long.
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I have an updated Enhanced DBS and hold professional indemnity insurance.
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I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office and work within the requirements for GDPR.
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I have regular supervision from a qualified therapist in line with BACP guidelines.
COSTS
£55 per 50 minute session in person.
£50 per 50 minute session online.
£45 for trainees or students (online only).
So that you can decide whether you'd like to work with me, I offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation via phone or video call. In this session we can discuss what you might want from counselling and decide if I am the right counsellor for you.
Get in Touch
rachel.johnston.counselling@gmail.com
Phone or text me on
07300 492685