Rachel Smitheman

Rachel Smitheman is a BACP counsellor who qualified in the UK in 2020 and has five years of professional experience. She supports people who are facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, low self-esteem and life changes. Rachel also works with concerns such as depression and questions about life purpose.

Rachel practises client-centred therapy, which means she focuses on listening and building trust first. Sessions are conversational and paced to the individual. She aims to help clients talk through what matters and to notice practical steps they can try between meetings.

In sessions she pays attention to how attachment, past losses or feelings of abandonment show up in relationships. She also addresses communication problems, control issues and feelings of guilt or shame that can keep someone stuck. Rachel draws on straightforward reflection and open questions to help people consider different ways of relating to themselves and others.

People who are managing chronic illness, caregiving strain, body image concerns or isolation may find these themes brought into their work together. She can also support those navigating divorce, separation or midlife uncertainty. Rachel works with adults and young people and accepts international clients.

To start, she asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The service uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and costs vary by location. Confirm current session options before booking.

Client-centred approaches and online sessions

Rachel works from a client-centred approach that centres on attentive listening and reflection. This method involves the counsellor focusing on your words and feelings, offering non-judgemental responses that help you clarify what matters. It is often used for anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and relationship concerns.

The practical side of client-centred work is conversational. Sessions tend to be guided by what you raise each time, with the counsellor helping you notice patterns and possible next steps. That style can be helpful when dealing with attachment issues, feelings of abandonment, or decisions about life purpose because it prioritises your pace and perspective.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Rachel will discuss how client-centred methods might suit your needs and can adapt the way she works according to your goals and preferences. That conversation is collaborative and aims to find what fits best for you.

The biography does not specify which session formats she offers, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make sessions easier to fit around work and family life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Registered or accredited professionals can offer similar work online as in-person, and many people find it straightforward to include therapy in a busy week.