Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Therapy
Rachel Allan MBACP, MRes, BSc (Hons)
Face to face counselling and therapy in
South Oxfordshire OX10 and Online
About Me -
Rachel Allan MBACP, MRes, Bsc (Hons)
Welcome
My name is Rachel and I am a professional qualified integrative therapist based in Oxfordshire.
I offer face to face sessions to people aged 18+ from my base in South Oxfordshire OX10, as well as online to anywhere in the UK.
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I understand that deciding to start therapy and looking for the right therapist can be a daunting process.
I believe the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is one of the most fundamental parts of effective therapy. I take great care in listening to your story so that you feel safe to express your inner world, so that we may work together to find change and growth.
I am a down-to-earth, warm and empathetic therapist who provides an authentic and non-judgmental space for people to bring whatever challenges, difficulties and transitions they may be experiencing in their lives.
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Even if things feel good in life right now, I can also provide a confidential space to be curious and dig deeper into your personal exploration and growth.
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My aim is to meet you wherever you are in life and to work with whatever is needing attention and bringing you to counselling.
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I completed my training at the well established Re-Vision Training Centre, in London UK recognised by both the BACP and UKCP.
I am a registered member of the BACP and abide by their code of ethics. I have regular supervision.
Before setting up my private practice, I have worked as a therapist at both Re-Vision Low Cost Counselling service in London, and The Orchard Centre, in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
Previous to becoming a therapist, I worked in the mental health, disability and social care sector, as well as undertaking academic research into mental health.
My journey to becoming a therapist began some years ago when I started exploring my own inner world and life through regular personal therapy. I have lived experience of sitting in both chairs in the therapy room.
In my daily life, I enjoy being creative, outside in nature and hunting out the next best spot for a coffee!
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"I wish I could
show you
when you are lonely
or in the darkness,
the astonishing light
of your
own being"
- Hafiz
How I work with you
I am a qualified Integrative Transpersonal therapist who takes a
soul led approach when working with clients-
I am interested in both the light and dark that exists within us.
I will work together, with you at your own pace,
to connect to your experiences and goals for therapy.
You are in charge of your own life and we will continually review your needs
to reflect on how your therapy is going.
What does Integrative mean?
The term integrative therapy means I am trained in a range of therapeutic modalities to best suit each client's individual needs, such as Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Jungian, Somatic, Trauma informed and Attachment based approaches.
This might include:
- Looking into the past, your childhood and experiences that may impact you today
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- Working with how you feel right now about your life in the present day
​- Working with body based practices
- Looking at different parts of your personality and relationships and what might be happening unconsciously
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- Being curious about what lies in your 'shadow'- those blindspots in your life you might not be able to see.
What does Transpersonal mean?
Transpersonal means I work in a holistic and soulful way to consider all parts of you- mind, body and spirit and soul.
We could consider counselling and therapy as 'soul work'.
I will work with you to look at both the light
and the dark in your life. It is all welcome.
This might include looking at your dreams, images, music, nature, visualizations and creative methods to help support you (no previous experience is needed).
We might ask bigger questions like:'
'What is the meaning of my life?'
'How can my pain help me grow and expand?''
'How can I look again at my past to help me move forward?'
The way you alchemize a soul-less world into a sacred world is by treating everyone as if they are sacred until the sacred in them remembers.
- Sarah Durham Wilson
Why counselling?
You currently might be feeling or experiencing some of the following:
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- You are feeling depressed or anxious
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- You are at a life transition (such as parenting, menopause, end of relationship or job) and not sure where to go from here
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- You are experiencing relationship difficulties, separation or divorce
- You are grieving for a loss in your life
- You are feeling unhappy or stuck in your life and you don't know why
- You are experiencing low self esteem and confidence that is getting in the way of a life you want to lead
- You have experienced past pain and hurt, possibly as a child, that you feel is still getting in your way
- You would like to explore and be curious about your own personal journey and growth
And many more reasons.
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Some of the issues I can help with include:
Abuse. Adult children of addicts. Anxiety. Betrayal. Bullying . Burnout. Body image. Conflict. Depression. Divorce. Employment. Existential life questions. Family issues. Fear of death. Feeling bored with life. Grief. Leaving religious groups . Loneliness. Low Self-esteem. Loss. Life transitions. Parenting. Personal exploration and growth. PTSD. Relationship issues. Single parenting/co parenting. Feeling stuck. Social Anxiety. Self harm. Stress. Trauma. Spiritual insights. Self harm. Sexuality.
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Whatever your reasons,
I am here to work with you in a gentle and empowering way.
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Counselling and therapy can offer us a chance to pause, reflect, and gain insight into ourselves. It gives space to process our feelings and experiences to move towards healing, growth and transformation.
Overtime, this can lead to increased fulfillment, freedom and satisfaction in life and an ability to feel more resourced and able to manage the uncertainty of life.
You can hope to find deeper meaning and purpose to your life.
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I welcome all clients aged 18+. I am committed to offering a therapy space where all differences are welcome: such as age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, disability, class and neurodiversity.
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I offer open ended, long term counselling as well as short term time limited sessions, depending on your need.
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Sessions take place weekly unless otherwise agreed. I offer face to face and online appointments.
Next steps
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If you would like to arrange a initial session with me to see if I am the right therapist for you, please contact me using the details on this page.
- The first session is a chance for us to meet, to do an initial assessment of why you would like therapy, and for you to ask me any questions you may have, in a confidential space.
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- There is no obligation to continue if it feels like I am not the counsellor for you at this time.
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- If I feel that you would suit a different therapist or professional to myself, I will always try to signpost where possible.
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- My fee is £60 per 50 minute session (including the first session), paid in advance or on the day, via bank transfer.
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- I offer a free 15 minute introductory phonecall so that I can answer any questions you might have. Please contact me to arrange this.
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