Rachael'’s approach and specialisms

Rachael works in a relational and systemic way, recognising that emotional and relationship difficulties rarely exist in isolation. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or individual behaviours, she helps clients explore the patterns of communication, relationships, and life experiences that shape how they relate to themselves and others.

Drawing from Systemic Family Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and relational approaches, she creates a collaborative and reflective therapeutic space where clients can make sense of difficult experiences, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of communicating and connecting. Her approach combines warmth, empathy, and thoughtful challenge, supporting clients to create meaningful and lasting change.

Infidelity, Betrayal, Shame and Relationship Repair

Rachael supports individuals and couples who are navigating the emotional impact of infidelity, betrayal, shame, resentment, and significant ruptures within relationships. Whether trust has been broken through an affair, secrecy, emotional withdrawal, or other painful experiences, she offers a compassionate and non-judgemental space where clients can begin to make sense of what has happened and decide how they wish to move forward.

Drawing on her relational, systemic and interpersonal approach, Rachael helps clients explore the emotional and relational patterns that may have contributed to the difficulties, while recognising the pain and complexity that often accompany betrayal. Rather than focusing on blame, therapy aims to strengthen understanding, improve communication, rebuild trust where appropriate, and support couples in creating healthier ways of relating.

Alongside couples work, Rachael also works with individuals experiencing shame, grief, people-pleasing patterns, and the lasting impact of difficult relationships or life transitions. She helps clients develop greater self-understanding, process painful experiences, and build more secure and fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.

Relationship Dynamics, Communication and Conflict

Rachael specialises in helping individuals and couples understand the patterns that can leave relationships feeling stuck. She works with difficulties including recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, resentment, betrayal, communication problems, and major life transitions that place strain on relationships.

Her systemic approach recognises that relationship difficulties are rarely caused by one person alone. Instead, she helps clients explore the interactional patterns, emotional responses, and relationship dynamics that develop over time, allowing both partners to move beyond blame towards greater understanding, healthier communication, and more secure emotional connection.

Couples Therapy for Depression

Rachael has completed specialist training in Couples Therapy for Depression through the Tavistock, an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed specifically for couples where depression or persistent low mood is affecting the relationship.

Depression often impacts both partners, influencing communication, intimacy, emotional connection, and the way couples respond to one another. Rather than focusing solely on the person experiencing depression, this approach explores how the relationship itself can become an important part of recovery.

Drawing on her relational and systemic approach, Rachael helps couples understand how depression influences their relationship, improve communication, strengthen emotional support, and work together towards healthier patterns of relating that benefit both partners.

Intimacy, Psychosexual Difficulties and Emotional Connection

Rachael has a particular interest in supporting individuals and couples experiencing difficulties with intimacy, sexual relationships, desire, and emotional closeness. Alongside her extensive experience as a couples therapist.

She understands that intimacy is influenced by many factors, including communication, emotional safety, stress, shame, health, previous experiences, and relationship dynamics. Rather than viewing psychosexual difficulties in isolation, her relational approach explores the wider emotional and interpersonal factors that may be contributing to these experiences.

Rachael offers a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore sensitive issues openly, deepen emotional and physical intimacy, and build relationships that feel more connected, secure, and fulfilling.