Rachel Smitheman, BACP

Rachel Smitheman is a person-centred counsellor who qualified in the United Kingdom in 2020 and holds BACP accreditation. She has five years of professional experience. Rachel uses simple, respectful language and aims to make sessions feel straightforward and approachable.

She focuses on common concerns such as stress, anxiety, low self esteem, depression and navigating life changes. She also helps people dealing with relationship strain, mood struggles, and questions about life purpose. Rachel lists additional focus areas including attachment and abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness or pain, and divorce or separation.

Her way of working is warm and non-judgemental. Rachel offers an empathic space to talk through what brought someone to counselling. She listens first, then supports people to find practical next steps and ways to cope between sessions.

Sessions are collaborative and paced to suit the individual. Rachel aims to help people feel heard, reduce overwhelm, and build greater confidence in handling daily challenges. She works in English and accepts international clients.

People can expect a steady, person-centred approach that emphasises understanding and respect. The goal is to explore what matters most, clarify priorities, and try ways forward that fit each person’s life and responsibilities.

Person-centred support online and how it helps

Client-Centred Therapy is at the heart of Rachel's practice. This approach means the counsellor listens closely and follows the person's lead, offering empathy and understanding rather than directing the conversation. It is helpful for people who want a gentle, non-judgemental space to make sense of feelings like anxiety, low mood or loss.

The therapist will work together with each person to identify what matters most and what practical steps might help. Finding the right approach is part of the process - Rachel will discuss options and tailor sessions to someone's needs, goals and preferences so the work feels relevant and manageable.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video lets people keep visual connection, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and messaging is useful for brief check-ins or those who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit counselling around work, caregiving or mobility challenges and to keep continuity when life is busy.