ABOUT
Where Healing Begins, Wholeness Emerges
As a queer person, former evangelical, career shifter, and survivor of childhood trauma, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the counselling space. I understand how painful and disorienting personal growth can be, and how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and understood along the way.
I work with adults and couples of all backgrounds and identities, offering a compassionate, collaborative space for healing and self-discovery. Whether you're navigating 2SLGBTQIA+ identity, grief and loss, workplace stress, trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, you are welcome here.
In our work together, I show up as a real person, sometimes laughing with you, sometimes sitting quietly, sometimes getting teary, always holding a safe, grounded space where all parts of you are welcome. I hope that, as compassion for your inner world grows, life becomes softer and more manageable.
My practice is relational at its core, centered on trust, curiosity, and care, because healing happens when we feel safe enough to show up as we are.
OFFERINGS
My East Vancouver and New Westminster counselling practices are rooted in creating a warm, affirming, collaborative space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
From that place, it's often easier to make values-aligned choices, feel more confident, and live more authentically with yourself, others, and the world around you.
My approach is rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and guided by self-compassion theories and practices. I also draw from attachment theory, inner child work, and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to support more profound understanding, healing, and connection.
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Who do you work with?I work with adults (19+) from all backgrounds and across the gender spectrum who are motivated to participate and be engaged in the therapeutic process. I also work with couples, and I hold space for adult family members desiring to improve their relationships.
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What issues or challenges do you not work with?Court-Mandated Therapy Crisis Response/24-Hour Services (If you need immediate mental health support, please contact the local distress line, available 24 hours, at 310-6789 (no area code). People who actively have suicidal and homicidal intents and plans (this often requires care outside of office hours which I do not provide). Clients in need of partial hospitalization or an intensive outpatient program. Addictions or eating disorder counselling (I can refer you to specialized practitioners who do great work in these areas). Counselling youth or children (I know amazing counsellors in these areas I can refer you to).
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How does payment work?E-transfer is preferred, but credit cards are also accepted.
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Do you bill insurers directly?No I do not, but I will provide you with a receipt with my RCC registration number once you’ve paid for your session and you can submit that receipt to your provider for reimbursement.
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Do you offer discounted counselling?Counselling should be accessible to everyone; therefore, I offer a limited number of lower cost sessions to those meeting the requirements. Please reach out for eligibility and to see if there are openings at this time. I can also provide you with referrals to low-cost counselling practices if needed.
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What happens if my insurance runs out, and I still need therapy?We can chat together at that time regarding options. I will never leave a client without support or abruptly interrupted in their process.
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What happens in the free 15-minute consultation?The consult call is a relaxed, low-pressure 15-minute conversation—more of a vibe check than anything else. We won’t go deep into any issues you bring up, but it’s a chance for me to learn a bit about you and your needs, and for you to ask any questions you may have about working together. There’s no expectation to commit during or after the call. I encourage people to take their time in deciding, and many speak with a few counsellors before finding the right fit—because fit really does matter.
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What happens in my first session?The initial session is a chance for you to get a feel for the therapy space and for how safe, comfortable, and connected you feel with me. I’m also still checking whether we’re a good fit, and there’s no pressure to rebook. I’ll introduce how I work, the approaches I draw from, and go over confidentiality, privacy, and the risks and benefits of counselling. I’ll also ask about your supports, strengths, and what you're looking for help with in more detail. We won’t go too deep right away—I take a trauma-informed approach, and building trust and safety comes first.
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How frequently should I come to sessions?Depending on your situation, it is generally recommended to come in weekly or bi-weekly. Regular consistent focused sessions are most effective for long-term sustainable transformation. There is no "quick fix" in counselling. Monthly sessions can also be held, but these are recommended more as maintenance and check-in sessions.
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What is your cancellation policy?A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in my day that could have been filled by another client needing support. As such, I require 24 hours notice for any cancellations or changes to your appointment (more notice given in advance is appreciated!). If you provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss an appointment, you will be charged a cancellation fee. Any fees incurred must be paid prior to booking another appointment.
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Can I contact you after hours?I do not offer counselling support via emails, texts or phone calls outside of counselling hours. If you are needing to cancel a session, rebook, or discuss payment, feel free to contact me after hours. However, for any other reasons, please know I may not answer your email until opening hours. If you are in crisis/distress, please contact the mental health support line, available 24 hours a day, at 310-6789 (no area code) or call 911.
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Do you offer neuro-diversity affirming care?While I am not specialized (yet) in working with neuro-divergent clients, I do have neuro-divergent clients, and I provide a safe space that affirms and supports neurodivergent differences. Rather than viewing these as deficits that should be "cured", the aim is to find ways to support neuro-divergent folks in the areas that are causing challenges in their ability to thrive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TESTIMONIALS
Helping Others Get Unstuck and Find Their Authenticity
You will feel safe and understood, like talking with a close friend. Rachael takes your challenges seriously and she sprinkles in humour making you feel comfortable to share. I recommend Rachael to anyone who wants support in reaching their goals with an open-minded, friendly and welcoming approach.
— NADIA
CONTACT
Book your free 15-minute phone conversation
If you're curious about working together, why not take a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit? I look forward to connecting with you.