Rachael Ward

Flexible hours available 

I am a relational, systemic and sex therapist with over 12 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. I support individuals, couples and families who are struggling with relationships, intimacy, self‑worth or the impact of past experiences. Many people come to me wanting to understand why they feel stuck in certain patterns, why relationships feel difficult, or why shame, guilt or anxiety continue to affect their confidence.

My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma‑informed. I help you explore how past attachments, losses, betrayals and life events shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame, fear, anger and self‑criticism and move towards greater clarity, connection and self‑acceptance.

In individual therapy, I support clients who struggle with boundaries, trust, repeating relationship patterns, low self‑esteem, grief, depression, anxiety and the emotional impact of bullying or trauma. With couples, I help you reduce conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust and understand how past experiences influence your current relationship.

As part of my psychosexual training, I also work with concerns such as loss of desire, erection difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, pain or anxiety around sex, and the emotional aspects of intimacy.

My practice is inclusive and affirming. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients, blended families, LGBTQ+ relationships and those navigating complex cultural or institutional pressures. I also work within a military charity, which has deepened my understanding of how service life, transitions and loss can affect attachment and adjustment.

Overall, my aim is to offer a supportive, sex positive and non‑judgemental space where you can feel understood, explore what’s been shaping your relationships, and develop healthier, more secure ways of relating.

Couples and family therapy can help you navigate the challenges that create strain, distance or distress in your relationships. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s happening between you, understand unhelpful patterns, and rebuild connection in a way that feels safe, respectful and collaborative.

People often come to me for support with:

Lack of intimacy, closeness or emotional connection

Affairs, ruptures or ongoing disputes

Resentment, withdrawal or growing distance

Guilt, unresolved past difficulties or repeating patterns

Communication struggles and unmet expectations

Supporting a partner’s mental or physical health needs

Parenting challenges or blended‑family dynamics

Life transitions, loss or grief affecting the family system

Navigating differences within the family

Mental health concerns impacting relationships or family functioning

My approach is grounded in evidence‑based relational models and shaped by systemic thinking. I work with couples and families of all structures, including neurodiverse relationships, LGBTQ+ partnerships and complex family systems. Sessions focus on strengthening communication, deepening understanding, and creating new ways of relating that support connection and emotional safety.

Qualifications & Professional Training

BA (Hons) Person‑Centred Counselling (2011–2014)

CBT Level 5 (2015)

Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) & Supervisor – IPTuk (2017–2021)

Couples Counselling Practitioner & Supervisor – Tavistock Relationships (2019–2021)

IPT‑A: Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (2020)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Foundation) (2022)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Intermediate) (2023)

National Autism Training – Anna Freud Centre (2024)

Current: MSc in Psychosexual Therapy (Doncaster University)

Couples Counselling sessions are £60 for 60 mins. 

Individual sessions are £50 for 60 mins. 

Family sessions start at £60 (depending on group size)

Flexible hours available 

I am a relationship, systemic and psychosexual therapist with over 12 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. I support individuals, couples and families who are struggling with relationships, intimacy, self‑worth or the impact of past experiences. Many people come to me wanting to understand why they feel stuck in certain patterns, why relationships feel difficult, or why shame, guilt or anxiety continue to affect their confidence.

My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma‑informed. I help you explore how past attachments, losses, betrayals and life events shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame, fear, anger and self‑criticism and move towards greater clarity, connection and self‑acceptance.

In individual therapy, I support clients who struggle with boundaries, trust, repeating relationship patterns, low self‑esteem, grief, depression, anxiety and the emotional impact of bullying or trauma. With couples, I help you reduce conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust and understand how past experiences influence your current relationship.

As part of my psychosexual training, I also work with concerns such as loss of desire, erection difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, pain or anxiety around sex, and the emotional aspects of intimacy.

My practice is inclusive and affirming. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients, blended families, LGBTQ+ relationships and those navigating complex cultural or institutional pressures. I also work within a military charity, which has deepened my understanding of how service life, transitions and loss can affect attachment and adjustment.

Overall, my aim is to offer a supportive, sex positive and non‑judgemental space where you can feel understood, explore what’s been shaping your relationships, and develop healthier, more secure ways of relating.

Couples and family therapy can help you navigate the challenges that create strain, distance or distress in your relationships. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s happening between you, understand unhelpful patterns, and rebuild connection in a way that feels safe, respectful and collaborative.

People often come to me for support with:

Lack of intimacy, closeness or emotional connection

Affairs, ruptures or ongoing disputes

Resentment, withdrawal or growing distance

Guilt, unresolved past difficulties or repeating patterns

Communication struggles and unmet expectations

Supporting a partner’s mental or physical health needs

Parenting challenges or blended‑family dynamics

Life transitions, loss or grief affecting the family system

Navigating differences within the family

Mental health concerns impacting relationships or family functioning

My approach is grounded in evidence‑based relational models and shaped by systemic thinking. I work with couples and families of all structures, including neurodiverse relationships, LGBTQ+ partnerships and complex family systems. Sessions focus on strengthening communication, deepening understanding, and creating new ways of relating that support connection and emotional safety.

🎓 Qualifications & Professional Training

BA (Hons) Person‑Centred Counselling (2011–2014)

CBT Level 5 (2015)

Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) & Supervisor – IPTuk (2017–2021)

Couples Counselling Practitioner & Supervisor – Tavistock Relationships (2019–2021)

IPT‑A: Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (2020)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Foundation) (2022)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Intermediate) (2023)

National Autism Training – Anna Freud Centre (2024)

Current: MSc in Psychosexual Therapy (Doncaster University)

Couples Counselling sessions are £75 for 60 mins. 

Individual sessions are £60 for 60 mins. 

Family sessions start at £80 (depending on group size)

I offer a reduced supervision rate of £50 for trainee counsellors

I offer flexibility, including weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on what feels manageable and supportive for you.

To keep therapy accessible, I hold a small number of reduced‑fee spaces for clients on lower incomes. Please feel free to ask about availability.

Flexible hours available 

I am a relational, systemic and sex therapist with over 12 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. I support individuals, couples and families who are struggling with relationships, intimacy, self‑worth or the impact of past experiences. Many people come to me wanting to understand why they feel stuck in certain patterns, why relationships feel difficult, or why shame, guilt or anxiety continue to affect their confidence.

My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma‑informed. I help you explore how past attachments, losses, betrayals and life events shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame, fear, anger and self‑criticism and move towards greater clarity, connection and self‑acceptance.

In individual therapy, I support clients who struggle with boundaries, trust, repeating relationship patterns, low self‑esteem, grief, depression, anxiety and the emotional impact of bullying or trauma. With couples, I help you reduce conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust and understand how past experiences influence your current relationship.

As part of my psychosexual training, I also work with concerns such as loss of desire, erection difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, pain or anxiety around sex, and the emotional aspects of intimacy.

My practice is inclusive and affirming. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients, blended families, LGBTQ+ relationships and those navigating complex cultural or institutional pressures. I also work within a military charity, which has deepened my understanding of how service life, transitions and loss can affect attachment and adjustment.

Overall, my aim is to offer a supportive, sex positive and non‑judgemental space where you can feel understood, explore what’s been shaping your relationships, and develop healthier, more secure ways of relating.

Couples and family therapy can help you navigate the challenges that are causing strain, distance, or distress in your relationships. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s happening between you, understand patterns, and rebuild connection in a way that feels safe and respectful for everyone involved.

You may be seeking support with:

Lack of intimacy, closeness, or emotional connection

Affairs, ruptures, or ongoing disputes

Resentment, withdrawal, or growing distance

Guilt, unresolved past difficulties, or repeating patterns

Communication struggles and unmet expectations

Supporting a partner’s mental or physical health needs

Parenting challenges or blended‑family dynamics

Life transitions, loss, or grief affecting the family system

Understanding and navigating differences within the family

Mental health concerns impacting relationships or family functioning

My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence‑based relational models. I work with couples and families of all structures, including neurodiverse relationships, LGBTQ+ partnerships, and complex family systems.

Qualifications & Professional Training

BA (Hons) Person‑Centred Counselling (2011–2014)

CBT Level 5 (2015)

Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) & Supervisor – IPTuk (2017–2021)

Couples Counselling Practitioner & Supervisor – Tavistock Relationships (2019–2021)

IPT‑A: Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (2020)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Foundation) (2022)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Intermediate) (2023)

National Autism Training – Anna Freud Centre (2024)

Current: MSc in Psychosexual Therapy (Doncaster University)

Couples Counselling sessions are £75 for 60 mins. 

Individual sessions are £60 for 60 mins. 

Family sessions start at £80 (depending on group size)

Flexible hours available 

Couples Counsellor & Relational Therapist with over 11 years experience in the NHS and private Practice. 

I am undertaking additional training in Psychosexual Therapy and so offering limited reduced slots (please contact me for further information) . 

Please read below on what to expect:

Individual Therapy: 

Process relational trauma and past hurts

Do you find setting boundaries in relationships challenging? 

Do you struggle to trust yourself and others? 

Do you struggle with debilitating shame and guilt which effects your confidence?

Are you constantly self-critical? 

Are you finding yourself in relationship patterns which do not serve you? 

Do you want to gain more insight into your fears and insecurities? 

 I understand the importance of working sensitively to support the impact of trauma, grief, depression, anxiety and bullying on your confidence and functioning. 

Couples Counselling :

Do you want to reduce conflict by applying new communication skills? 

Are you struggling with resentment and disconnect? 

Are you feeling misunderstood and unheard? 

Are past betrayals and attachments impacting your connection and intimacy? 

Are you willing to look at how you can improve your relationship? 

Psychosexual Therapy:-

Loss of desire

Loss of erection or maintaining an erection

Premature ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation

Pain and anxiety around sex 

My therapy is inclusive and aimed to help you understand how past traumas, attachments and experiences shape your relationship with self and others. Together we work to reduce feelings of Shame, guilt, anxiety and anger and move towards self-acceptance. 

My approach is collaboratively aimed to enable you to feel more understood and develop your own self-acceptance.  

I also work for a military charity and understand how cultural and institutional factors impact out attachment, grief and struggles to adjust to life transitions.

Couples and family therapy can help you navigate the challenges that are causing strain, distance, or distress in your relationships. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s happening between you, understand patterns, and rebuild connection in a way that feels safe and respectful for everyone involved.

You may be seeking support with:

Lack of intimacy, closeness, or emotional connection

Affairs, ruptures, or ongoing disputes

Resentment, withdrawal, or growing distance

Guilt, unresolved past difficulties, or repeating patterns

Communication struggles and unmet expectations

Supporting a partner’s mental or physical health needs

Parenting challenges or blended‑family dynamics

Life transitions, loss, or grief affecting the family system

Understanding and navigating differences within the family

Mental health concerns impacting relationships or family functioning

My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence‑based relational models. I work with couples and families of all structures, including neurodiverse relationships, LGBTQ+ partnerships, and complex family systems.

Qualifications & Professional Training

BA (Hons) Person‑Centred Counselling (2011–2014)

CBT Level 5 (2015)

Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) & Supervisor – IPTuk (2017–2021)

Couples Counselling Practitioner & Supervisor – Tavistock Relationships (2019–2021)

IPT‑A: Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (2020)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Foundation) (2022)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Intermediate) (2023)

National Autism Training – Anna Freud Centre (2024)

Current: MSc in Psychosexual Therapy (Doncaster University)

Couples Counselling sessions are £75 for 60 mins. 

Individual sessions are £60 for 60 mins. 

Family sessions start at £80 (depending on group size)

Flexible hours available 

I am a relational, systemic and psychosexual therapist with over 12 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. I support individuals, couples and families who are struggling with relationships, intimacy, self‑worth or the impact of past experiences. Many people come to me wanting to understand why they feel stuck in certain patterns, why relationships feel difficult, or why shame, guilt or anxiety continue to affect their confidence.

My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma‑informed. I help you explore how past attachments, losses, betrayals and life events shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame, fear, anger and self‑criticism and move towards greater clarity, connection and self‑acceptance.

In individual therapy, I support clients who struggle with boundaries, trust, repeating relationship patterns, low self‑esteem, grief, depression, anxiety and the emotional impact of bullying or trauma. With couples, I help you reduce conflict, improve communication, rebuild trust and understand how past experiences influence your current relationship.

As part of my psychosexual training, I also work with concerns such as loss of desire, erection difficulties, premature or delayed ejaculation, pain or anxiety around sex, and the emotional aspects of intimacy.

My practice is inclusive and affirming. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients, blended families, LGBTQ+ relationships and those navigating complex cultural or institutional pressures. I also work within a military charity, which has deepened my understanding of how service life, transitions and loss can affect attachment and adjustment.

Overall, my aim is to offer a supportive, sex positive and non‑judgemental space where you can feel understood, explore what’s been shaping your relationships, and develop healthier, more secure ways of relating.

Couples and family therapy can help you navigate the challenges that create strain, distance or distress in your relationships. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore what’s happening between you, understand unhelpful patterns, and rebuild connection in a way that feels safe, respectful and collaborative.

People often come to me for support with:

Lack of intimacy, closeness or emotional connection

Affairs, ruptures or ongoing disputes

Resentment, withdrawal or growing distance

Guilt, unresolved past difficulties or repeating patterns

Communication struggles and unmet expectations

Supporting a partner’s mental or physical health needs

Parenting challenges or blended‑family dynamics

Life transitions, loss or grief affecting the family system

Navigating differences within the family

Mental health concerns impacting relationships or family functioning

My approach is grounded in evidence‑based relational models and shaped by systemic thinking. I work with couples and families of all structures, including neurodiverse relationships, LGBTQ+ partnerships and complex family systems. Sessions focus on strengthening communication, deepening understanding, and creating new ways of relating that support connection and emotional safety.

Qualifications & Professional Training

BA (Hons) Person‑Centred Counselling (2011–2014)

CBT Level 5 (2015)

Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) & Supervisor – IPTuk (2017–2021)

Couples Counselling Practitioner & Supervisor – Tavistock Relationships (2019–2021)

IPT‑A: Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (2020)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Foundation) (2022)

PG Certificate – Systemic Family Therapy (Intermediate) (2023)

National Autism Training – Anna Freud Centre (2024)

Current: MSc in Psychosexual Therapy (Doncaster University)

Couples Counselling sessions are £75 for 60 mins. 

Individual sessions are £60 for 60 mins. 

Family sessions start at £80 (depending on group size) 

I offer a reduced supervision rate of £50 for trainee counsellors

I offer flexibility, including weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on what feels manageable and supportive for you.

To keep therapy accessible, I hold a small number of reduced‑fee spaces for clients on lower incomes. Please feel free to ask about availability.

Qualified Counsellors- £70- 1.5 hrs

Trainee Counsellors- £50 - 1.5 hrs

Hi, I am relational and psychosexual therapist providing supervision to both trainee and qualified therapists/counsellors.  

I currently offer supervision to groups and individuals within the NHS and in private practice. I also provide couples and individual therapy to a military charity, EAP companies, trainee counsellors and manage a  private practice. 

If you are looking for supervision which is supportive, insightful, engaging, thought provoking and empathic I could be a good fit for you. 

This space can help you feel supported, enhance your awareness, consider different perspectives, and overall feel more confident in your work. 

 I integrate different modalities when working with individuals and couples and understand the importance of having a safe and supportive space to discuss your work. 

I will share in your successes, help you when you wobble and share my resources, knowledge and experience with you. I support you to explore feelings around your work, how you are managing yourself and guide you in your own self reflection and personal development.  

We can also address:

• Self-doubt and transference/counter transference 
  
• Exploring different client issues
• Working within different settings 
• Assist personal and professional development 
• Considering therapeutic techniques and systemic influences
• Feeling stuck  
• Symptoms of burn out

With students, the same principle of mutual reflection applies, as well as more emphasis on the educative function of supervision and the supportive role, helping you with your own personal self-development.

I am also passionate about further training and so I integrate different counselling models, such as Psychosexual Therapy, Couples, Person-Centered, Systemic Family Therapy, CBT, TA, Interpersonal Therapy and Gestalt. 

I understand the challenges of finding suitable supervision and therefore offer a free short meeting to see if I am a good fit for you. 

Qualified Counsellors- £70 for 1.5 hours

 Students - £50 for 1.5 hrs

Tasks of Supervision will include the following:

• Setting up a learning and supportive relationship.
• To explore feelings and reactions which emerge from work with clients.  
• To consult with a view to problem solving and or gaining a deeper understanding. 
• Space to discuss the practical and emotional elements of being a therapist.
• To monitor professional/ethical issues  (There are never any  'wrong' 'silly' questions). 
• To evaluate progress and encourage a reflexive space. 

Our initial meeting via telephone or online is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for us to understand how we can work together. The information from this session will form the basis of our working agreement.

This is a short session with no fee and no obligation.