Rahi Popat

I have availability during the following days and times;

Mondays - 4.30pm - 8pm

Tuesdays - 4.30pm - 8pm

Wednesdays - 4pm - 5pm

Saturdays - 8.30am - 12pm

I believe every client should be treated as an individual and I welcome and embrace diversity and difference. I work with people of all backgrounds, ages, beliefs, and gender. I work supportively, collaboratively, and compassionately with people who are experiencing challenges that may be causing distress. These might include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, prejudice, relationship issues, and loss. I am passionate about supporting people to develop a sense of compassionate self-awareness.

I am registered as a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within the Code of Ethics to meet the required standards for my profession. I am registered with the International Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and I comply with the profession’s requirements regarding GDPR.

As a person-centred therapist, I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework, prioritising your needs, feelings, and self-discovery. I offer a non-judgmental, confidential, and empathetic space where you can safely explore your thoughts and emotions. My role is to facilitate sessions which help you to build capacity for experiencing emotions which may have previously felt overwhelming or uncomfortable. I am patient, empathetic, and committed to supporting you throughout your therapeutic journey. I believe in the power of synergy - working together to explore and address your concerns and aspirations.

Deciding to begin therapy can feel daunting, and it’s essential that you feel comfortable and respected on your individual journey. There may be many reasons for seeking therapy, or sometimes, those reasons might not be entirely clear at first.

By exploring these issues within a safe and confidential space, we can uncover the reasons behind certain patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This process of self-exploration and the deeper understanding fosters empowers us to develop new, healthier patterns, paving the way for lasting change and a more fulfilling life.

I work therapeutically with young people (aged 14+), with adult consent, due to safeguarding, and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, abuse, relationship and/or family issues, self-esteem, eating disorders, and stress.

The most important aspect of any therapy is the relationship between client and therapist; I believe a comfortable client-therapist connection is built on mutual trust and respect which will form the foundation of our therapeutic relationship and the effective work we do together. As a trauma-informed therapist, I am curious about your experiences and how they may have shaped your view of yourself, your relationships with others, and your sense of safety in the world.

I never underestimate the courage it takes to reach out for help and support. Throughout our work together I will strive to understand, as accurately as possible, the way you experience your world; to get a real sense of the challenges you face and what it is like to be you. I will try to help you to explore more deeply your thoughts and feelings so that you can develop a greater understanding of your experiences and what these mean to you. I value each person’s individuality and work in a person-centred way that honours diversity, difference, and the unique qualities of each of my clients.

Together, we will address your concerns and goals, tailoring our sessions to meet your specific needs. You will be the one who dictates the pace and emotional depth of therapy, and I will walk with you as a professional and compassionate companion throughout this journey. 

You can expect to be supported in a safe, confidential environment throughout our work together. I offer sessions in both English and Gujarati, ensuring clear communication and accommodating your language preferences. I recognise the importance of language in helping you convey your thoughts and emotions accurately.

In the therapy journey, an assessment plays a pivotal role, setting the foundation for our therapeutic relationship. The introductory call will last no more than 20 minutes and can be conducted online or on the phone.

The first session provides an opportunity for both the therapist and client to explore whether working together is the right step at this time. It allows clients to learn more about the therapist’s approach and to start identifying the goals they may wish to achieve through therapy. I will ask you questions about yourself and what has brought you here. I am open to answering any questions that will help you to decide whether you would like to proceed. I will explain confidentiality, how cancellations are managed, and together we will agree on the boundaries of the client-therapist relationship, including session times and future appointments. 

We will discuss the therapeutic contract, and begin to explore your story, your experiences and how you see the world. The contract serves as a mutual agreement between us regarding the work we will undertake together. 

You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share any concerns you may have about the therapy process. In subsequent sessions, our conversations will be guided by you; this time is yours to talk about what matters most to you.

It is my professional responsibility to ensure you receive the most appropriate form of help. Should it become clear that what is offered is not the most suitable or helpful approach to meet your needs, I will endeavour to suggest or recommend alternative sources of support.

I am always happy to help and answer any enquiries you might have. I aim to respond within 48 hours. 

For ongoing sessions, payment is required a minimum of 24 hours before each scheduled session to maintain consistency.

I am open to receiving feedback at any point during the process.