Rachel Johnston

Finding a way forward

Living with anxiety, stress, low self-esteem or the ongoing challenges of trauma can feel overwhelming at times. It’s hard to know where to begin when you need to unravel this tangle of thoughts and feelings. I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, whatever their life experiences have been. Our inner lives and sense of self are not fixed, they can change and develop through time. Therapy offers an open, imaginative space to explore what matters most to you, how you might express it and how you can remain open to possibility and change.

What you can expect from me

I will offer you a warm and trusting relationship where, working together, we can make the change you need. My role isn't to give you advice or tell you what to do, it's to listen, ask the questions that are difficult for others to ask and to help you recognise the events and patterns of behaviour that have shaped your life. You won't be judged on what you bring to the counselling room. I will listen with compassion but without bias or any attempt to shape your choices. You may arrive with a clear idea of what you want to discuss, or the conversation may unfold more naturally and take a less direct path. Either way, the session is a space for whatever you need to bring.

I am trained as a person-centred counsellor and, as such, will respond to you without judgement, as an individual, tailoring the therapy to meet your particular needs. Together we can explore uncertainty with compassion, honesty and humour, helping you to make meaningful changes and reconnect with your authentic self. Alongside talking therapy, I can offer creative approaches such as drawing, painting, collage and textile work when these feel helpful.

I have experience of supporting adults with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, childhood trauma and relationship problems as well those who have experienced sexual violence and domestic abuse. The challenges associated with menopause or perimenopause are an area that I can offer support with.

Over the years I have worked in the creative industries and higher education and can help with work or study related stress and burnout. My background also includes counselling students in higher education including international and home students and supporting people with a range of sexual, gender and cultural identities.

I also have experience of working within a specialist trauma-informed support organisation, facilitating groups in counselling and community settings, and using creativity therapeutically.

• I work with adults aged 18+

• I offer in-person therapy from a counselling room in Southsea PO4.

• I can meet with you online.

• Short and long-term counselling are available.

• I welcome individuals irrespective of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age or religious beliefs.

• I am fully insured.

• Registered with the ICO.

• Have an enhanced DBS.

I offer counselling in person, online or by telephone.

A trusting, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. To help us decide whether we are a good fit, I offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute telephone call. This gives me an opportunity to learn a little about you and allows you to decide whether my approach feels right for you.

Sessions and fees:

If we decide to work together, sessions last 50 minutes. Fees are £55 for in-person sessions and £50 for online sessions. I also offer a limited number of lower-cost online places at £45.