Rebecca Rose

I currently work from my York City Centre room on Mondays and Tuesdays. Online sessions available on Wednesdays and Fridays. My working hours are 9am to 5pm weekdays

I believe that counselling should offer a space where you can be yourself, without judgement, pressure or expectations about who you ought to be.

My approach is primarily person-centred, meaning that I work collaboratively with you, at your pace, and with respect for your autonomy. I don't believe that therapy is about telling people what to do or offering quick fixes. Instead, I aim to provide a supportive relationship in which you can explore your experiences, better understand yourself and discover what feels right for you.

I work in a trauma-informed and neuroaffirmative way, recognising that our experiences, environments and individual differences shape how we navigate the world. I understand that traditional expectations of therapy don't suit everybody, and I'm happy to adapt how we work together to accommodate different communication styles, sensory needs and ways of processing emotions.

I have particular experience and interest in supporting neurodivergent people, those living with chronic illness, and individuals navigating religious trauma, including experiences of high-control religious groups. I also work with a broader range of difficulties, including anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, grief and significant life changes.

I recognise that talking about difficult experiences can feel daunting, particularly if you've previously felt misunderstood or dismissed. You won't be expected to disclose anything before you're ready, and I don't believe that repeatedly revisiting painful experiences is necessarily the most helpful path towards healing.

Above all, I want counselling to feel like a collaborative process, where your experiences are taken seriously, your boundaries are respected and you remain at the centre of the work.

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you're unsure what to expect. My aim is to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible.

Sessions are led by you. There's no expectation that you'll share everything immediately, and you don't need to arrive with a clear idea of what you want to talk about. Some people come with something specific they want to explore, while others need time to make sense of feelings or experiences they haven't yet found words for. Both are absolutely fine.

I recognise that people communicate and process emotions differently. You won't be expected to maintain eye contact, sit still or express your feelings in a particular way. We can discuss adjustments that might make counselling more accessible and comfortable for you.

I also understand that finding the right counsellor matters. The therapeutic relationship is central to my approach, and I welcome conversations about how you're experiencing our work together, including anything that doesn't feel helpful.

My role isn't to judge your choices or tell you how to live your life. It's to offer a consistent, compassionate and collaborative relationship in which you have room to explore what matters to you.

Before our first session, I'll provide you with a counselling agreement outlining how we will work together, including confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements.

At the beginning of our first session, I'll check whether you've had an opportunity to read the agreement and whether you have any questions or anything you'd like me to clarify.

Beyond that, I try to keep the first session as open and flexible as possible. I recognise that, for many people, reaching out for counselling has taken considerable courage, and they may have been waiting a long time for an opportunity to talk openly about what they're experiencing.

Rather than spending the session working through a lengthy assessment or a set of predetermined questions, I aim to give you the space to begin wherever feels most important to you.

Some people arrive with a great deal they want to share, while others need time to settle in and find their words. There's no right or wrong way to begin, and no expectation that you disclose more than you're comfortable with.

My priority is to begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship while giving you the opportunity to use our time in whatever way feels most helpful.