Directory entry

Rachel Smitheman, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 5 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

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Rachel Smitheman is a person-centred counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with five years of professional experience. She uses she/her pronouns and aims to make first contact straightforward for people who are anxious about starting therapy. Rachel focuses on creating a calm, respectful space where clients feel heard from the start.

Rachel helps people facing stress, anxiety and low mood. She also supports those dealing with self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties and life changes.

Background and approach

Her work covers a wide range of related areas such as attachment and abandonment concerns, body image, caregiver stress, and chronic illness or pain. In sessions she listens without judgement and follows each person’s pace. The person-centred approach means the client leads the conversation while Rachel offers empathy and reflection.

This can help people find clearer thinking, better coping and practical next steps. She is familiar with common emotional struggles like guilt, shame and impulsivity, and with practical relationship challenges such as communication and control issues. Rachel also works with divorce and separation matters, feelings of isolation, and questions about life purpose or midlife change.

Rachel welcomes international clients and runs sessions in English. Her listed credential is BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. To begin, she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

Person-centred support and online session options

Rachel uses a person-centred approach which focuses on listening and helping people lead the conversation about what matters to them. This way of working suits those who need space to feel heard and to develop their own solutions for issues like anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and relationship concerns.

That style is about empathy, acceptance and collaboration rather than directing what someone should do. Rachel aims to help clients build clarity and stronger coping by reflecting their experience and supporting gradual change. Together they figure out what feels most helpful and adjust the approach as needed.

Online therapy here is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video works well for face-to-face conversation when visual contact matters. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer writing between scheduled sessions or want a flexible way to stay in touch. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving and travel while still getting regular support from a registered or accredited professional.

What concerns does Rachel support?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression and self-esteem difficulties, plus relationship problems and coping with life changes. There are extra focus areas like abandonment, attachment, body image and chronic illness.

What is her therapeutic style?

Rachel works in a person-centred way which means she listens, reflects and follows each person’s pace. The approach aims to help people feel understood and find their own solutions.

How much experience does she have?

She qualified in the United Kingdom in 2020 and has five years of professional experience. That background includes helping people with mood disorders, communication issues and caregiver stress.

Where is she based and what credential does she hold?

Rachel practises in the United Kingdom and holds BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy credential as supplied.

Which languages and regions are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats does she offer?

Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are sessions billed and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start a therapy process with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Self esteem

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centred Therapy

Experience: 5 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Rachel

Rachel takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Rachel Smitheman, BACP

Background and approach

Person-centred support and online session options

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety