ABOUT ME
Rachel Sharp (she / her) - Counsellor
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I've worked in the third sector for over 15 years. During this time, I've held a wide variety of different roles from mentoring young people experiencing homelessness, to supporting refugees with their integration into UK life, and most recently managing a counselling service for survivors of sexual violence.
Throughout my professional and voluntary career, I have dedicated my time to promoting people's rights, advocating for social justice, and supporting marginalised groups in society.
​My road to becoming a Counsellor was driven by my own personal experiences of accessing counselling during difficult times in my life. Having lived experience helps me to understand some of the issues you may want to talk about, which supports us to connect on a deeper, relational level.
What is it like to work with me?​
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I am a BACP registered Counsellor which means I follow the ethical values and principles for counselling professionals.
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I will offer you a space where I hope you may feel safe enough to explore what's going on for you. ​I have a warm, calm, non-judgemental and open-minded approach to my work with all clients.​
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I recognise the importance of humour in therapy but I will also hold space for you to explore difficult or distressing thoughts or feelings.​
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I am a trauma-informed practitioner - which means working with you in a way that establishes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment and respect for diversity and cultural difference.
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My approach to counselling is relational, therefore, the foundation of any work we do together will be based on developing a strong, and trusting therapeutic relationship.
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My counsellor training was humanistic and integrative. What this means in practice is that your needs and safety will be at the forefront of our work together. We may also look at how your childhood experiences are influencing your thoughts and behaviours today. I'll draw on various different counselling theories depending on what feels appropriate for your specific needs.
My Experience​
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Trauma
I worked for several years in a counselling service for people who have experienced sexual violence, ensuring survivors of sexual trauma had space to safely explore what happened to them by utilising trauma-informed principles.
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Diversity
​I also have extensive experience working with refugee and migrant communities. I aim to work within the diversity of our differing identities and lived experiences. I am also committed to anti-oppressive practice through acknowledgement of structural and systemic inequalities in society.
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Young People
I am experienced in working with young people aged 18-25 on a range of issues such as housing and homelessness, employment and education. I have also worked with young people ​​with concerns such as anxiety, depression, difficult transitions, identity and sexuality.
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LGBTQIA+
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, my counselling practice is always LGBTQIA+ affirmative. ​I hold a positive view of all LGBTQIA+ identities and I have several years experience working with gender, sexual and relationship minorities.
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Neurodivergence​​​​​​​​​​​​
I'm experienced in working with Neurodivergent clients and as such I can easily adapt my practice to meet your individual needs. ​Your experience of counselling is important to me and I'm happy to have a chat around your specific access needs.
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Fees
My fees for a 50-minute in person counselling session are £55.
I also want my practice to be as accessible and inclusive as possible, so I'm more than happy to discuss discounted rates for online sessions, students, trainee counsellors or those on a low income/benefits. Feel free to just ask me.​
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I offer a free 20 minute phone call to chat about how we might work together and to see if I'm the right fit for you.
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My Availability​
I work from the Redland Practice on:​​​​​​​
Wednesdays 3:30pm - 8:00pm
Fridays 8:00am - 3:00pm ​
CONTACT ME
If you are interested in working together or want some more information then please feel free to send me an email.
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Email: r.sharpcounselling@gmail.com
FURTHER READING
​Here are some TED talks, books or websites that you may find useful:
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Brené Brown - The Power of Vulnerability
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Mathew Walker - Sleep is your Superpower
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The ultimate LGBTQIA+ Pride Book list
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Bessel van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score
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TranzWiki - a comprehensive directory of non-commercial groups and organisations supporting or assisting trans and gender diverse individuals, their families and friends across the UK.
Also check out my Pinterest board for interesting quotes, helpful worksheets etc.
WHERE TO GET MORE HELP AND SUPPORT
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Bristol Mind - Mind provide a list of counselling services available in Bristol​​
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Bristol Crisis Service - If you experiencing a severe mental health crisis you can use this website
or call 0117 354 7257 or in an emergency 0300 555 0334
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Counselling Directory - where you can find many other counsellors
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Psychology Today - another useful website for finding counsellors
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Talk to the Rainbow - a website for LGBTQ+ therapists working in Bristol
BAATN - a directory of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Counsellors and Psychotherapists working in the UK
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MCAPN - Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network
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