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Rachael Horan Counselling & Supervision MBACP

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Rachael Horan Counselling & Supervision MBACP

Hello, I am an Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. I see adults, children, young people and couples. I work both in person and online. Hello!

I am also a primary school counsellor and I take referrals from Community Counselling CIC. My name is Rachael and I am an integrative counsellor based in Wellington, Somerset. I work with each client individually, tailored to your therapeutic needs. My training combined Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and I can draw on any of these approaches during our sessions. I work

with adults, couples, children and young people in a confidential environment and can currently also offer both face to face and online appointments via Zoom/ FaceTime. I can offer counselling relating to:

Abuse
Addiction
ADHD
Alcoholism
Anger Management
Anxiety
Behaviour Difficulties
Bipolar Disorder
Bullying
Depression
Divorce
Domestic Violence
Eating Disorders/ Concerns
Family Issues
Gender Identity
Grief and Loss/ Bereavement
Health Concerns
Learning Difficulties
Loneliness
Low Confidence
Low Self-Esteem
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic Attacks
Paranoia
Phobias
Post Natal Depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relationship Difficulties
Self- Harm
Social Anxiety
Stress
Suicidal Thoughts
Trauma

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and therefore adhere to their code of ethics and safe working practices. I offer a non-judgemental environment and encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help and support. I have worked as a counsellor in a primary school in Somerset and have experience with children both within a school environment and outside of, and I often use creative tools during the sessions. These tools can be sand trays, crafts and board games to name a few. Sometimes though, simply the use of language and offering a safe space is more than enough for a child or young person to really open up and engage in the process. It is my strong belief that no child, young person or adult should be ashamed of their ill mental health and that it should be considered as important as physical health. Together whilst building a strong therapeutic relationship, you can thrive and move forward, receiving the empathy and understanding that you deserve. I can be flexible to suit your working hours and needs where appointments are available. Appointment times and days can be the same each week, but don't have to be, so if this is a concern please contact me and we can see if we can make it work together. I also offer counselling to trainee counsellors which includes a letter of completion at the end of therapy if required for qualification purposes. Please do get in touch for a chat to discuss any concerns you may have and we can talk through the process prior to commencing your journey. I also take referrals through Wellington Community Counselling, a local organisation within the community which provides affordable counselling to adults, children and young people. I currently see clients here on a Monday. www.communitycounsellingcic.co.uk

On a Tuesday and Friday I can be found at Wellington Baptist Church working as a consultant counsellor for Cornerstone Counselling-

www.cornerstonesw.co.uk/about/rachael

20/04/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month 💭

Stress is something we all experience — but we don’t always stop to understand what it’s actually doing to us.

When you’re stressed, your body isn’t just “feeling overwhelmed” — it’s going into a built-in survival mode. Your brain signals a threat, and your nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, increasing your heart rate, tightening your muscles, and sharpening your focus to help you react quickly.

This is helpful in short bursts. But when stress becomes constant, the body doesn’t get the signal to switch off.

Over time, chronic stress can start to show up physically:
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle tension and pain (especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw)
• Digestive issues
• Poor sleep or constant fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

It can also affect how we think and feel — leading to irritability, anxiety, low mood, and burnout.

The important thing to remember is this: your body isn’t working against you — it’s trying to protect you. But it needs regular signals that it’s safe to slow down.

This month is a chance to notice your stress signals earlier and respond with care, not criticism.

Simple ways to support your nervous system:
✨ Slow, deep breathing to calm your body
✨ Movement to release built-up tension
✨ Taking real breaks (not just scrolling)
✨ Setting boundaries to reduce overload
✨ Talking things through instead of holding it in

You don’t have to wait until you’re overwhelmed to take your wellbeing seriously.

Looking after your mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

16/04/2026

Meet Rachael. Rachael is a qualified counsellor and clinical supervisor who works with adults, children, young people, and couples, supporting personal growth and emotional wellbeing.

She takes a warm and collaborative approach to her work, sometimes incorporating creative elements to support clients in exploring their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.

Rachael offers clinical supervision to both trainee and qualified practitioners. She provides a reflective, supportive, and professionally focused space where supervisees can explore their client work, develop their clinical thinking, and strengthen their confidence and ethical practice. Her supervisory approach is relational and integrative, encouraging curiosity, self-awareness, and ongoing professional development.

Whether working one-to-one, within relationship therapy, or in supervision, Rachael aims to create a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment. She finds it deeply rewarding to witness the positive changes in her clients’ mental health, as well as the development and confidence of the practitioners she supports.

To find out more about Rachael and the rest of our team, visit: www.communitycounsellingcic.co.uk/meet-the-team

24/03/2026

Anxiety in children and young people is unfortunately very common, and it doesn’t always appear as one might expect.

Children and young people may experience anxiety due to factors such as academic pressure, social media, bullying, family stress, and major life changes. Research shows anxiety has increased in recent years—around 1 in 5 young people in England now have a probable mental health disorder with anxiety being the most common. Around 50% of mental health problems begin before the age of 14, and NHS referrals for child anxiety have more than doubled since before the pandemic.

What does anxiety look like? Sometimes it looks like constant worrying — about school, friendships, family, or things that might happen in the future. But often it appears in behaviours rather than words. They might withdraw from friends, avoid social situations, or spend long periods overthinking situations or conversations.

You might notice a child becoming unusually quiet, clingy, reluctant to go to school or take part in activities they used to enjoy. Others may become irritable, frustrated, or have sudden emotional outbursts. Anxiety can also show up physically — stomach aches, headaches, difficulty sleeping, or feeling sick before school are all common signs.

These behaviours are often a child’s way of expressing themselves, as they are confused about how they feel and don’t yet have the tools to be able to explain it. Remember all behaviour is a form of communication.

Support through counselling can make a huge difference. Creating safe spaces where children feel listened to, understood, and not judged can help them begin to talk about what’s going on inside.

22/03/2026

I’m really pleased to share that I’ve now qualified in Clinical Supervision in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

This next step in my practice is grounded in two powerful frameworks: Hawkins and Shohet’s Seven-Eyed Model and the Integrative Developmental Model.

The Seven-Eyed Model invites a rich, layered way of seeing our work — not just focusing on the client, but also the therapist, the relationship between them, the supervisor–supervisee dynamic, and the wider systems that influence practice. It encourages curiosity, reflection, and a deeper awareness of what’s happening both in and around the therapeutic space.

The Integrative Development Model reminds me that therapists are always evolving. As a supervisor, my role is to meet each supervisee where they are — supporting their growth in competence, confidence, and self-awareness, while adapting my approach to their developmental stage.

For me, supervision is not just about oversight — it’s about creating a collaborative, reflective space where practitioners feel supported, challenged, and resourced to do their best work.

I’m looking forward to offering supervision to both trainee and qualified therapists as part of my ongoing practice.

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day can be beautiful, but it can also be very difficult. 💐

For some, it’s a day filled with love, appreciation, and family moments. For others, it can bring grief, pressure, loneliness, or reminders of relationships that are strained, lost, or longed for.

Mental health matters on days like today. Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, mothering, missing your mum, navigating infertility, or simply trying to get through the day — your feelings are valid.

Today, be gentle with yourself.
Celebrate if it feels right.
Step back if you need to.
Reach out if you’re struggling.

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day 🌸💜

Today is a moment to celebrate the strength, resilience, compassion, and brilliance of women everywhere. But it’s also a moment to reflect on the incredible women who shape our lives every single day — the ones who love deeply, hold families together, lift others when they’re struggling, and carry so much strength, often without recognition.

I’m especially grateful for the women in my own life who have supported me, challenged me, inspired me, and shown me what true strength and compassion look like. You may not always realise the impact you have, but it matters more than you know 🩷

International Women’s Day is not only about celebrating how far we’ve come, but also about continuing to support equality, uplift one another, and create a world where every woman can thrive, lead, and be heard.

20/02/2026

Today is World Day of Social Justice — and as a counsellor, I’m reminded that mental health is not just personal, it’s deeply social.

The 2026 focus on building fair and inclusive systems speaks directly to what many of my clients experience every day. Mental wellbeing does not usually exist singularly; It is shaped by access to safe housing, fair employment, financial security, healthcare, education, and freedom from discrimination.

When people face poverty, marginalisation, racism, gender inequality, or unstable work, we often see the psychological impact in the therapy room: chronic stress, anxiety, shame, burnout, and trauma responses. These are not simply individual struggles — they are often responses to systemic pressures.

Social justice in mental health means:

• Seeing the whole context of someone’s experience
• Supporting fair and equal access to help
• Creating spaces where people feel culturally safe and included
• Working to reduce stigma and systemic barriers
• Holding compassion for both personal pain and social realities

Therapy can be a place of healing and empowerment- but lasting wellbeing also requires fairer systems that support human rights and dignity.

On this World Day of Social Justice, I’m reflecting on how my work as a mental health professional sits alongside the wider need for equality and inclusion. When we support one person’s wellbeing, we are also part of a much bigger movement towards a fairer and more compassionate society.

EquityInMentalHealth

07/02/2026

✨Next week is ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ ✨

Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 theme, “This is My Place,” focuses on belonging. It encourages children and young people to explore where and with whom they feel safe, accepted and valued — at school, at home, or in their community. The theme highlights how feeling a sense of belonging supports positive mental health, confidence and emotional wellbeing.

In England, around 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8–25 have a probable mental health condition — meaning anxiety, low mood and emotional distress are part of everyday life for many families. Each year, close to 1 million children are referred to mental health services, yet hundreds of thousands are still waiting for support, often for far too long.

Children don’t always have the words to explain how they feel. Their struggles can show up as big emotions, withdrawal, changes in behaviour or silence. What makes the biggest difference is feeling safe, believed and supported.

This week reminds us that small actions matter — checking in, listening without judgement, and normalising conversations about mental health.

Together, we can help children feel that they belong and are not alone💛

31/01/2026

Parenting can be deeply rewarding… and also incredibly demanding. Yesterday, January 30th 2026, was Parent Mental Health Day, a reminder that parents’ wellbeing matters too — not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for healthy families.

Statistics show that 1 in 4 parents experience a mental health difficulty at some point, and many say they feel pressure to “cope” quietly. Lack of sleep, financial stress, relationship changes, work demands, and the constant mental load can all add up. When parents struggle, it doesn’t mean they’re failing — it means they’re human.

The good news? Small, compassionate steps can make a real difference:

✨ Talk it out – Sharing how you’re really feeling with a trusted friend, partner, or professional can ease the weight.
✨ Lower the bar – “Good enough” parenting is more than enough. Perfection isn’t the goal.
✨ Protect small pockets of time – Even 10 minutes of something that’s just for you can help reset your nervous system.
✨ Stay connected – Isolation makes things heavier; connection lightens the load.
✨ Ask for help early – Support is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of self-awareness.

If you’re a parent reading this: you matter, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone — even when it feels that way. And if you know a parent who might be struggling, a simple “How are you really doing?” can mean so much.

Let’s keep normalising honest conversations about parental mental health 💛

24/01/2026

✨ Hello! ✨ I thought it was time for an ‘introduction post’; it’s been a long time since I’ve done one and a lot has changed for Rachael Horan Counselling (with more to come this year!).

I’m so excited to introduce myself and share a little about Rachael Horan Counselling with you all. I’m an Integrative Counsellor and trainee Clinical Supervisor offering supportive, compassionate therapy to adults, children, young people, couples and family members — both face-to-face and online.

I set up my private practice having worked for a mental health charity supporting young people, and I spent a school year at a primary school working as a counsellor with children in years 5 & 6. In March this year, Rachael Horan Counselling will celebrate its 4th Birthday! I’m super proud of this and love to see individuals and families grow, heal and lead happier lives ❤️

As part of my private practice, I currently attend two local primary schools offering sessions to children aged 7-11. I work with Community Counselling CIC which helps individuals and families in the local community, and I take referrals for another well established counselling service. From April, I will be opening up the Clinical Supervision side to my business offering not just individual supervision to other professionals but also group supervision delivered both online and in person.

I believe that real healing starts with being truly heard — and that’s what I aim to offer in every session: respect, empathy, and a sense of safety.

My approach is integrative and combines many modalities which means I adapt the way we work together to fit what you need — whether that’s gentle reflection, practical tools, creative exploration, or deeper insight work.

The modalities I work with include-

Psychodynamic Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution Focused Therapy
Trauma Informed Therapy
Acceptance and Behavioural Therapy
Creative and Expressive Therapies
Sand Play Therapy

I’m here to support you through life’s challenges, guide personal growth, and help you uncover your own strengths so you can live more fully and authentically ❤️

19/01/2026

💙 Blue Monday 💙

You may have heard of Blue Monday, often called “the most depressing day of the year.” The idea dates back to the early 2000s and is linked to factors like darker winter days, cold weather, post-holiday blues, financial pressures, and motivation dipping after New Year’s resolutions fade. While the formula behind it isn’t scientifically proven, the feelings it highlights are very real for many people.

🌧️ How Blue Monday (and winter low mood) can present:

For adults, it may look like:
• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally “flat”
• Increased anxiety or racing thoughts
• Irritability or feeling easily overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Withdrawing from social situations

For children and young people, it can present differently, such as:
• Irritability, tearfulness, or frequent mood changes
• Becoming quieter or more withdrawn
• Increased clinginess or reassurance-seeking
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches
• Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Struggling more at school or with friendships

💡 Ways to get through Blue Monday (and winter days like it):
• Talk about how you’re feeling with friends, family, or a professional
• Get outside during daylight hours, even briefly
• Keep gentle routines that include rest, movement, and nourishing food
• Lower expectations, you don’t need to be productive every day
• Check in with children and teens, listen without judgment
• Focus on small, comforting activities that bring a sense of calm or joy

Remember, low days don’t mean you’re failing. It’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to ask for support. You’re not alone. 💙

31/12/2025

As a new year begins, many of us feel a mix of emotions. There may be hope, motivation, relief that a chapter has closed—or anxiety about what lies ahead. The New Year often arrives with expectations: to improve, to change, to “do better.” While fresh starts can be meaningful, they can also place pressure on our mental and emotional wellbeing.

In counselling, we often see how the idea of a “new year, new me” can feel inspiring for some, yet overwhelming or discouraging for others. If you’re entering this year feeling uncertain, tired, or emotionally heavy, please know this is a very human experience—and you are not alone.

Rather than focusing on the ‘typical’ resolutions, you may find it helpful to approach the New Year with intention and curiosity. This might look like asking yourself:

• What do I need more of this year?
• What has been draining me, and where might I create small boundaries?
• How can I speak to myself with more kindness?

Growth doesn’t have to be dramatic or visible. Sometimes it’s learning to rest without guilt, asking for help, or allowing yourself to feel what you feel without rushing to change it.

As we step into this New Year, I invite you to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace a more compassionate approach to yourself.

Whatever this year holds, your mental health matters—not just at the start of the year, but every day ❤️

Address

South Street
Wellington
TA218NR

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.rachaelhorancounselling.co.uk/

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