Rachael Sheriffs

Counselling Psychologist

I work with adults and mature teens, long-term or short-term. I work with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship problems, sexuality, gender identity, spiritual crisis, psychological support in physical illness and disability, personal development, adjustment to life stressors, and career change.

I see a warm and secure therapeutic relationship as essential in the process of growth and healing, and I aim to provide a safe space in which a client feels able to express themself freely and confidentially in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.

My theoretical background is eclectic, but largely depth-oriented, including psychodynamic theory, object relations theory, cognitive behavioural theory, person-centred theory and mindful self-compassion. In lay terms this means I work with present problems through looking at patterns in relationships and behaviour that often have their roots in early experiences, through a lens of self-acceptance and self-compassion. I also look at the link between current thoughts, emotions and behaviours, cultivating mindfulness, and bringing conscious understanding to mental narratives and their effects on a person’s life. I work holistically, looking at all aspects of a person – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual – aiming to give each a voice in the therapy journey. Energy work If clients wish to express their inner process visually, I integrate art into sessions.

As with most therapists, I have come to this work because of my own experience of emotional healing through therapy. I have been on an inner journey since my late teens, and will always be curious to explore and grow in my understanding of how people work, myself included. I go on learning from each and every client that I work with, and I find it an honour to be a witness to people’s life stories. I have observed clients heal through an acknowledgement and full acceptance of the self – the light and the shadow. I offer tools to help develop self-acceptance and self-care.

Hopefully, the journey of therapy will lead you to an experience of being more fully yourself, more fully present in your relationships, and able to ride the ups and downs of life in an emotionally balanced way.

Practice Number: 0437816
HPCSA Number: PS00113140