I’m Rachel Hawkins-Crockford and I am a Counsellor, Ecotherapist and Writing for Wellbeing practitioner based near Blaise Castle Estate. I work with a range of issues and I’m particularly experienced working with grief and loss, whether that arises from a bereavement, living with cancer, a relationship breakdown or other significant life event.

I understand how difficult life experiences can turn our lives upside down, that we respond to this in different ways, depending on our life experiences, culture, social and family background, support networks, religious and spiritual beliefs. 

My own journey into supporting other people came after a corporate career and a move from New Zealand to the UK. Like many who retrain as counsellors or health practitioners, I became a counsellor because I had experienced the benefits of it myself and feel passionate about sharing those benefits with others. I also facilitate a range of small groups, from emotional support sessions/ workshops with charities supporting people living with cancer to private writing for wellbeing or nature-based  wellbeing groups (online and in person).

If you choose to undertake counselling with me, you will have a safe and confidential space in which to explore your issues and find solutions, develop coping strategies and make positive changes at your own pace. As a member of the National Counselling Society (NCS), I work within their ethical guidelines, which include regular supervision and professional development training. My confidentiality policy and privacy statement can both be found online.

I offer in person sessions in my therapy room near Blaise Castle Estate. I also offer nature-based ecotherapy sessions in the outdoors, and telephone sessions and online sessions via zoom and other digital platforms.