I’m Rachel Hawkins-Crockford and I am a Counsellor and Writing for Wellbeing practitioner based in Henbury directly opposite 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 a cancer diagnosis, a relationship breakdown or other significant life events. I understand how significant loss and other 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. Journaling, expressive and creative writing was something I had also used as a way of processing emotions for many years, using it to bring me back to a calm place when life felt overwhelming.  Now I’m passionate about finding ways to support others using these skills.

Because people are unique and have diverse backgrounds, needs and concerns, I work in a person-centred and pluralistic way, incorporating different theories into my practice in order to meet the needs of each client. ​I understand  that when life get hard, and everything seems to be an uphill struggle, it can be difficult to take the first step forward. I know from my own experience that even choosing the right person to talk to can feel difficult and counselling can seem a daunting prospect.

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. As a member of both the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and 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.

As a writing for wellbeing practitioner, I am also a member of Lapidus, the membership body for creative writing for therapeutic purposes and active in the activities they run for their members.

I currently work online via zoom and other digital platforms from my therapy room in Henbury directly opposite Blaise Castle Estate.