Rachael Horan Counselling & Supervision MBACP

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

🧠 Why avoiding your emotions often makes them strongerOne of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:“If I ignore it, it’ll...
07/08/2026

🧠 Why avoiding your emotions often makes them stronger

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
“If I ignore it, it’ll eventually go away.”

Sometimes, difficult feelings do pass with time. But when we repeatedly push emotions away, they often don’t disappear—they simply find another way to show up.

You might notice:
💭 Racing thoughts that won’t switch off.
😴 Difficulty sleeping.
😟 Feeling constantly on edge.
😠 Becoming more irritable with those around you.
🤕 Headaches, muscle tension or an unsettled stomach.
🚫 Avoiding places, people or situations that remind you of difficult experiences.

Our emotions have a purpose. They’re signals, not problems to be eliminated. They tell us when something matters, when a boundary has been crossed, when we’ve experienced loss, or when we need care and support.

Counselling isn’t about “getting rid” of emotions. Instead, it’s about learning to understand them, make sense of where they come from, and develop healthier ways of responding to them. When we stop fighting our feelings and begin listening to them with curiosity and compassion, they often become much more manageable.

Whether you’re an adult, child or young person, learning to recognise and regulate emotions is a skill that can have a lasting positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Birth Trauma Awareness Week This week is Birth Trauma Awareness Week, led by the Birth Trauma Association, a UK charity ...
14/07/2026

Birth Trauma Awareness Week

This week is Birth Trauma Awareness Week, led by the Birth Trauma Association, a UK charity dedicated to supporting parents affected by traumatic birth experiences, raising awareness, and campaigning for improvements in maternity care.

Giving birth is often described as one of life’s most joyful moments, but for many parents, it can also be frightening, overwhelming, or traumatic.

Birth trauma isn’t defined solely by what happened medically—it’s about how the experience felt. Feeling unheard, losing control, fearing for your or your baby’s safety, or experiencing unexpected complications can leave lasting emotional scars.

The effects of birth trauma can include:

💜 Anxiety or panic
💜 Flashbacks or intrusive memories
💜 Low mood or depression
💜 Difficulty bonding with your baby
💜 Feelings of guilt, shame, or failure
💜 Avoiding conversations or reminders of the birth

These feelings may appear immediately after birth or months—even years—later. Whatever your experience, your feelings are valid, and you don’t have to carry them alone.

During Birth Trauma Awareness Week, let’s help to increase understanding and recognise that emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing.

If your birth experience continues to affect you, talking it through in a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space can help you process what happened and begin to heal.

You can find out more about the work of the Birth Trauma Association and the support they provide by visiting their website.

perinatalmentalhealth

🧠 The Nervous System and the Gut: Understanding the ConnectionMany people are surprised to learn that the gut and the br...
21/06/2026

🧠 The Nervous System and the Gut: Understanding the Connection

Many people are surprised to learn that the gut and the brain are in constant communication through a network known as the gut-brain axis.

The autonomic nervous system, which regulates many of the body’s automatic functions, has two key branches:

🔹 The sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze)
🔹 The parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, and repair)

When we perceive a threat—whether physical or psychological—the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated. This is a normal and adaptive response designed to help us survive. During this state, the body prioritises functions needed for protection, such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and heightened alertness.

As a result, digestive processes may slow down or become disrupted. Blood flow is redirected away from the digestive system, digestive enzymes may be reduced, and gut motility can change. Over time, chronic activation of the stress response can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Bloating
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Increased gut sensitivity

The vagus nerve plays a particularly important role in this connection. As the main communication pathway between the brain and the gut, it helps regulate digestion, inflammation, and emotional responses. When the nervous system is regulated and the vagus nerve is functioning effectively, the body is better able to enter a state of rest, digestion, and restoration.

This is why mental health and physical health cannot be separated. Emotional stress, unresolved trauma, chronic anxiety, and prolonged periods of overwhelm can all influence how the digestive system functions.

Understanding the nervous system-gut connection reminds us that symptoms are not “all in the mind.” Rather, they reflect the complex and interconnected relationship between the brain, body, and environment.

What is Trauma-Informed Therapy?Many people hear the word trauma and think only of major life events. But trauma can als...
02/06/2026

What is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Many people hear the word trauma and think only of major life events. But trauma can also result from experiences that leave us feeling unsafe, unseen, overwhelmed, or disconnected from ourselves and others.

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach that recognises the impact these experiences can have on our thoughts, emotions, relationships, behaviours, and even our physical health. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?”, trauma-informed therapy asks, “What happened to you?”

As a trauma-informed therapist, I work with an understanding that many coping strategies, emotional responses, and patterns of behaviour have developed for a reason. Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion rather than judgement.

My approach focuses on creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship where you can work at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy is not about forcing difficult memories or reliving painful experiences. Instead, it’s about helping you develop greater understanding, resilience, emotional regulation, and connection with yourself.

I work with 6 key principles, shown in the attached diagram. These that act as a framework and guide how I work with clients so that you can feel safe and heard. ✨

SATs season can feel like a big moment for children in Year 6 — and for parents too. But it’s important to remember that...
10/05/2026

SATs season can feel like a big moment for children in Year 6 — and for parents too. But it’s important to remember that SATs are only a snapshot of a child’s learning journey and not a measure of their worth, personality, creativity, or future success.

For many children, the pressure around tests can lead to stress, worry, and self-doubt. Some may struggle with sleep, become emotional, lose confidence, or feel overwhelmed by the fear of “getting it wrong.” As adults, we play a huge role in helping children feel safe, supported, and reassured during this time.

The most valuable message we can give children is simple: doing your best is enough.

Parents can help by creating a balanced routine at home — ensuring children get enough sleep, healthy meals, downtime and opportunities to relax and play. Listening without adding pressure, praising effort rather than outcomes, and keeping conversations positive can make a huge difference to a child’s wellbeing.

It’s also okay to remind children that feeling nervous is normal. Stress becomes easier to manage when children know they are not facing it alone.

To every Year 6 child taking SATs: you are already achieving something important by showing up, trying hard, and believing in yourself. Be proud of your progress, your resilience, and everything you have learned along the way.

You are so much more than a test result. 🌟

A little ahead of time but this year’s theme gives me so much excitement. With action, people’s lives can change enormou...
07/05/2026

A little ahead of time but this year’s theme gives me so much excitement. With action, people’s lives can change enormously 💛

Mental Health Awareness Week, 11th-17th May 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week this year reminds us that awareness alone is not always enough. This year’s theme, “Action,” encourages us to move beyond simply recognising mental health struggles and instead take meaningful steps toward supporting ourselves and others.

Action does not have to be dramatic or life-changing overnight. Sometimes it is the smallest choices that make the biggest difference. Reaching out to a friend. Booking that first counselling session. Taking a break when your body is asking for rest. Setting a boundary without guilt. Choosing honesty over “I’m fine.” Allowing yourself to ask for help.

For many people, mental health challenges are experienced quietly. Behind busy schedules, smiles, productivity, and carrying on as normal, there can be anxiety, overwhelm, grief, loneliness, burnout, or emotional exhaustion. Action begins when we stop dismissing our own needs and start responding to them with compassion.

This week is also a reminder that support matters. Human connection matters. Feeling heard, understood, and accepted can be incredibly powerful. None of us are meant to navigate life entirely alone.

If you have been waiting for a sign to prioritise your mental wellbeing, perhaps this is it. One small step is still a step forward.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s move from awareness into action — through kindness, conversation, support, and intentional care for ourselves and each other.

April is Stress Awareness Month 💭Stress is something we all experience — but we don’t always stop to understand what it’...
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

Mother’s Day can be beautiful, but it can also be very difficult. 💐For some, it’s a day filled with love, appreciation, ...
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.

Address

South Street
Wellington
TA218NR

Opening Hours

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

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rachael Horan Counselling & Supervision MBACP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category