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             Dr Rachel Adams
 

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I am a qualified Counselling Psychologist.  I am registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and a Chartered member of the BPS (British Psychological Society).  I am an approved and registered provider for Bupa, Aviva, AXA Healthcare, WPA, and Vitality Health. I am also a Somatic EMDR Practitioner. 

I have worked as a therapist for over 15 years and during this time I have worked within the NHS and the private sector. 

 

In my counselling psychology role I have worked with many adults experiencing a range of difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, sadness, depression, loss of direction or meaning in life, bereavement, work stress, relationship difficulties, social anxiety, chronic pain and long term health conditions.  

Before training to be a Counselling Psychologist I trained and worked as a Speech and Language Therapist specialising in the area of social communication difficulties.  I also worked with adults with neurological difficulties.

 

I regularly attend clinical supervision, lead a monthly peer supervision group for fellow psychologists, and engage with personal and professional development.  

 

I also work part time as an Associate Lecturer teaching psychology and counselling at degree level.  I have just completed writing a book chapter for the Open University (Adams, R., (2023) Brain Injury and neuropsychology, In Editor (s) Strathie, A., Briggs, G., and Lazard, L. (ed.) Encountering Psychology in Context 2, The Open University, p 51 - 87), as well as some online course material for a new Open University psychology module. 

Qualifications

Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology - University of the West of England 

Diploma in Relational Mindfulness - Karuna Institute 

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology - The Open University

BSc (Hons) Speech & Language Therapy - University of Exeter and Plymouth Marjon University

 
Experience

For the last 15 years, I have worked as an autonomous and accountable professional therapist within several NHS teams and within the private sector. During this time I have worked with many adults and children experiencing a range of psychological, emotional and communication difficulties.  I have delivered individual counselling and therapy sessions, group therapy sessions and training workshops within a myriad of clinics, hospitals and therapeutic settings.  

 

During my initial training I spent some time working within a therapeutic setting in Vancouver, Canada.  I was fortunate enough to observe and work with a range of innovative and experienced therapists using arts, music, nature and animals to support psychological well-being. This experience was invaluable to my personal and professional development and the learning gained continues to contribute to my current day therapeutic thinking.

I regularly attend training sessions, talks and conferences on a range of topics related to therapeutic practice so as to keep my knowledge refreshed and up to date.  

My doctoral research explored the psychological experience of adults acquiring a communication impairment.  I have a keen interest in the area of human communication, mindfulness and self compassion. 

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