Rachael Hough, BACP

Rachael uses evidence-based techniques that focus on practical steps and understanding how difficulties fit into everyday life. One common approach she uses helps people identify unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour, then test small changes to see what feels different. This is useful for anxiety, low mood and stress. Another often-used method looks at the impact of distressing events and supports people to process difficult memories and reduce their ongoing effect, which can help with trauma and abuse.

Finding the right approach is a shared task. The therapist will listen to a person’s goals and preferences, explain possible ways to work together, and try methods that fit the person’s needs. If something does not feel helpful, they will adjust the plan together.

Online therapy offers practical benefits. Video calls let people have a fuller conversation and read facial cues, phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier on the day, live chat provides quick check-ins, and text-based messaging allows ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments while still working collaboratively with a registered or accredited professional.