RACHEL THOMAS
I am a child, adolescent and family psychodynamic psychotherapist, offering a safe and confidential space in which children, adolescents and young adults can explore and process difficult feelings and gain understanding of themselves and the world around them.
What I can help with
anxiety
bereavement
children in care
eating difficulties
identity issues
parental separation/divorce
low mood/depression
neuroatypicality (e.g. ASC/ADHD)
self-esteem
sleep
social isolation
trauma
Type of therapy
psychodynamic psychotherapy
Helping
children, adolescents, young adults up to 25 years old, and parents/carers
About me
I have worked with children and young people for over 28 years as a primary school teacher, a creative arts facilitator, a family support worker and, for the last 4 years, psychotherapist.
My long experience as a teacher and arts facilitator gave me first-hand experience of the struggles children have when leaving the home environment and embarking on the social, emotional and educational challenges of school. My relationships with those children, my wish to support the whole child, and the many conversations I had with parents, led to my decision to move into training as a psychotherapist.
What I offer
I am a child, adolescent and family psychodynamic psychotherapist, qualified to work with clients from infancy up to 25 years old. I offer a safe confidential space in which children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with their mental health and well-being can explore and process difficult feelings and gain understanding of themselves and the world around them. They might use play, creative arts or talking to do this, with me alongside them, listening carefully and helping them towards integrating difficult experiences or feelings in order to feel more in tune with themselves and those around them.
My NHS accredited training has also equipped me with knowledge of systemic, mindfulness and CBT approaches, which are particularly helpful when working with parents or carers. This work gives the adults who care for the child or young person an opportunity to explore the role they can have in their child’s journey to well-being and good mental health.
Contact me
Rachel Thomas
Please note that this contact form will go direct to Rachel, but a copy also to Stroud Therapists. Therefore, if you wish to share any sensitive information, please do so after this initial contact.
Contact Me
Professional accreditation & qualification
Member of the British Psychological Council as a Child and Family Psychotherapist (Registration No. 25857)
Member of the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists
MA Psychological Therapies with Children, Young people and Families
PG Cert. Child, adolescent & family well-being: Multidisciplinary Practice
Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
BA (Hons) Philosophy
Current enhanced DBS certificate
Current DSL Safeguarding training
