Would you care to introduce yourself?
Hey, I’m Rae, one of the student counsellors at the Empathy Project. I studied Counselling and
Psychotherapy at Plymouth Marjon University and volunteered at Plymouth Marjon’s
Counselling Clinic, Devon Mind and Improving Lives Plymouth.
In my previous placements, I gained valuable experience working with a diverse range of
clients. As I continue to develop my experience during my placement with the Empathy Project,
I would like to offer clients the room to work through the things that matter to them in their own
time, without the pressure of a predetermined endpoint. This approach allows us to focus on the
client’s journey and prioritise what truly feels meaningful to them.
Why or what made you want to be a counsellor?
I was first introduced to counselling when I decided to seek mental health support, and like
many others, I was offered short-term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). My experience
provided me helpful tools but I wanted a better understanding of my mind and explore other
therapies.
As I learnt more about counselling, I found that it allows me to align my work with my
values while offering meaningful support to those navigating life's challenges. I find the process
of connecting with clients deeply fulfilling, and I genuinely treasure the trust that builds within the
therapeutic relationship.
What made you want to work with The Empathy Project?
I was keen to work with an organisation with person-centred values at the heart of it, as this
reflects my personal philosophy of practice. The Empathy Project also operate as a small tight-
knit team which appealed to me, especially as I came from a background of working in large
organisations which often take a more impersonal approach. I thoroughly enjoy working
alongside the team and feel confident offering my thoughts and ideas knowing that I will be
heard and carefully considered.
What is your approach to counselling? How would you describe it?
My approach to counselling is rooted in my belief in the self-actualising tendency - the idea that
everyone has an innate drive toward personal growth and fulfilment. As a therapist, I believe my
role is to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore
their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection.
I see the therapeutic relationship as central to the healing process. By being fully present and
attuned to my clients, I strive to build a genuine connection that fosters trust and growth. I also
appreciate that everyone’s perspective is unique and shaped by their personal experiences and
cultural contexts. This pluralistic view informs my practice, allowing me to integrate tools and
techniques from other modalities, such as Gestalt and cognitive-behavioural therapies, when
they align with the client’s needs.
Ultimately, I believe therapy is a collaborative, relational process, not just the application of
techniques. My goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom, embrace their
authentic selves, and move toward meaningful change at their own pace.
What has shaped your therapeutic practice the most?
What has shaped my therapeutic practice the most is a combination of personal experiences
and the profound insights I’ve gained from others. My journey through loss, rejection, and the
challenge of quieting my inner critic has taught me the importance of self-compassion and the
power of growth. These experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, helping
me to connect authentically with clients.
I am continually inspired by the resilience I see in others - their courage to face adversity and
their capacity to create meaningful change in their lives. Witnessing these moments of
transformation has reinforced my belief in the human potential for growth and healing, even in
the most difficult circumstances.
Each client teaches me something new, and I remain in awe of the strength and creativity
people show in navigating life’s challenges. This ongoing process of learning and being inspired
by others continues to shape my practice, keeping it grounded in hope and the belief in our
shared capacity for change.
What does successful therapy look like?
This is a tough one to answer as successful therapy will look completely different for each client
as individuals come to therapy with their own goals, needs, and circumstances. For some,
success might mean finding relief from distressing feelings, while for others, it could involve
gaining deeper self-awareness, building healthier relationships, or making meaningful life
changes.
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At its core, I believe successful therapy is when clients feel more connected to themselves and
empowered to navigate their challenges. Success might be as subtle as a client realizing they
are being kinder to themselves or as profound as a major shift in perspective or behaviour.
Ultimately, I measure success by the client’s sense of progress, no matter how big or small, and
their ability to move closer to the life they want to live.
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but when a client feels heard, understood, and
supported in their journey, I would say that is a meaningful marker of success.