Rachel is an intern in counseling pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary. She received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She has a passion for helping others and focuses on creating a collaborative and accepting environment that supports authentic self-expression and growth.
Clinical Focus Areas and Counseling Approach
Rachel provides in-person and online counseling at Free Spirit for individuals ages 10 and up, along with couples and families. She works with clients seeking support for a plethora of concerns including life transitions, military life, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, relationship challenges, self-esteem, eating disorders, and postpartum mental health. She emphasizes a humanistic and person-centered approach to counseling, while also incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and elements of existential theory. She recognizes that each client is unique and works to tailor therapeutic interventions to meet each client’s specific needs.
Professional Philosophy
In Rachel’s words: “My work is guided by my belief that everyone has the strengths they need to lead a joyful and meaningful life, and that counseling is one of the greatest tools we can use to help us find that joy and meaning. I believe that the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship between counselor and client, and I strive to create and empathetic and nonjudgmental space for each of my clients to express themselves. I also believe that it is my role as a counselor to remain authentic, honest, and direct to help clients navigate their obstacles and move toward their goals. As your counselor, I feel humbled and honored to hear your story and walk alongside you in creating your most fulfilling life.”
Professional Experience
Rachel comes to Free Spirit with a variety of experience in the mental health field. In her initial field placement, she provided support for clients in remedial work following criminal charges at a local non-profit agency. She also volunteered at a community-based crisis center, providing acute mental health support on several hotlines including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Trevor line for LGBTQIA+ youth, and many more. In addition, she worked at a private practice in Maryland where she created therapeutic tools and website content, along with serving in an administrative role. Currently, she works as a graduate assistant in strategic planning and assessment for the Division of Student Affairs at William & Mary, which emphasizes values based living and holistic wellness that in turn enhances her work as a counselor.
Fun Facts About Rachel
- Rachel enjoys reading, baking, and traveling! Her favorite thing to do when traveling is to try local food with her family and friends.
- She loves to stay active and loves to play sports. Her favorite sport is field hockey, which she played through college.
- Her favorite colors are baby blue, light pink, and navy blue.
- Her favorite musical artists are Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, and Billy Joel.
- The background you see in Rachel’s photo is from “The Shore” here at Free Spirit.
To schedule an appointment with Rachel, contact her directly at: rachel9@freespiritonline.org or 757-656-1126.
Rachel works directly under the supervision of Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin; 757-204-1866 and jill@freespiritonline.org.