Meet Rachel
Welcome.
My name is Rachel Thomson. I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor and Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My approach is holistic and relational, informed by person-centred and trauma-aware principles.
I believe in a holistic approach to healing that nurtures and gives voice to the mind, body, and spirit. I strive to create a compassionate, safe and supportive environment where you can explore your health and well-being with confidence.
My core theoretical approach is Integrative. The Connections Model I am trained to use integrates concepts drawn from four different theoretical approaches, creating a solid conceptual framework, enabling me to tailor the most effective approach to meet each persons presenting needs.
My Professional Background:
I have many years previous experience working in a variety of employment roles. I have worked in health and residential care as a nursing auxiliary. My experience of working as a nursing auxiliary helped me to realise my capacity to care for others in an empathic and professional manner, able to build a therapeutic relationship with individuals whilst promoting health and wellbeing.
My experience of working as police constable helped me to gain interest and understanding of the complexity of issues associated with drug and alcohol use, physical and psychological health, and social functioning.
My interest in social issues, combined with my curious and compassionate nature led me to pursue a career as a counsellor and practitioner in substance use, supporting people into treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. I have worked on a multi agency team supporting people with complex needs, helping to provide housing, information, signposting and general social support.
My most recent counselling placement was in a primary care NHS setting, supported clients with anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress, addictions, relationship difficulties, life stage changes, bereavement and loss.
My Qualifications Include:
*Counselling & Psychotherapy - (CPCAB) Certificate in Counselling L4 Diploma.
*Access to Higher Education Diploma. [Practitioner in Substance Misuse ]
*A Practitioners Guide to Working with Psychological Trauma.
*Group Work Therapy Training.
My Purpose and Passion:
I am very fortunate to live near The Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
Dartmoor is a special place, with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and a rich history.
I am passionate about creating accessible therapeutic spaces where others can feel supported on their health and wellbeing journey, giving voice to body, mind and soul.
Orientation to our natural environment helps us to attune to our senses and the parasympathetic state of the nervous system, our true and natural state of being, helping us to return to the present moment and build capacity for connection, regulation and relaxation.
My trauma informed approach weaves together my passion for nervous system education and health, whilst promoting the benefits of working therapeutically within a natural setting.
Loving the outdoors and appreciating its benefits to nervous system health and wellbeing has inspired me to combine my passion for nature and trauma informed therapeutic practice into a purpose.
I understand first-hand the challenges of living with the impact of trauma, chronic pain and fatigue, reduced mobility and the barriers to overcoming extreme adversity having recently experienced a stroke.
An Overview of the Services and Practitioners That Support my Pain management and Stroke Recovery Journey:
The Stroke Association helped me to understand what has happened to me and provided useful information and support to find further help.
The Optimum Health Clinic ( OHC) was the first integrative programme that I engaged in which takes a holistic view and trauma informed approach to healing, which necessarily involves the mind, body and emotions.
I have also attended The NHS Pain Management Programme (PMP) which is a group treatment which uses education and practice sessions to help people with persistent pain get life back on track. Even though there is not a cure for the symptoms that I experience . It aims to help people manage pain and every day activities better. The OHC and the PMP take a holistic and integrative, body, mind approach and understanding of the role of the nervous system and maladaptive stress response in pain and fatigue related conditions . Each programme is led by physiotherapists, nurses and psychologists.
Both programmes Include interactive discussions, nervous system education and resources, understanding the impact of stress on our bodies and help to identify and respond to different stages of recovery. Each programme invites active participation in identifying values and goal setting, establishing and maintain boundaries to protect your wellbeing, and sharing knowledge and resources about the benefits of gentle mindful movement and meditation for our nervous system health and wellbeing.
Reflecting on my own healing journey has helped me to identify the tools, resources and practices that have helped to alleviate my pain, suffering, isolation and confusion, helping me to acknowledge my progress and recognise the benefits of continuing to access and integrate specific types of trauma informed and self empowering therapeutic support into my daily life.
It is my hope that sharing the wisdom and insights gained from my own experiences, that you will feel less isolated, confused and alone in your suffering.
I hope that my health journey offers you something that you can resonate with as a source of inspiration, providing a felt sense of being seen, supported and acknowledged on your path.
I truly advocate for support services and trauma informed practitioners who’s intention it is to return and maintain the locus of evaluation to the person seeking guidance, re directing them towards their own innate source of love, support, compassion and potential for healing first and foremost, sharing information and resources that help to develop understanding of trauma, chronic pain and fatigue related conditions and its impact.
Nature connection, therapeutic support and mediative mindful practices have and continue to play a vital role on my own recovery journey.
My pain management and stroke recovery journey takes a holistic approach to healing which involves Gentle Walks In Nature, Reflexology, Massage and Tai Chi.
Practitioners That Support My Recovery and Highly Recommend:
Meet Clare Williams
Reflexology sits at the heart of Clares practice, offering calming, restorative support for the nervous system, hormone balance and overall well-being. Clare also works with babies and children, supporting common concerns such as sleep, digestion and emotional well-being.
Alongside this, Clares holistic coaching provides space to build self-awareness, reconnect with what you need and create supportive habits that fit real life.
Clare offers reflexology services in Tavistock and across West Devon, with coaching available both in person and online - making support accessible wherever you are.
For Further Information Contact Clare: ahmiareflexology.co.uk
Meet Sarah Haigh
Sarah is a Holistic Massage Therapist who works intuitively with the body and combines massage techniques from various styles of massage, including Deep Tissue, Swedish, Myofascial Release and Manual Lymphatic Drainage to create a bespoke treatment plan that enables the client to feel relaxed and helps to ease pain and tension held within the body and mind.
Sarah offers treatments at The Wellbeing Centre in Liskeard, Cornwall and also in the comfort of your own home.
For Further Information Contact Sarah: Info@wellbeingcentre.org.uk
Meet Adam Benjamin
Adam is a senior instructor with Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, he teaches with humour and attention to individual needs, beginners classes are open to everyone regardless of age or experience.
Tai Chi promotes well-being and stability through gentle, flowing, yet powerful movement and helps develop an inner sense of strength and tranquility. In the class there is an emphasis on breath and postural alignment. Classes include solo practice and partner exercises - always optional for those in need of maintaining personal space.
Adams classes are held in Tavistock and Calstock.
For Further Information Contact: www.adambenjamin.co.uk
If you would like to find out more about my counselling approach in general please click here:
Please note that I am not able to offer 1-2-1 counselling sessions at present due to my health condition and limited energy.
I do however feel called to invite people who may resonate with my work and my ongoing healing journey, to join me and my colleague Clare on our 'fortnightly 1 hour accessible path wellbeing walks' and our 'online fortnightly 1 hour support group sessions'
Please see below for details of our Wellbeing Walks and Online Community Support Group.
Why Choose Our Wellbeing Walks ?
Wellbeing Collaborations:
Meet Clare Williams, the founder of ''Ahmia, Reflexology- Coaching- Wellbeing'.
Reflexology sits at the heart of Clare’s practice, offering calming, restorative support for the nervous system and overall well-being.
Clare's work is rooted in whole-person wellbeing, gently supporting the body, mind and emotions together so change feels manageable, grounded and sustainable.
Clare and I share a combined passion for nervous system health and wellbeing which has inspired us to create gentle, guided accessible walks offering a calm way for people to reconnect with nature, their bodies, and their breath - without pressure, performance or overwhelm.
Wellbeing Walks:
Whether you're living with chronic illness, navigating hormonal change, recovering from burnout or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, these sessions offer a calm, accessible way to gently rebuild trust in your body and nervous system.
The Outdoor Wellness Walks are specifically designed for people living with limited mobility, chronic pain and illness, and those who may be recovering from overwhelm, stress and burnout.
Gentle, grounding and designed for people who love sharing the beauty of the surrounding countryside, nature and wildlife connection within the safety of a compassionate and supportive group. There’s no pressure to talk, join in every practice, or keep up with the group. Your comfort and honouring your body and mind's capacity and pace comes first.
Each walk weaves together mindful, slow-paced movement, simple breathing techniques, seasonal awareness, nervous system support and gentle social connection (always optional) There's no 'keeping up', no expectation to share and no need to push through. You're welcome exactly as you are.
The Intention For Our Walks:
Our wellbeing walks are an invitation to pause, slow down and reconnect with the present moment. We encourage gentle conversation and connection, but what we ask everyone is to be mindful of what they bring into the space. This isn't a group therapy session or a place for heavy offloading. Instead we aim to create a calm and supportive environment where everyone can step away from the demands of their daily life.
We will be offering the opportunity to join us for a gentle mindful practice to facilitate presence with your body and the present moment. No expectations just an invitation to join in.
As we walk, we invite you to notice your surroundings, tune into your senses and become aware of what's happening in your body and mind. Listen to the birdsong, feel the breeze, notice the colours of the landscape beneath your feet. This is an opportunity to come back to yourself.
Think of these walks as a sacred pause, a chance to be present, grounded and restored.
If anything arises during the walk that you would like additional support with, we offer separate online wellbeing support sessions and would be happy to chat with you afterwards or via our website to explore the options that best suit your needs.
Our Approach
These walks are grounded in holistic health, nervous system awareness and respect for the body's natural rhythms.
We believe that healing happens through listening - not forcing.
Everything is offered with:
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accessibility and inclusion
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emotional safety
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low stimulation
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gentle pacing
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person-centred support
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a holistic body-mind approach
Rest, pauses and adaptations are always encouraged.
Our Walks Take Place on the First and Third Monday Each Month
To make these walks as inclusive as possible, we offer two routes:
The Accessible Path Walk:
A fully paved, predictable route with frequent rest opportunities. Suitable for low stamina, chronic illness, mobility concerns and post-illness recovery.
The Moorland Ease Walk:
A gentle moorland path offering deeper sensory connection with nature, while still moving at a slow, supported pace. Both walks follow the same calm structure and are facilitated with care, flexibility and compassion and are within 30 minutes drive of Tavistock and Plymouth, Devon.
Practical Details:
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Frequency: 2 walks monthly, on the first and third Monday of each month
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Duration: approx. 60 minutes
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Group Size: small & supportive
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Location: local nature spaces in and around Tavistock, West Devon
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Booking: advance booking required
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Suitable for: chronic illness, menopause support, stress recovery,
burnout, illness recovery, gentle self-care
Pricing:
Pay Per Walk - £15 per session
Monthly Pass - £25 for two walks
Booking Your Gentle Outdoor Wellness Walks:
These sessions are designed to support your well-being in a calm, compassionate way.
After booking, you'll receive full details about the route, terrain, facilities and meeting point so you can be confident that you have chosen the option that feels right for your body.
You'll also receive a consultation form for you to complete so that we can be sure that we can offer you the best support for your needs.
If you are unsure which walk is best for you, you're always welcome to get in touch for guidance.
Please click here to book or find out more about our wellbeing walks
Welcome to 'Connection' for Online Community Support
Connection is an invitation to come together. Just as trees in a woodland share resources through unseen networks beneath the soil, humans are wired for connection too. We thrive when we feel supported, understood and part of something larger than ourselves. In a world that can often feel busy, isolating and overwhelming, Connection offers a gentle space to slow down, share experiences, learn from one another and remember that we don’t have to carry everything on our own. Here, there is no pressure to have all the answers—only an opportunity to connect, reflect and grow alongside others.
Who Is It For ?
Our online community is suitable if you are restricted by mobility or health problems, or have difficulties with transport. Our online community enables you to connect with us from the comfort of your own home or chosen environment.
Whether you're living with chronic illness, navigating hormonal change, recovering from burnout or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, life and others. These sessions offer a calm, accessible way to gently connect with community, discussion, learning and peer support.
What We Offer
How it works:
Step 1: Join our Weekly Support Session
A friendly online group where you’ll learn practical tools, gain a better understanding of your symptoms and connect with others in a supportive environment.
Step 2: Explore Specialist Sessions
If you’d like to go deeper, you can choose from a range of focused workshops and small-group sessions, covering topics such as pain management, nervous system support, fatigue, sleep, pacing and emotional wellbeing.
Connections Membership:
£24.99 per month
Includes:
🌿 Weekly live support session - your regular space for guidance, learning and connection
🌿 Monthly Q&A
🌿 Community
🌿 Resources
Specialist Workshops:
£20 per workshop
Our Specialist Workshops provide a deeper understanding of key topics that can influence pain, wellbeing and recovery.
Each workshop focuses on one area, offering practical tools, the latest understanding and plenty of opportunity to ask questions in a supportive environment.
Ideal if you’re looking to develop your knowledge, learn new strategies and take an active role in managing your health.
We couldn't find what you're looking for
Seems like there’s no services to book yet, please contact us for more information.
Participant Agreement
Connection was inspired and created to provide a safe supportive space where people can connect with themselves, with others and with the things that help them thrive.
It's built on kindness, curiosity and connection, where nobody has to navigate life’s challenges alone.
To help create a positive experience for everyone, we ask all participants to agree to the following:
Our Shared Values:
We aim to create a space that is:
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Kind and welcoming
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Respectful and non-judgemental
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Supportive and inclusive
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Built on trust and mutual respect
Confidentiality
We recognise that participants may choose to share personal experiences during discussions and meetings.
We ask all members to respect the privacy of others and not share personal information, stories or discussions outside of the group without permission.
While every participant is expected to maintain confidentiality, we cannot guarantee that all information shared within the group will remain private.
Respectful Participation
All participants agree to:
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Treat others with kindness and respect.
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Listen without judgement.
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Respect differing opinions and experiences.
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Avoid discriminatory, abusive or harassing behaviour.
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Be mindful that everyone’s circumstances and experiences are different.
The Nature of Connection
Connection provides opportunities for community, discussion, learning and peer support.
Connection is not counselling, psychotherapy, medical treatment or crisis support. Participation does not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship.
Participants remain responsible for their own health, wellbeing and healthcare decisions and should seek appropriate professional support where required.
Wellbeing and Safety
If you are experiencing significant distress, a mental health crisis or require urgent support, please contact your GP, NHS 111, emergency services or another appropriate support service.
Online Meetings
To help create a safe and welcoming environment, participants are asked to:
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Join meetings respectfully and considerately.
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Allow others the opportunity to speak.
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Respect the privacy of fellow participants.
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Refrain from recording meetings unless explicit permission has been given by all participants.
Community Calls
How does it work?
-8pm to 9pm, weekly on Mondays.
-You'll get reminders by email and an 'Add to Calendar' link.
-Calls take place on Zoom.
-You can leave your camera off, if you prefer.
-You can just listen, if you prefer.
-We start in the main room, and may break into smaller groups if there are many people.
-You can leave a group and return to the main room, if you prefer.
-Video calls are for members only.
(Please note that If our connection should fail when working online, we will contact you on the number you have provided to try to re-establish a connection, unless you have requested otherwise).
Contact Information
Email Address
Location
The Dartmoor National Park in Devon.UK