Rachel Gaskell

Hi, I’m Rach (she/they). Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge you in finding your way here. Taking those first steps can feel daunting, and trying to find a counsellor you connect with can feel scary.

On being human

At the heart of my counselling, I am a human being first, counsellor second. My own journey has shaped the way I listen and connect, giving me empathy and compassion. I’ve known nights that felt endless, edges that seemed impossible, and moments where the weight of it all felt too much. These experiences allow me to meet people with a depth of understanding that goes beyond words. Counselling with me isn’t about polished perfection, it’s about daring to be real in a world that asks us to hide. Together, we can sit with the raw, messy, and beautiful parts of being human, and find a way forward that feels true for you.

On being a counsellor

I am a qualified Person-Centred counsellor dedicated to supporting you on your unique journey. I believe each person is their own expert, and sometimes we simply need the right kind of support to explore what is happening for us.

My role isn’t to give answers or fix, but to offer a steady, compassionate space. My work is also shaped by training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), which deepens how I stay present with emotions as they arise. This allows us to notice together what unfolds, whether struggle, tenderness, or possibility, and to meet it with care.

On being part of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse community

As someone who is both LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse, I hold a deep commitment to working with people whose lives don’t fit neatly into society’s expectations. Living openly can take courage, vulnerability, and integrity, and this often comes with stress, fear, isolation, or exhaustion, sometimes intensifying the challenges we carry. I also recognise how working on ourselves can feel complicated when it clashes with the messages we’ve received from family, friends, or the wider world.

My practice is based in Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool. I am a registered counsellor with the Â鶹ԭ´´ (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), which means I adhere to their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. My practice is fully insured and strictly confidential. 

In our work together, I offer a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where all parts of you are welcome, without fear of judgment, discrimination, or assumption. My approach is queer-affirmative, neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed. I also value the power of creativity, through art, stories, or other forms of expression, as ways of exploring, healing, and making meaning.

Beginning counselling can feel like a big step. You may be feeling anxious, unsure of what to expect, or worried about whether you’ll be able to open up. That’s completely normal. My role is to make the process as gentle and supportive as possible, so you feel heard from the very beginning.

I offer a free 20-minute consultation which can be by phone, online, or even by email if that feels easier. It’s a chance to get a feel for how it is to talk with me, to ask any questions, and to see whether working together feels right for you.

If you decide to go ahead, I’ll send you some simple information to look over beforehand, including my counselling agreement and a short information form so that things feel clear and settled before we meet.

I can also send you a brief video of my location. From the front door of the building to my counselling room, so you know exactly what to expect.

Your counselling sessions with me are 50 minutes. The first time sitting with someone new can often feel awkward and strange, and I understand it can bring natural anxiety or uncertainty. That’s why we’ll take it gently. We’ll begin by going through the practicalities together, and then focus on starting to build a relationship. The foundation of counselling is trust, and our early work is about creating a space where you feel safe enough to begin sharing what’s going on for you, at your own pace.