About Me

My Journey

From a childhood shaped by community and connection, to finding my calling in trauma therapy.

My interest in working with people and the honest, often messy parts of life, started in childhood. I grew up watching my dad lead a church full of people from all walks of life, and I learned about grief, love, trauma, and everything in between just by being around that community. That upbringing sparked a desire to understand people deeply and make a real difference in their lives.

It took me a long and winding journey to find the right path. I spent years working in retail and hospitality, experiencing plenty of life along the way — my own traumas, heartbreaks, and dysregulations included. After a particularly painful breakup, I decided to start therapy myself, and that's when everything clicked. For the first time, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Not long after, I enrolled on the closest counselling course I could find and four years later in 2022, I graduated with my diploma and opened the private practice I now run full-time. Since then, my work has continued to grow in ways I couldn't have imagined — extending through social media, my podcast Rachel & Co, and my upcoming book The Core Journey.

"I try my best to practice what I preach, but I'm human like everyone else. Sometimes old patterns show up or overwhelm creeps in, and that's okay — I do my best to meet those moments with compassion and give myself the space I need."

Outside of work, I share life with my dog, Luna (who you might occasionally hear in the background of online sessions). I love being in nature, spending time with friends and family, and my faith plays a deeply grounding role in my life. Music is also a huge part of my self-care — concerts and festivals are where I recharge and reconnect with joy.

Rachel Shaw
dogs running on beach Rachel Shaw
Rachel Shaw

Want to work together?

If my approach resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to book a free introductory call.