rachel Kerr-Smith
Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)
BABCP (fully accredited): 161237
I am a UK based Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over 10 years experience working within the NHS. I also work in private practice with adults (over the age of 18).
As part of my ongoing training and professional development I have trained in various approaches to use alongside CBT, such as mindfulness skills, trauma focused CBT, Compassion Focused approaches (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I draw on and integrate these approaches within my work to ensure a holistic and individualised approach.
I am accredited by the Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy Association (BABCP) and I have experience working with the following difficulties:
Anxiety
Depression
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Low Self-Esteem
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias
Post-natal depression and anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Panic disorder/panic attacks
Social anxiety
Sleep problems
Stress (including work stress)
Therapy Models Rachel is experienced in:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness (MBCT)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Feedback about therapy with Rachel
“Rachel fully understands the esoterica and nuances of OCD, but this alone isn't necessarily enough. The key to the success of the treatment was - she got me. I never had to repeat or explain anything twice, which meant that we were always moving forward and building on previous work. She never asked me to do anything she wouldn't do herself and gently persuaded rather than pushed me to try things. By the end of the sessions, I'd made significant advances - ones I never believed were possible - and felt equipped with the necessary tools to keep nibbling away at my OCD.” Simon
“Making the first step to reach out for therapy is extremely daunting. I knew my OCD was ruling me, but I didn't know if therapy would help. I thought I would live in a world of my compulsions all my life and assumed it was part of me and part of my life. However, making the decision to have therapy with Rachel has been truly life-changing - refreshing and just given me such a positive outlook on life and even on my OCD. Rachel is truly fantastic, patient and has an innate ability to make you feel safe and secure and she is most importantly, non-judgemental.
Rachel was able to open my mind up to different techniques and we took time to practice them to find out which one would work for me. Rachel is very knowledgeable and takes time to understand you, your needs and concerns and will encourage you every step of the way. I enjoyed being able to laugh with her at times and cry too yet felt very at ease talking about at times very uncomfortable things.
To anyone who may be reading this I really wouldn't hesitate to make that first step, it takes a lot to do it but don't be scared you can absolutely live your life without your condition ruling/bullying you, as Rachel taught me, you are not your thoughts. I too didn't know what to expect and didn't know if I could ever change my compulsions but you absolutely can. I will be forever grateful to Rachel and to My therapist for helping me to achieve a daily life I have craved for a long time. You're the best :)” Sarah
“Finding Rachel online was made extremely easy by My Therapist Online. I was matched to several options and was able to choose the best therapist for me. The zoom meetings were easy to set up and the professionalism and care that Rachel offered was excellent. Being in my own environment made the sessions comfortable and it was useful to be able to access the sessions remotely.” Clemmie
“Rachel is patient, kind and supportive. Helped to grasp points of difficulty speaking which leads to the deeper roots of the issue which I couldn’t have unravelled myself. Really recommend if you want to get happy again. Just know the most important person is you.” Anonymous
“I found having Rachel for therapy hugely beneficial, I'd had therapy before but Rachel helped with other channels that I had not gone into before to help with my anxiety.” David