Rachel Pennington

I offer face to face, online, and telephone appointments.

I work Monday to Friday, with some evening appointments available on Mondays and Thursdays only. Please contact me to discuss availability. 

If you send me a message after 2pm on a Friday I may not respond until Monday, as I am not always available at weekends.

Hi, I'm Rachel and I work as a person-centred counsellor based in Appleton Village, Widnes. 

I am a registered member of the BACP and follow their Ethical Framework. I am a very honest, patient, and kind person. Whatever issues or concerns you have, we can work through them together in a safe space, where you can be reassured of confidentiality. Hopefully you will quickly feel able to trust me and we will develop a strong working relationship where you will feel valued and know you've been heard. 

It's entirely up to you what you want to talk about and how far you want to go. I just travel the journey with you and support you on your way, encouraging you to connect with you feelings and really explore your emotions. As the initial jumble of thoughts begin to find some order and the big picture becomes clearer, you will start to feel more settled, more accepting of who you are, and have a better understanding of how you feel about past events and future plans.

I often hear people say things like 'I just want to be happy' or 'everything is my fault' or 'it'll never change so what's the point'. Well this is exactly why counselling is so amazing! Watching someone grow and develop, often learning to trust themselves or reawakening the person they used to be is wonderful to see, and I love being a part of that. 

I also fully understand that the hardest part is taking that first step. Sending that initial email or text message, or making that phone call, or even walking through the door for the first time. But I promise I will offer you my full support from your very first contact with me. No judgement. Just empathy, compassion, support - and plenty tissues!

My private practice is called New Start Therapy, and is based in Widnes. The building is very easy to access with plenty parking within the local area, as well as good public transport links. 

I also offer online sessions or telephone appointments. These have become increasingly more popular in recent years, as they can be more easily accommodated around working from home or a busy work-life balance.  

I offer an unlimited number of sessions, with a 6 weekly progress review. As long as we are both happy to continue, I will work with you for as long as you require the counselling. I also do not ask for any block bookings so you can end the sessions whenever you feel ready to do so, although I would recommend that we discuss this first.

I attend regular supervision to ensure that I continue to work safely and ethically, and also keep expanding and updating my knowledge with continued professional development.

I offer an initial free consultation, which can usually be carried out over the phone. This takes around 15-20 minutes and gives us an opportunity to 'meet' each other and discuss the counselling process, answer any questions that you have, and often address any initial concerns. There is then no obligation to book an appointment if you decide I'm not the counsellor for you.

At the start of your first counselling session we will spend some time going through a client/counsellor contract. This gives us the opportunity to both agree to the way we will work together, outlining details around confidentiality, safeguarding, and storage of personal data.

Once this official part is done we move straight on to whatever you want to talk about. Wherever you want to start your journey.