Rachel Purvis

I am currently taking referrals.

I am a registered Psychodynamic Psychotherapist/Counsellor, able to offer counselling and therapy to adults and older adolescents.

I work with people from all walks of life who are struggling with psychological or emotional difficulties, however they manifest:   relationship problems, identity, work, family, having an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, food or drugs perhaps with general feelings of sadness, anxiety or loss.

Many of us encounter problems at during our lives, and it can be very helpful to talk to a therapist in a safe and confidential environment about your thoughts, your feelings and any specific conflicts or issues you are facing.

I mainly offer open-ended treatment but do have some availability for more time-limited work.

Psychodyanamic psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy for people who have a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, somatic illness, or obsessional behaviours. Some people seek help for more general problems such as feeling unable to form stable relationships, difficulties in concentrating, dissatisfaction at work or at home and personality difficulties. 

We will meet on a weekly basis and talk about whatever is going through your mind. This unstructured approach, which may feel unusual at first, helps you to become aware of patterns and connections in what you say or do. 

I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to do this.  We will work together, looking deeper into your problems and worries with the aim of bringing to the surface underlying issues and causes.  These are often from the past, but continue to impact in the present. It is from identifying and thinking about these patterns and connections that you are likely to find some relief from your symptoms.

Your therapy will enable you to think about what helps you, what doesn’t, what changes you might want to make in your life. It can also help you to come to terms with what can’t be changed.

Sessions last 50 minutes and are held at a regular time each week. 

I offer an initial 15 minute call, for which there is no charge.  During this call we will discuss what has led you to seek therapy.

Following this, you will usually be offered an initial session.  Occasionally I may suggest a referral to a different Psychotherapist.

This will be held in my consulting room in Bedford town centre.   We will talk in more depth about the issues and symptoms that you are experiencing, and also about your life and history.

This initial session will be approximately 90 minutes long.

Following this, a regular 50 minute session at a mutually convenient time can be arranged.