The Therapy Quarters are really pleased to introduce you to two new members of our team, Debbi and Rachel, who will be working with children and young people needing support with issues such as anxiety, depression, identity, neurodivergence, and trauma.

We’ve taken this opportunity to ask them a few questions so you can get to know them. If there is anything else you would like to ask, then please feel free to email Jaye: referrals@thetherapyquarters.co.uk and she’ll happily pose them and post an updated blog post.

We hope that this helps you to feel more connected to Debbi and Rachel and ease any potential anxieties you, or your children have, in accessing support.

What made you decide to become a therapist?

 Debbi – I’ve been involved in helping people through nursing over the past 23 years. This has been in learning disability and adult mental health services. I was drawn to specialise as a psychological therapist because of wanting to understand more and be able to help young adults through emotional difficulties in their lives.

Rachel – I wanted to work in this field for a long time. I worked in supportive roles for years but didn’t feel confident to train in counselling. I accessed my own counselling, but this didn’t change things until a terrible and life-changing period in my life. In time, and with the help of talented therapists, I managed to dig deep enough to recover and nurture my true self. So I decided to go for it!  

What can people expect when they come to see you?

Debbi – A safe space where people feel comfortable sharing their personal thoughts and feelings. A place you can feel accepted and valued.

 Rachel – unconditional acceptance, warmth, and equality. I may relate differently to children and young people compared to how I present to adults, but I tend to adapt to the situation as appropriate, for your benefit. My first priority is that you feel safe and comfortable working with me.

What five words best describe you?

 Debbi – Honest, dependable, trustworthy, caring, and vivacious!

Rachel –  Unassuming, authentic, supportive, curious, and creative

What is the first symptom you notice when you feel sad?

 Debbi – Pain inside, a hole in my tummy

Rachel – I usually feel a physical symptom first, so if I’m sad, it would be a heaviness in my body

 What is one item you can’t live without?

 Debbi – Books!

Rachel – I know it sounds bad, but my phone – it really is my personal assistant. Apart from the obvious social reasons, it also helps me to manage my neurodivergence and function like your average adult!

Just a reminder that we don’t operate a waiting list; if we don’t have the capacity to work with you, or your family member, we will signpost you to other organisations who may be of help. We recognise the importance of getting support at the point you need it rather than waiting for months once you have made the brave choice to ask for help.

You can find out some more about our therapists and the support they offer by visiting our website: https://thetherapyquarters.com/therapist-profiles/