Rachel Cruz
Counsellor in Isleworth

I am an experienced Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Child Development Practitioner and Parenting Support Worker based in Isleworth, West London. I have worked many years in schools, counselling agencies and local authorities, including the London Borough of Hounslow.
I am also married with two children and have worked with a wide range of clients, age groups, cultures and issues.

Bus routes: 235, 237, 267 and E8
Nearest train stations: Syon Lane and Isleworth

Background & Counselling Qualifications

I have been a registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) since 2004 (registration number 133977). I use mainly Person-centred, Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic theoretical approaches. My work also includes art-therapy and narrative therapy with clients suffering from trauma or who find it hard to communicate.

Training and qualifications:

Certificate in Nursery Nursing, NNEB, 1987
Certificate in Counselling Skills, CPCAB, 2003
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies, CPCAB, 2004
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, CPCAB, 2006

Conferences, training courses and workshops that I have attended and completed in recent years:

- E.S.C.A.P.E (Parenting Adolescents Programme: A Problem-Solving Approach), Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA), London, 2007
- Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme for Problem Teenagers), Triple P International, London, 2009
- Forced Marriage, Hounslow Education Centre (HEC), London, 2009
- Domestic Violence - the impact on children and non-abusive parents, HEC, London, 2009
- CAF - Common Assessment Framework, Hounslow Borough Council, London, 2009
- Parental Substance Misuse, HEC, London, 2009
- Child Protection Refresher course, HEC, London, 2009
- Managing Stress, West Thames College, London, 2008
- Family Group Conferencing course, London Borough of Hounslow & Wandsworth Welcare, 2008
- Coping with Adult Abuse, West Middlesex Hospital, London, 2008
- Trauma, BACP, London, 2007
- Helping Youngsters Cope with Divorce, Loss and Grief, BACP, London, 2007
- Working with Parents in the Youth Justice System, TSA, London, 2007
- Children and Grief, CityLit College, London, 2006
- Counselling Skills for Social Workers and Post-Adoption, West Thames College, London, 2006
- Working with Sexuality and Difference, West Thames College, London, 2005
- Counselling Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, CityLit College, London, 2003
- Coping with Death and Illness, CityLit College, London, 2003

My Specialisms

Relationships, trauma and loss, anger, abuse, low self-esteem, behavioural problems, work problems, relaxation, anxiety and stress, bereavement, personal issues, post-natal depression, cross-cultural issues, depression, women's problems and parenting support.

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

Once you have contacted the Counselling Centre by phone, text or e-mail we will get back to you within 24 hours to confirm receipt of your message and arrange a convenient time for you to come for a free Introductory Session.

Why Counselling?

Sometimes a chat with a friend is not enough and we need some Professional Support from a Qualified Counsellor who specialises in emotional problems, struggles and traumas.
A Counsellor has at least four years of training and work experience before being able to practise as a Qualified Private Counsellor. Sometimes we need help from our G.P. too if we feel unable to cope and are desperate. Anxiety, panic attacks, depression and other more serious conditions can be managed well with mild medication and counselling combined. Relaxation techniques, healthy eating and exercise can also alleviate some of the emotional symptoms by releasing 'feel good' endorphins. We can discuss this at any point too.

Introductory Session

This session is a chance to introduce you to counselling, clarify expectations and explore what you would like to work on. It costs £30 only.
We will do a quick assessment to gather some background information to help us meet your needs and understand you as much as possible. This is all part of the Code of Good Practice advised by BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) which we adhere to. We will discuss how you are feeling now and you will have the opportunity to raise questions about the counselling. If you are happy to continue we can arrange your first session there and then. If you would like to think about it longer you are free to take away the information that will be given to you and contact us with your decision.

The Counselling Sessions

Sessions are normally once a week and last one hour. This time goes surprisingly quickly. The first few weeks are often used to gather information about you and your situation, past and present. This helps us understand and empathise with you. This also helps us decide which counselling approach might suit you best. Counselling sessions can continue for as long as you need them. This is the first step of your journey - congratulations.
Give yourself time and space on your counselling days as exploring feelings and emotions can be tiring. We will go at a pace that you are comfortable with and can stop at any time. This is a journey of discovery and can be challenging but also refreshing and it will help you in many ways.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	£45 per 60 minutes
Counselling	In Person	£45 per 60 minutes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy	In Person	£45 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

Counselling: Initial Assessment / Introduction - £40 Adults (19 and over) - £45 per 60-minute weekly session Couples - £55 per 60-minute weekly session Children (7-18) - £50 per 60-minute weekly session Family - £60 per 60-minute weekly session Group Therapy: £120 per 60-minute weekly session (cost shared by up to 6 people in a group, covering various topics) Parent Support: £50 per 60-minute weekly session Counselling and/or parenting support can continue for as long as you need it.