Rachel Dickenson, MA

By reflecting on what you have been through, together, we can find the best way forward.

Hello, I'm Rachel, an associate therapist here at Counselling & Co. I look forward to meeting you to learn about your unique life experiences and what brings you into counselling. Outside of the office, I am the youngest of five siblings. I understand the struggle to feel heard and to find one’s voice when navigating ever-changing family dynamics and strong personalities. I am incredibly passionate about supporting people who are looking to learn more about themselves, find their inner strengths, and their authentic voice, who want to figure out their relationships with the people they love.

Being a part of a blended family and having worked in the family law space for many years, a large part of my practice focuses on supporting clients through the discernment process or those who have already made the decision and are going through separation or divorce. These big life changes can be hard, even harder if you go through them alone. I support clients as they navigate the difficult transition of a marriage ending. I am here to support you in your grief, honour your losses, explore who you are now, embrace new roles, and find meaning in your experiences. This hopefully leads us to create new rituals for the life you want to live moving forward.     

In addition, I hold a special interest in supporting clients and their families navigating substance use or a mental health diagnosis. I understand that the road to receiving a new diagnosis can be exhausting and scary. I welcome the chance to help you navigate feelings of anxiety or depression, and how to carefully respond to shifts in mood. With the utmost care, compassion and empathy, I am here to meet you in a way that cultivates trust, and safety by empowering you to effectively care for yourself or someone you love struggling with addiction or their mental health.

Why Work With Me

Who you are and what you have experienced in this lifetime is important to me. I believe that being here in counselling can change your life. I bring a thoughtful, caring presence to the therapeutic process and sometimes a little humour too. I will always see the inherent good and worth in you and will likely compliment you somewhere along the way, it’s just who I am. In our work together you can expect me to always show up in a non-judging, objective, and grounded way, as we explore some of the following:

• How discern, navigate and cope through separation or divorce

• Managing a new mental health diagnosis

• How to live with bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety

• How to recognize and cope with overthinking

• Managing heightened anxiety around your triggers

• How to respond to challenging family or friendship dynamics

• Ways to advocate for your needs relating to work, school, or relationships

• Ways to improve your family dynamic

• Dealing with life transitions and major change

• Living with someone who struggles with alcohol or substance abuse

• Future planning and goal setting

• How to integrate physical activity and exercise into your routine

• Creating a higher sense of self-worth

• How to feel excited about your life if you feel disinterested in things that used to bring you joy

Professional Background

• Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology – Yorkville University

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), English Literature and Political Studies – Queen’s University

Things I Bet You Didn't Know About Me

• Fitness is a huge part of my life. Some of my favourite moments happen in a spin class, on my yoga mat, on a long walk, or during Pilates.

• I am known as the family baker. I love to bake anything from cookies to cakes and sharing my baking with others is so special to me.

• I love to coach kids and adults how to swim and learn about water safety.

• I work part-time at a family law office as an accounting and administrative clerk.