Vancouver, BC  ·  Pre-registered Counsellor (RCC / CCC pending)

Counselling that meets you where you actually are.

I work with people navigating a shifting sense of identity: moving countries, learning to live in your body, processing childhood trauma, and the big emotions that come with all of it.

About

A bit about how I work

Rachael Cruickshanks

I've spent the last ten years working in mental health and healthcare, starting in the UK's NHS and major charities before retraining as a counsellor at Adler University. I have a passion for being with people through the toughest moments in life. When others look away, I sit shoulder to shoulder with my clients, and we slow things down together.

I approach therapy from an emotion-focused, trauma-informed, somatic angle. I want clients to leave each session feeling something: less afraid of their emotional responses, and more attuned to the needs underneath them. I also offer EMDR to support trauma reprocessing.

Anxiety Life transitions Grief Body image Trauma
Locations

Where you'll find me

I currently hold sessions at two practices in Vancouver. Both are open to new clients.

Primary location

Vancouver Therapy Collective

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays · Kitsilano / Fairview

I see clients online and in person, starting with a free 20-minute consultation call to explore what you'd like to work on and answer any questions you have.

Book at VTC
Also at

Layers Counselling and Wellness

Wednesdays · Mount Pleasant

I see clients at Layers Counselling and Wellness one day a week, online or in person, with limited availability.

Book at Layers Counselling and Wellness →
Speaking

Talks & workshops

I love getting out and meeting people. I've spoken at wellness brunches, corporate events and charity fundraisers on topics like learning to listen to the cues your body sends you, and reclaiming self-care as something you live day to day rather than earn or buy. I host workshops designed so people leave feeling something in their body and carrying a practical tool they can use.

Rachael Cruickshanks speaking at an event
For organizers: speaker bio

Rachael Cruickshanks is a pre-registered counsellor who is passionate about helping people understand themselves better and build lives that actually feel like their own. Her background spans mental health, digital healthcare, charities and palliative care. Rachael brings a practical, evidence-informed perspective to conversations about relationships, boundaries and the patterns that shape our lives. She believes we often have more insight and strength than we give ourselves credit for, and that the first step is simply learning to listen to ourselves.

Get in touch about speaking →