Dr Rachel Bristow - Clinical Psychologist

Hello and welcome to Peaceful mind psychology Kent.  Psychological therapy can be used for the treatment and/or management of distress and difficulties (including trauma, PTSD, abuse, bullying, low self esteem,  eating problems, relationship problems, stress, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoid thoughts, phobias,  OCD, depression, postnatal depression, perinatal OCD, birth trauma, psychosis, hearing voices, bipolar disorder, diagnosis of personality disorder, self harm, suicidal thoughts). Sessions may also be helpful for people who want to build confidence, feel 'stuck', or would like support in coming to terms with difficult life events, or people who would like help in achieving life goals or support to change unfulfilling aspects of their lives.

I am a Clinical Psychologist  primarily based in Folkestone but working across Kent where required. I am proud to offer a down to earth and supportive service, tailored to each person's needs, values and preferences. I have experience in working with people who are new to psychological therapy and those who have previously tried counselling and psychological therapy but continue to struggle with their difficulties. I work with adults  who are experiencing mild through to severe levels of distress. In all my work, I endeavor to provide a safe, accessible, approachable, caring, trustworthy, supportive, empowering and effective service.

As a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist, I can offer a range of psychological therapies (including CBT, EMDR, ACT, Mindfulness, Integrative therapy) and will draw from different approaches where appropriate to suit your needs. We will work together to explore and understand your difficulties, values and goals and plan a treatment to support you in living a full, rich and meaningful life.

Before setting up in independent practice, I worked in NHS adult mental health for many years. I am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and registered with the BPS, Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). I hold professional indemnity insurance and have had an Enhanced DBS check. I am highly experienced and competent in providing psychological therapy and use a range of approaches (e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT;  Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR; supportive counselling; ''third wave' approaches such as metacognitive approaches, mindfulness, ACT; integrative therapies). I have a particular interest in theories and models of therapy that can help with longer term traumatic experiences and can work in a way informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy IFS, emotionally focused therapy EFT, and somatic approaches. I am an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. I am also an experienced clinical supervisor offering clinical supervision and support to other therapists and health professionals involved in adult mental health who may be using CBT, EMDR, integrative therapy or other approaches.

Feel free to look around the website for more details about clinical psychology and different types of psychological therapy (particularly CBT, Third wave therapies and EMDR); more details about what to expect from sessions with me; or perhaps just the free resources and links section to find out more about self help, free support helplines and groups. If you would like to find out more about psychological therapy then feel free to get in touch. I offer a free initial brief telephone or email consultation to find out whether I am the right therapist or supervisor for you. You can also find out about fees and current availability here.

        Dr Rachel Bristow   CPsychol, DClinPsy, AFBPsS, BSc (Hons.)