Each month, we will be talking to a member of staff and finding out a bit more about them and what their role is within the charity. This month we chat to Rachel who joined the team back in June 2022.
Name – Rachel
Job Title – Clinical Lead
What is involved in your role? –
My job role as Clinical Lead involves overseeing the referral service and co leading on the NSAS project providing information advice guidance signposting and support for those touched by suicide. As part of my role, I offer one-to-one and family counselling. I assist with the co-production of 6-weekly psychoeducational courses groups and workshops across Northamptonshire.
I have been working closely to develop relationships with schools and universities offering training one- to- one support and drop-in sessions for students and staff. I am involved with developing and supporting our counselling team along with on-going recruitment activities. I am currently involved with developing policies procedures and contractual requirements.
My role also includes attending meetings to raise awareness promoting the service across Northamptonshire along with monitoring managing and recording duties.
What is your background? –
Following a business degree at Sheffield Hallam I started out working in education delivering business management courses at Tresham College. I soon became involved in supporting students organising and facilitating workshops for students struggling academically as a result of mental and physical health. I found this particularly rewarding so from there I worked as a vocational support manager for Leicester college and Brooksby Melton College.
I went on from there to work for the Employment and Disability Service in Northamptonshire as an Employment and disability officer supporting clients with mental and physical health conditions back into work. Providing appropriate individually tailored training and support for people struggling with mental health issues. I was involved with assessing and recommending appropriate coping and in- work training strategies. It was here I was supported in studying for a degree in counselling and psychotherapy.
I started at Leicester University for two years studying the psychodynamic model then went on to study Integrative counselling and psychotherapy at Staffordshire University for 3 years until I graduated. During my training I worked as a trainee counsellor and health and wellbeing coach Kettering Mind.
During my training I also worked for the Priory Group in Melton Mowbray (medium secure unit for people with acquired brain injury) working as part of the Psychology team supporting patients with challenging behavior drug and alcohol addiction. Once I graduated, I worked as an EAP for health insurance companies and became an independent associate practitioner for a large counselling and psychotherapy practice in Leicester to build my clinical hours. It was here I decided to develop my private practice.
Whilst developing my private practice I started work for the Liverpool-based charity Amparo-listening-ear as Team leader for Coventry and Warwickshire supporting people bereaved by suicide.
This work was important to me due to my own personal experience of losing a loved one to suicide. It helped me to be a part of an organization that supported people at such a devastating time in their lives. It was here I came across WMKM.
What motivates you? – I am motivated by working as part of a passionate professional and friendly team. What motivates me most is when I see what a wonderful service we offer and how we help people who are at their most vulnerable to find hope and purpose!
What do you enjoy most about your role? – The thing I enjoy most about my role is supporting people working with our counselling team, seeing others in person, connecting, and developing good relationships… and my client work!
If you could send a message out to the entire world, what would it be? – “Be kind to each other”
and always remember when life hits hard “This time shall pass too”.
This month’s random question: What song would make the best theme music for you? – Moon Shadow -Cat Stevens
