Dr Rachel Berrisford
A Life Worth Living:
Psychotherapy, Counselling and Coaching.
With over 25 years of experience in psychiatry, counselling and psychotherapy, my aim is to provide a safe, collaborative and empathetic environment in which we can identify and explore unconscious habitual thoughts, feelings and behaviours that might be keeping you stuck in a pattern that no longer serves you.
This is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are at immediate risk or need urgent care, please call 000, Lifeline Australia on 131114, or the Mental Health Emergency Response line on 1300 555 788.
My practice is for adults who are curious about themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, searching for meaning/purpose in your life, work and relationships.
Perhaps you’re living with chronic symptoms, trying to cope with the uncertainty of a recent diagnosis, or the grief following a significant loss.
Whatever your experience we approach your circumstances, not as sources of difficulty, but as meaningful opportunities for deeper self‑understanding, an opportunity to explore new perspectives, consider changes, and support thoughtful action.
Increased self-awareness can support a renewed sense of identity, wellbeing and connectedness.
Working with individuals and couples from a person-centred perspective, evidence-based approaches, include short- and longer-term therapies, such as;
solution-focussed,
strengths-based,
cognitive behavioural,
and mindfulness based psychodynamic, somatic and existential informed counselling and psychotherapy.
Is this for me?
Psychotherapy and counselling provide a collaborative environment in which the deeper questions of life can be explored. By recognising that ultimately we are responsible for ourselves and our choices, we can take ownership of our future choices, including how to live more fully in the moment.
As with life itself, there are no guarantees, but for those who are willing to fully engage in the therapeutic process it can lead to a more meaningful, authentic and ultimately satisfying life.
My office is in the heart of Nedlands close to King’s Park, UWA campus and within a short walk of Matilda Bay. The building is on Stirling Highway with plenty of free street parking nearby, several bus routes and close to an array of coffee shops and restaurants.
Inside, the therapy space offers a safe, quiet and confidential environment for us to work together.
Dr Rachel Berrisford
BSc (Hons). MBChB. MRCPsych. Advanced Course in Group Work (Institute of Group Analysis, Glasgow). Hakomi (Levels 1&2). Dip Couns. Executive and Organisational Coaching Certificate (EOCC) and Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (Grad Dip OHS.)
I chose to complete my medical degree in my early twenties, subsequently training in Psychiatry.
Early in my career, I began to work psychotherapeutically with clients, choosing roles that included psychotherapy and counselling skills as a core feature.
I have spent time within therapeutic communities, dementia services, palliative care services, aged care, and drug and alcohol services, to name a few.
Through this work and my own therapy, I realised, despite our unique situations, many of us experience similar challenges.
Uncertainty about how to be in the world can affect our self-worth, sense of belonging, and satisfaction with life. This can ultimately affect the relationships we make, our sense of freedom and ability to choose as well as our sense of meaning and engagement.
A collaborative exploration
While therapy cannot promise specific outcomes, developing a greater awareness of yourself and your inner strengths can help ease uncertainty and reduce a sense of stuckness. Many people find that, over time, this process supports a renewed sense of identity, wellbeing and connection – both with themselves and with others.
Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or whether you’ve previously seen a counsellor or psychotherapist, you may be feeling unsure, vulnerable, or overwhelmed.
The good news is you are not alone and taking the steps to seek help is both courageous and important.
If you feel ready to begin this journey, I invite you to get in touch so we can take the first step together. I look forward to working with you.
Qualifications and training
I am a retired medical practitioner and psychiatrist with additional qualifications and training in individual and group psychotherapy and counselling.
As such, I am a Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, (PACFA), holding clinical membership of both the Colleges of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Start with a
15-minute call
If you would like to know more, or would like to book an appointment, please complete the form to request a free 15-minute chat to discuss your needs, and to have any questions answered.
This is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are at immediate risk or need urgent care, please call 000, Lifeline Australia on 131114, or the Mental Health Emergency Response line on 1300 555 788.