Rachel Fhima first began her training with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Philosophy, graduating with first-class honours, before going on to complete a Masters in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and a Masters in Psychology, achieving distinction in both. She later completed specialist training in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and is now an accredited interpersonal psychotherapist. Rachel is currently furthering her professional development through doctoral training in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway University. Her path has taken her through NHS services, the charity sector, and private practice, where she has supported both adults and adolescents, shaping the way she now works with clients across a range of settings.
In the therapy room, Ms Fhima brings a warm, integrative, and thoughtful approach. She draws on training in humanistic therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), adapting her work to suit the needs, values, and experiences of the individual in front of her. She particularly values the roles of self-acceptance and self-compassion in the process of change and growth, and these principles often form a central part of her therapeutic work.
Ms Fhima works with individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, self-esteem issues, and questions around faith and spirituality. She has specialist experience working across both child and adolescent (CAMHS) and adult mental health services, offering support that recognises and respects each person’s unique context and journey.