Ms Rachael Smith Counsellor

Rachael’s down-to-earth, evidence-based, and holistic approach offers practical, compassionate support for improving mental health and relationships. While she specialises in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, her style welcomes anyone who values an open-minded and relaxed therapeutic environment. At Mixed Bag, you are the boss. You don’t work for Rachael — she works for you. We are committed to reminding you of your position of power at every opportunity. Many people come to Mixed Bag with histories of harm, trauma, and abuse. Rachael’s humble, genuine, and strength-based approach is trauma-informed and person-centred — meaning her priority is ensuring you feel powerful, in control, and, above all, safe. Safe from shame, judgment, or any further harm. At Mixed Bag, we want to help you achieve your goals, recognizing that long-term therapy isn’t realistic — or even helpful for everyone. Rachael’s hope is to support you in building skills for life, empowering you to a point where you no longer “need” her. Together, you and Rachael will co-create a care plan tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and situation. This provides a clear direction and puts you in control. You’ll have intentional opportunities to offer feedback along the way — what’s working for you, and what isn’t. Typically, you’ll set weekly or fortnightly sessions at a time that suits you, with check-ins around the 6th and 12th sessions to review progress. Having a ‘Mixed Bag’ of therapeutic skills means Rachael can adapt her approach as needed, offering new tools and strategies to best support you. Care plans can be extended if needed, including assistance with funding applications, so you never feel rushed in your recovery journey. Once your therapy goals are met, you’ll have the option of scheduling sessions as needed — helping you stay on track on your life’s chosen path. Sometimes, Rachael may not be the best professional fit — and that’s completely okay. We are committed to supporting you in finding someone who is right for you. Rachael can facilitate a warm handover to another professional who better matches your needs, preferences, or style — at no cost. Counsellors are the tool of their trade, and feeling comfortable with who you work with is essential. Nothing is ever taken personally; even the smallest things, like the colour of a counsellor’s hair, can trigger responses, and we honor that. Rachael’s hope is always to be a safe, supportive steppingstone in your journey — whether your time together is brief or ongoing. We can’t wait to work with you.