My Approach
Who I Help
The majority of my therapeutic work focuses on helping clients build skills for self-compassion so they can find inner peace and connectedness. I have a passion for helping clients facing challenges with anxiety, OCD, relationships, and life transitions. Many people who seek out therapy with me struggle to say “no,” feel “good enough,” and set and maintain boundaries for their wellbeing. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve greater self-confidence and self-love as they navigate the highs and lows of life. The perinatal population is also a special interest of mine; I help aspiring parents and new parents navigate issues such as loss, trying to conceive, identity issues after baby, perinatal anxiety, parenting, and significant life change.
My approach can best be described as integrative. At the core of my work, I embrace client-centered principles characterized by nonjudgment, warmth, authenticity, and empathic understanding. I allow my clients to take the lead on their healing journey and feel empowered through their growth, while I gently encourage “baby steps” outside of their comfort zone towards their goals. I also utilize psychodynamic approaches to help clients explore and process past experiences and influences on current behaviors and emotions with the goal of providing deeper insight into one’s inner world. As an IFS (Internal Family Systems)-informed therapist, I incorporate parts work into some of my sessions. I believe that aspects of IFS can be beneficial in improving one’s relationship with oneself. I am a trauma-informed and Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)-trained therapist as well. EMDR compliments the IFS principles and addresses the processing of past distressing events through bilateral stimulation. I have a passion for helping clients with OCD find peace and balance. I have experience with treating these client through a combination approach of Exposure and Response Prevention and trauma work. Lastly, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral and mindfulness skills into sessions as needed.
I believe that lasting change is a result of many “baby steps.” These “baby steps” are changes that are so small that it may be difficult to see the progress in real time; eventually, these small changes “snowball” into something greater and ultimately leading towards greater contentment and a more fulfilling life.
Values
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Authenticity
My goal is to create a nonjudgmental space for clients to feel safe to be vulnerable and authentic. My authenticity shines through my use of humor, honesty, openness, presence, and genuine care for others. We connect with other humans, not machines, and I believe that stronger therapeutic connections form through the appropriate use of self-disclosure, lightening the emotional load with humor and laughter, in addition to providing honest feedback and being with you as we process the hard stuff. At Rachel Gunn Counseling, I want you to know and feel that it is okay to be your perfectly imperfect self.
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Trust
In a therapeutic relationship, confidentiality, safety, and security are essential for healing and growth. Safety and security are demonstrated by maintaining confidentiality and providing consistent and compassionate therapy services where my clients feel supported and understood. I believe that this type of environment assists them in accessing their courage to explore and address their challenges and fears. Afterall, the issues that bring us to therapy are most often derived from painful experiences within relationships, and it is within safe and secure relationships where we can experience healing.
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Compassion
Compassion is a key element, not only in my work with clients, but in my relationships with others and myself. I strive to create a warm, therapeutic space that allows clients to feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. Through providing this genuine compassion, my goal is to help others learn how to provide love and compassion for themselves and ultimately improve one of the greatest relationships we have in life: with ourselves.
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Collaboration
One of the most beneficial aspects of therapy is the quality of the relationship that is formed between the therapist and the client. I believe that collaboration is an important part of a strong therapeutic alliance, meaningful progress, and personal growth. As a therapist, I act as a guide on my clients’ personal journey by offering expertise and providing support while also empowering my clients to actively engage in their own healing process.
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Curiosity
When we look at our emotions and experiences with curiosity, we engage in a self-reflective process without judgment which can lead us down a path of uncovering deeper insights. I bring this genuine and nonjudgmental curiosity to the therapy room and invite my clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and actions compassionately and honestly. By leaning into curiosity, we increase self-awareness and a sense of clarity. We begin to learn more about ourselves, our wants, and our needs.
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Patience
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Every individual is unique and their personal healing process is reflective of that. I believe it is important to meet my clients where they are at in life and walk alongside them in their journey at their own pace. It takes X number of years to become who we are… it takes time to break generational cycles, learn new skills, and engage in life differently. Providing this patience helps build trust and creates a safe space for clients to courageously confront and work through their challenges, which I believe ultimately leads to deeper exploration and lasting transformation.
About Rachel Gunn, LPC-MHSP
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee with six years of experience in working with both children and adults on a variety of issues. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2016 from Middle Tennessee State University and spent the first two years of my career conducting psychological evaluations as a certified psychological assistant. I pursued further coursework and training at Tennessee State University in 2018, where I discovered my passion for psychotherapy and connecting with others. I began practicing therapy in 2018 and became fully licensed as an LPC-MHSP in 2021. I spent 4+ years providing therapy to adults and children in a private practice setting in Nashville. I also instructed undergraduate level courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and theories of personality at a local university until 2023.
In my spare time, I enjoy all things baking! You can find me watching The Great British Baking Show or in the kitchen whipping up something sweet (or savory!) to share with my children, family, and friends. I also enjoy spending time in nature when I can, such as hiking, going to the lake, camping, or being around horses.
