Rachel Arsenault (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Meet Rachel
Hello! I’m Rachel and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). My background in recreational therapy also brings a holistic, creative, strengths-based lens to our work together.
I’m deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate their journeys in ways that feel empowering, and uniquely tailored to who they are. I believe that no two people are the same, and neither are their paths to healing. That’s why I take a collaborative approach to therapy—working with you to identify goals, explore challenges, and discover what wellness looks like to you. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I aim to create a safe space where you can feel heard, supported, and encouraged to grow.
I am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and I’m thrilled to be able to provide support through Feelings First Counselling & Wellness.
My Approach
Working with me is collaborative, grounding, and affirming- with some sprinkles of humour when it's helpful. I aim to meet you where you’re at, with warmth and non-judgment, creating a space where you can feel truly seen and supported.
My goal is to help clients build a deeper connection to themselves while equipping them with practical tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. I want clients to leave sessions feeling validated and empowered. In each session, we’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals through open dialogue, reflection, and interventions tailored to your needs.
Sessions may include grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, movement-based tools, cognitive reframing, or solution-focused strategies— depending on your goals and preferences. The atmosphere is approachable and non-judgmental, with space for laughter and reflection.
Mindfulness involves building awareness to remain in the present moment. Mindfulness promotes curiosity free of judgement, observing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations to deepen self-awareness. Mindfulness additionally promotes enhancing emotional regulation through grounding techniques and maintaining a sense of calm.
Mindfulness
Solution-Focused
Solution- Focused Therapy is a strengths-based and practical form of therapy that focuses on creative solutions to problems and envision steps towards your preferred future. In solution- focused therapy, we focus on solution building rather than problem solving.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It helps individuals identify and confront negative or irrational thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones. CBT equips people with practical skills to manage their emotions, overcome obstacles, and make positive changes in their lives.
Person-Centered
Person-Centered Therapy Focuses on the individual as the driving force behind therapeutic change. I will engage in conversation to explore your concerns. Through this conversation, I will help you to realize your own strengths.
“Celebrate every win, no matter how small”
Perks of Working with Rachel
-
I focus on strengths and resilience, helping you feel capable of change and growth.
-
Your goals and experiences shape our work together. You're the expert of your life.
-
I incorporate body-based and creative methods to support mind-body connection.
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, stress management, and identity exploration. I especially enjoy working with individuals who are navigating periods of change or seeking greater self-understanding and resilience.
Outside the Therapy Room
Q: Favourite Way to Unwind?
A: Hanging out with and walking my dog.
Q: Hobbies?
A: Reading/ listening to audio books, yoga, gardening, anything outdoors, traveling
Q: Sweet or Savoury?
A: Savoury (unless it’s ice cream..)
Q: Ideal Vacation?
A: Anywhere, but Europe is always a good idea.
Outside the therapy room, I’m someone who values creativity, movement, and time in nature. I enjoy hiking, audio books, movies, television, socializing, and finding moments of stillness and play. These passions inform my approach to therapy—I view healing as a holistic process that can include reflection, creativity, and somatic awareness. I work from an integrative and flexible lens, drawing on evidence-based approaches and your unique story to guide our work. My goal is to create a space where healing can unfold at your own pace.
Q: Dogs or Cats?
A: Both, all the animals.
Q: Sunrise or Sunset?
A: Sunset
Q: Favourite Food?
A: Pizza & Ice Cream
Q: Your Least Favourite Self-Care Task?
A: Putting away laundry
Education & Credentials
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (In Progress)
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Georgian College
Bachelor of Arts, Brock University
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, #20357
Trainings
Safe Talk Suicide Prevention Training- 2020
CMHA Integral Foundations of Autism Mental Health Training- 2021
Collaborative Behaviour Support Training- 2022