Ready to move past your trauma?
Meet Rachel Swope, DSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, EMDR and Brainspotting Therapist, Certified in Trauma Conscious Yoga Method, Registered Yoga Teacher
she/her/hers
You’re tired of living on edge and feeling stuck. You are not where you thought you’d be in life and feel like things will never improve. You feel lost in the complexities of life.
You are disheartened, you find yourself caught in a cycle of hope and disappointment, repeatedly experiencing the same patterns. Despite yearning for a tomorrow filled with confidence, stability, and meaningful connections, you recognize the need for support and want to pave the way for positive change in your life.
This is a space for you!
My Approach to Therapy
I deeply value the role I play in supporting individuals through their therapeutic journeys. As your therapist, my objective is to establish a secure and comfortable environment for you, even if the work ahead feels challenging – because let's be honest, growth and change often come with discomfort. Therapy is a collaborative effort, and I'm here to guide you at your pace. There's no pressure to disclose more than you're ready for or to adhere to a predetermined agenda.
In our sessions, you'll experience a space where authenticity is embraced, without the need for filters or concerns about staying on a specific course. My role is to hold space for whatever you bring to therapy, assisting you in determining how and where we focus on these topics. The aim is to foster new insights, disrupt entrenched patterns, and guide you towards the direction you aspire to in life.
Each session with me is designed for you to leave with a sense of learning – whether it's about yourself, your relationships, or acquiring new coping strategies for communication during conflicts. Therapy, in my perspective, shouldn't be overly structured; it should adapt to your needs. Sessions may involve reflecting on your week or delving into recurring themes that impact your life.
How is therapy with me different?
Many approaches to trauma, relationships, anxiety, and self-esteem today often adopt a one-size-fits-all, hyper-focused strategy. This leaves many individuals feeling:
They possess insights into their concerns but lack clarity on how to address them.
They have skills to manage distress but lack an understanding of its root causes.
They are making little to no tangible progress.
I acknowledge that your circumstances are unique, and I deliberately and collaboratively use a holistic approach to learn who you are as a complete being within the context of the cultures, systems, and societies that have shaped your development.
We will work collaboratively to come up with a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals.
Initially, we'll pinpoint your concerns and delve into the personal and relational dynamics influencing your present challenges in emotional management, expressing your needs and boundaries, and experiencing fulfillment in relationships. Subsequently, we'll focus on honing specific skills and implementing changes tailored to your unique needs. Our collaborative efforts will empower you to navigate anxiety and other distressing emotions, overcome past trauma, and not only recover but flourish in your relationships.
Am I the right therapist for you?
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I’ve dedicated my career to understanding the impact of trauma and how to effectively help people get unstuck and learn coping strategies that can help them thrive.
My training as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker means I have the expertise you are looking for when it comes to processing past traumatic experiences.
Through our work together, you’ll learn healthy and positive ways to cope with distressing emotions, how to adequately recover from your trauma, and ultimately thrive in your daily live.
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Clients often describe me as genuine, an attentive listener, and non-judgmental. You might be thinking, "Sure, that's what all therapists are supposed to be like..." However, many individuals seek my guidance after experiences with therapists who didn't embody these qualities. This trust is what enables my clients to feel completely at ease being their authentic selves with me.
Our professional relationship holds paramount importance to me. I carve out space for your questions and feedback, ensuring that I can assist you to the best of my ability. This includes welcoming disagreement or the need for something different from my suggestions.
I prioritize a relational approach in my work, steering clear of a cold and clinical demeanor. I find value in sharing insights from my life experiences, acknowledging the challenges of translating knowledge into action, and the potential overwhelm that self-awareness can bring, leading to increased suffering.
Many individuals I work with find relief in realizing they are not alone in their struggles. Moreover, discovering that a therapist has also faced challenges and learned to navigate life from the driver's seat, rather than being steered by anxiety and trauma.
If your goal involves cultivating more compassion for yourself and fostering more humane relationships, you'll discover a comfortably uncomfortable yet transformative space with me.
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I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and currently live in Dothan, Alabama.
I am a parent and an Army veteran.
I love dogs, hiking, kayaking, and reading a book on the beach.
I love adventure and travel.
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Bachelor of Social Work, Troy University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Troy University
Master of Social Work, University of Alabama
Doctorate of Social Work, Tulane University
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Alabama
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Massachusetts
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Certified
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Consultant in Training
Brainspotting
Trama Conscious Yoga Method
Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance
Certified Therapist for Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior
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I have extensive experience working in the following areas: substance abuse, military and veterans, child welfare, therapeutic foster care, medical case management, victim services, inpatient and outpatient mental health, and juvenile justice.