Rachael (she/they) LLMSW graduated from Western Michigan University's clinical MSW program with a Trauma Across the Lifespan Concentration. She is a somatic (body-based) therapist who is also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. She is a queer, white woman who has extensive experience and passion for supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community and a strong commitment to racial and disability justice. She is also trained and certified (since 2015) in the Hakomi method which is a mindfulness-based, body-centered modality.
Her work is grounded in self-compassion, and an awareness of how systemic oppression creates and maintains trauma. She is a parent and has a passion for supporting other parents on their journey to heal intergenerational cycles and tend to our own wounds as we encounter the challenges of parenting. She also has experience working with climate grief.
She interned at the Grand Rapids Pride Center where she was also the facilitator of the Caregiver's Support Group and Forest View Psychiatric Hospital where she worked in the trauma-focused treatment program. She has been an active advocate for the trans community, particularly trans youth, for many years. She was in private practice for 7 years as a somatics practitioner previous to beginning with IEG as a LLMSW.
Rachael practices bringing herself fully to her role as a therapist and strives to co-create a space with clients where they can explore their experiences with kindness and compassion. She works with folks who are experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, exploring their identities and navigating the challenges of life.