We continue our "Meet the Team" series with an interview with one of our Volunteer Counsellors, Rae McLeod! Rae is an experienced trainee counsellor on placement with us at The Empathy Project in Southampton.
Would you care to introduce yourself?
Hey, I’m Rae, one of the student counsellors at the Empathy Project. I studied Counselling and Psychotherapy at Plymouth Marjon University and volunteered at Plymouth Marjon’s
Counselling Clinic, Devon Mind and Improving Lives Plymouth.
In my previous placements, I gained valuable experience working with a diverse range of
clients. As I continue to develop my experience during my placement with the Empathy Project, I would like to offer clients the room to work through the things that matter to them in their own time, without the pressure of a predetermined endpoint. This approach allows us to focus on the client’s journey and prioritise what truly feels meaningful to them.
Why or what made you want to be a counsellor?
I was first introduced to counselling when I decided to seek mental health support, and like
many others, I was offered short-term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). My experience
provided me helpful tools but I wanted a better understanding of my mind and explore other therapies. As I learnt more about counselling, I found that it allows me to align my work with my values while offering meaningful support to those navigating life's challenges.
I find the process of connecting with clients deeply fulfilling, and I genuinely treasure the trust that builds within the therapeutic relationship.
What made you want to work with The Empathy Project?
I was keen to work with an organisation with person-centred values at the heart of it, as this
reflects my personal philosophy of practice. The Empathy Project also operate as a small tight-knit team which appealed to me, especially as I came from a background of working in large organisations which often take a more impersonal approach. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside the team and feel confident offering my thoughts and ideas knowing that I will be heard and carefully considered.
What is your approach to counselling? How would you describe it?
My approach to counselling is rooted in my belief in the self-actualising tendency - the idea that everyone has an innate drive toward personal growth and fulfilment. As a therapist, I believe my role is to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection.
I see the therapeutic relationship as central to the healing process. By being fully present and attuned to my clients, I strive to build a genuine connection that fosters trust and growth. I also appreciate that everyone’s perspective is unique and shaped by their personal experiences and cultural contexts. This pluralistic view informs my practice, allowing me to integrate tools and techniques from other modalities, such as Gestalt and cognitive-behavioural therapies, when they align with the client’s needs.
Ultimately, I believe therapy is a collaborative, relational process, not just the application of
techniques. My goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner wisdom, embrace their authentic selves, and move toward meaningful change at their own pace.
What has shaped your therapeutic practice the most?
What has shaped my therapeutic practice the most is a combination of personal experiences
and the profound insights I’ve gained from others. My journey through loss, rejection, and the challenge of quieting my inner critic has taught me the importance of self-compassion and the power of growth. These experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, helping me to connect authentically with clients.
I am continually inspired by the resilience I see in others - their courage to face adversity and their capacity to create meaningful change in their lives. Witnessing these moments of transformation has reinforced my belief in the human potential for growth and healing, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Each client teaches me something new, and I remain in awe of the strength and creativity
people show in navigating life’s challenges. This ongoing process of learning and being inspired by others continues to shape my practice, keeping it grounded in hope and the belief in our shared capacity for change.
How do you look after your mental health?
I try to give myself the space to be “the master of none” and still have fun. I used to think I had to have one “thing” that I was good at to maintain my mental health. But I’ve learnt that I look after myself better when I try lots of different things, like reading, running, crocheting, drawing, hiking, cooking... I have learnt that being good at something isn’t really the point. How could I expect myself to excel in something I’ve never done? Recently my goal has been to find new things which help me to relax, which has been baths and puzzles – although not at the same time...yet!
What does successful therapy look like?
This is a tough one to answer as successful therapy will look completely different for each client as individuals come to therapy with their own goals, needs, and circumstances. For some, success might mean finding relief from distressing feelings, while for others, it could involve gaining deeper self-awareness, building healthier relationships, or making meaningful life changes.
At its core, I believe successful therapy is when clients feel more connected to themselves and empowered to navigate their challenges. Success might be as subtle as a client realizing they are being kinder to themselves or as profound as a major shift in perspective or behaviour.
Ultimately, I measure success by the client’s sense of progress, no matter how big or small, and their ability to move closer to the life they want to live.
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but when a client feels heard, understood, and
supported in their journey, I would say that is a meaningful marker of success.
What is your superpower?
I would say my superpower is my capacity to remain curious, present, and open, even in the
face of complexity or pain. My ability to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where others feel deeply understood, valued, and supported makes me a steady and empowering presence for those who seek support.
Rae currently sees clients both in-person and remotely on Monday and Tuesday evenings. If you are thinking about having therapy with The Empathy Project, please click the link below to start our short counselling referral form.
Once a referral form is received, we will then contact you to arrange a free 20 minute consultation call to see how we can help you.
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