Rachel Walters

Graduate Clinical Intern

Rachel (they/them) is a graduate student at the University of West Alabama working towards their Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Having completed most of their coursework, they are currently pursuing training in the foundations of Internal Family Systems therapy, somatic trauma healing, and complex trauma therapy.

Rachel is a trauma therapist at heart who views the therapeutic relationship as central to the healing process. They use concepts from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy as a framework for integrating techniques from various other therapies, tailoring each session to the client’s unique needs in the moment. They draw on concepts and techniques from psychodynamic and transference-focused therapy, existential therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness, and somatic awareness. In addition to IFS, Rachel’s therapeutic philosophy has been strongly influenced by Irvin Yalom’s work on therapeutic relationship dynamics and Brené Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability.

Rachel strives to create a warm, nurturing space where all clients’ thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, identities, and lived experiences are met with empathy and unconditional acceptance. They view therapy as a collaborative journey in which mutual trust, respect, and vulnerability form the foundation of a genuine emotional connection essential to healing and personal growth. Rachel’s gentle curiosity and relentlessly compassionate approach help clients feel safe exploring their past and present emotional experiences, develop self-compassion and self-acceptance, and discover the nature of their true selves and life purpose.

Rachel is drawn to working with teenagers and adults who have a history of trauma, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and older adults. They have a deep passion for working with individuals experiencing attachment wounds, grief, depression, anxiety, and shame, and those facing the end of life. Rachel fosters hope for positive, sustainable change, helping clients cultivate meaning in their lives and build deep emotional connections to others and the world around them.

Beyond the therapeutic space, Rachel enjoys spending time with their daughter, meeting friends, watching movies, procuring ice cream, and attending group fitness classes.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown