Rachel Fernbach LMHC, LCAT

Licensed Mental Health Counselor / Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Teletherapy in New York and Massachusetts

When life gets hard, Therapy can help.

Contact me to book a free introductory call, and let's get your healing process started.

Talk therapy + individualized tools to help you take control.

Holistic, trauma-informed approach

You don't have to face the hard parts by yourself.

Therapy is a way to receive support, guidance, and structure when things feel like too much to manage on your own.

In our work together, we'll focus on your strengths and skills, and find ways to amplify the healthy parts within you. Seeking support when times are tough is a really smart way to solve a problem, and I am here to help you!

Feel

Safe

Take

Action

Move

Forward

Welcome!

My name is Rachel.

I am a Somatic Psychotherapist.

My approach includes:

Traditional talk therapy.

Mindfulness, yoga, Authentic Movement, and breath work.

Simple exercises to restore your nervous system and help you cope with stress.

My clients often tell me that they've tried therapy before, but didn't like "just talking." I offer more than what you might expect:

As your therapist, I will listen with empathy and compassion to whatever's on your mind, and I'll offer you practical tools to experiment with in session and on your own time.

I want you to feel confident in your ability to face your difficulties, and I'll carefully choose activities that will help you get there. I'll always respect your interests and limits, and we'll focus on what's working.

If you've found this page, it's likely that my approach will suit you. Let's set a time for an introductory call, and learn more about each other.

I am so appreciative of my clients for showing up, committing to their therapy, and taking action toward improving their wellbeing. Even though it can sometimes be surprising or uncomfortable, the therapeutic process works for those who choose it. It is a privilege to be part of this process, and I love my profession.

Sometimes when life is overwhelming, it can be hard to even know what kind of help you need. Working with a therapist means that you don't need to have all the answers.

I am here to help you.

My role is to share your burden and help you see possibilities.

I have worked in the helping professions for close to 20 years, and I have experience with: anxiety, depression, chronic illness and chronic pain, post traumatic stress, loneliness, loss of confidence, and finding purpose in life.

A unique and holistic approach to therapy

It's so much more than "just talking."

I have a special background which includes traditional training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, combined with Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Authentic Movement, Yoga, and Mindfulness.

Before I became a Psychotherapist, I worked as a Massage Therapist, and my knowledge of the physical body helps me offer a truly integrated style of somatic (body-oriented) psychotherapy.

In our work, I will help you see the full picture of who you are, in mind, body, heart, and spirit

Book a call to learn more, or keep scrolling for more details on my approach.

Here is a glimpse of the

Services I Offer:

Somatic

Psychotherapy

Somatic Psychotherapy honors and incorporates the intelligence of both our bodies and minds. By examining the ways in which thoughts and feelings are related to physical sensations, we develop a more nuanced understanding of ourselves in relation to the world around us.

If you're open to it, I'll guide you through simple movement exercises to help increase body awareness, and we'll talk together about how what you feel in your body relates to what is going on in your life.

Therapy For Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be so isolating, and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. My approach to pain is multifaceted, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and somatic movement.

I'll help you identify triggers, develop self care skills, and learn how to regulate your nervous system so that pain will be less intense.

I will also offer you deep empathy and compassion, and a safe space in which to be honest about your difficulties.

Expressive Arts

Therapy

This approach to therapy recognizes that the arts and creativity provide a vehicle for self expression, connection, healing, and meaning when words aren't available.

Depending on your interests, we can use any creative medium to help you express yourself, including dance/movement, poetry, journaling, music, writing, painting, drawing, collage, and more...

This way of making art is not about creating a "perfect" or "pretty" picture. It's about taking what's on the inside, and giving it shape on the outside, so that you can feel seen, understood, and appreciated for who you are.

Authentic

Movement

Authentic Movement is a contemplative practice in which a mover closes her eyes and waits for an inner impulse to move or be still.

Moving freely while following sensations, thoughts, images, and ideas provides a bridge to the unconscious, and through movement, the unknown becomes known.

During the period of movement, a non-judgmental witness holds space, tracks her own responses to what she sees, and provides a silent, attentive presence to the mover.

Following movement, there is a period of time during which the mover may use creative art making to crystallize her discoveries. Dialogue is also an option, with the mover having the opportunity to speak and receive feedback if desired.

Mindfulness

Instruction

Mindfulness is simply becoming aware of what's happening now, in the present moment, without judgement.

It's the basis for understanding what's happening within; ongoing practice increases compassion and patience, and the present moment becomes a springboard for taking action.

In session, I'll guide you through simple exercises including breath work and body scans, and I'll encourage you to try some solo practice throughout the week.

Mindfulness training is like any other exercise: the more you practice, the more you feel the results. As you see results, developing new habits feels do-able.

Somatic Movement

Instruction

Somatic Movement teaches you how to be present in your body in a gentle, introspective, and open-minded way.

Rather than following a rigid or specific set of exercise or fitness instructions, Somatic Movement is all about developing a more nuanced and subtle awareness of how you feel when you move or rest into stillness.

My "special blend" style of Somatic Movement incorporates many influences, including Authentic Movement, Yoga, The Trager Approach, Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement, Continuum Movement, and Dance/Movement Therapy.

I design simple, individualized sequences based on your unique needs, with the goal of helping you feel safe, more self aware, and more able to cope with stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

I need to see my therapist online... Do you do online sessions?

Yes! I only see clients online, through a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal.

If you live anywhere in New York or Massachusetts, we can work together.

Do you take my insurance?

I'm an out of network provider, and I can help you access your out of network benefits by providing you with an itemized receipt for your sessions.

There are many benefits to private-pay therapy; book a free consultation, and I will walk you through the process.

What if I don't know what to talk about?

Part of my job is to make it easy for you to participate. If you aren't sure what to talk about or you feel self conscious, I will help you by asking questions and giving conversational prompts.

All you need to do is show up with a willingness to try.

I'm not sure about all those services... Is it okay if we "just talk?"

Absolutely. Some clients like to talk things out, while others really click with mindfulness or movement practice.

Whatever works best for you is what we'll do together.

Contact Me

Fill out this form, and let me know what kind of help you are looking for. I'll respond as soon as possible by text, email, or phone call.

A welcome offer for you: Your first full length session is free.

I know how frustrating it can be to "shop around" for a therapist, so I want to make it easy for you to get the help you need.

If we decide to work together, your first session will be free, which makes getting started simple and stress-free.

There's nothing to lose in giving therapy a try, and so much to gain.

Mention this offer during our introductory call and your first session is "on the house."

If you are in crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

By filling out the contact form, you consent to being contacted by email, phone call, and/or text message.