Rachael Baxter Arts Counselling

11/02/2026

09/02/2026

Saw this and wanted to share with you 😊

I don't always post frequently because to be very honest I find choosing a micro-topic from the myriad options to be quite overwhelming sometimes. I get stuck and then end up posting nothing. I imagine this is quite common - the vague feeling of pressure to produce regular content, wanting to post relevant content that people can relate to/ connect with, trying to choose the 'right' thing and to say it in the 'right' way. It's very clear to me that being a good counsellor and being a good social media content wizard require two very different skill sets!

Anyway, I did see this today and wanted to share it, so I hope it lands for someone 🤞🏽

⭐️ Check the column on the left for any presenting limiting behaviours
- there may be several and that's OK but that can feel too much for some people, so take them one at a time if you need to.

⭐️ Look along to the central column for the root cause
- to understand more about how you got to where you are today.

⭐️ Then along again to the last column for a suggested re-write script
- you can use the text as an affirmation - stick it on the wallpaper of your phone/ on your steering wheel/ somewhere you will see it many times a day.

Re-wiring takes repeated, conscious effort. Neuroplasticity makes it possible! 🧠

You can take these themes to therapy to explore further and reflect upon your story in a held space with a trained professional.

If you are looking for a counsellor feel free to drop me an email ⬇️
hello@rachaelbaxter.com

05/01/2026

Some wise words on addiction from the legendary Gabor Maté - "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" (photo).

As Gabor explains addiction comes in the form of many different behaviours, as well as the use of different substances.
Addiction is actually very common.
Some addictions carry more social stigma then others.
It's all the same in terms of the brain.
Whether it's disordered eating, shopping addiction, workaholism, alcoholism, he**in addiction etc.
Anxiety and self-soothing behaviour are at the root of addiction. These maladaptive coping mechanisms are established early in life, when we have a lack of soothing from our childhood environment/ relationships.
The healing work with addiction includes being accepting, self-compassionate and using mindful awareness when the addictive urge arises.
Having therapeutic support is beneficial, in the form of personal therapy/ a 12 - step programme.
If you want to talk more about addiction or any other mental health issues feel free to get in touch - hello@rachaelbaxter.com

02/01/2026

🌳 If you have access to a forest/ green space try increasing the amount of time you spend in nature.
Switch your phone off (beeps and buzzes trigger a physiological response) and take a pause.
'Just be' in the trees, moss, fresh air.
Slowly crunching leaves underfoot, dappled sunlight and magical birdsong.
THIS is what we need to improve our physical, mental and emotional well-being, to counteract our 'virtual' life.
And...it's free! 🌲

25/12/2025

Love this. Take care of yourselves and each other over the festive period 🧡

24/12/2025

Self-Love Rainbow

10/12/2025

Singing is a practice brimming with physical, mental and emotional health benefits
Give the gift of song this year! 🎶
Singing lesson gift vouchers ✉️

🇫🇷 Le chant est une pratique débordante de bienfaits pour la santé physique, mentale et émotionnelle

Offrez le cadeau de la chanson cette année ! 🎶
Chèques-cadeaux pour cours de chant ✉️

02/12/2025

Incase you need a reminder.

Our minds can be a real gremlin sometimes; dragging us into old and unhelpful thought/ behaviour spirals.

Anxiety can take the wheel and drive us towards catastrophising things that haven't even happened.

Depression locks us in a past which no longer exists and drains the life out of our present.

If survival mode rules the roost (our amygdala) we can end up living small in order to stay safe. Bracing for the next perceived threat.

We can't try new ideas/ challenges because we are essentially stuck within the confines of our defense mechanisms.

It can be really helpful to see what's churning around in your mind from a step away. If you can express it all out of your body - onto paper, by speaking to another, it helps you to shine the light of conscious awareness onto these gremlins.

This can provide insight and clarity around how to take some positive steps to changing your inner landscape to a more fruitful place.

To take that first step, book in an initial session today:
📧 hello@rachaelbaxter.com

21/11/2025

✨️ Life can get so serious and busy that sometimes we can forget to just LIVE!
Chuck a bit of whimsy into your day, god knows we need it! ✨️

Ideas - Get out and build a snowman, try a different trail on your daily walk, put on some cheesy tunes and dance around your living room.
Pop your ideas in the comments! ⬇️

Shake it up a bit to give your brain a dopamine treat! 🧠

17/11/2025

🧠 THIS!!
Can you imagine if everyone had a kind, compassionate, encouraging, patient inner voice, that loved and supported us unconditionally?
How different our world would be!

We CAN change the way we speak to ourselves.

It takes a few steps to get there:

🧠 We must first catch our inner voice in order to stop the old tape recording(s).
🧠 We can simultaneously begin to record a new 'script', one that helps instead of hindering us.
🧠 With conscious repetition this new script can take hold. Over time this can become our new automatic response.
🧠 Therapy also helps with sowing the seeds of your new inner voice. When we have repeated experience of being validated, heard, seen, empathised with, these experiences begin to change our brain on a physical level, thanks to neuroplasticity.
Our relationship with our therapist is literally a healing one.

If you have noticed you have a strong, mean, harsh inner critic which is creating obstacles in your day to day life, you may find it helpful to come for a chat.

Rae
hello@rachaelbaxter.com
www.rachaelbaxter.com

11/11/2025

✨️ Meditation guidée ce soir pour 11/11.
19h - 20h
Prix libre ✨️

09/11/2025

Food for thought... 💭
"Just be" whenever you can. You are already enough, exactly as you are in this moment.