Rachael Cann Counsellor

03/03/2026

02/03/2026

My beautiful, happy herd; they’re truly blissful to watch and spend time with 💗

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

01/03/2026

Even therapy dogs can’t always be on their best behaviour 😏
After rolling in 🦊 💩 Charley discovered that ‘the horses’ now have a hot shower 😅👌

28/02/2026

25/02/2026

This image shows my five therapy horses standing together, each looking in a slightly different direction — a natural herd instinct.

In the wild, horses share responsibility for watching their surroundings, each scanning a different area to help keep the group safe.

So many of the clients I work with carry far more than their share of responsibility, feeling they have to hold everything together on their own.

The herd reminds us that safety and strength don’t come from one individual doing it all — they come from shared awareness, clear boundaries, and each member holding their own role.

Counselling can be a space to explore what truly belongs to you, what may never have been yours to carry, and how it might feel to share responsibility instead of holding it all alone.

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

25/02/2026

In this image, my herd of five therapy horses are gathered closely together, standing shoulder to shoulder in the quiet of the evening.

This is a natural herd behaviour — horses instinctively group together for warmth, comfort, and protection. They live as a bonded herd in an environment designed to support their physical and emotional wellbeing, allowing them to express these natural instincts freely.

Supporting their needs in this way helps maintain the calm, attuned, and grounded presence they bring into the therapeutic space.

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

24/02/2026

After a good run and plenty of fresh air, my four little therapists are fully recharged… or perhaps fully switched off! 🐶💤 There’s something so powerful about the calm presence of a dog — no expectations, no judgement, just quiet companionship. In my counselling work, I aim to offer that same safe, warm space where you can simply be. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or in need of support, you’re always welcome to reach out.

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

20/02/2026

In times of deep distress, especially when we lose a loved one it can be hard to see life continuing as normal.

The world keeps turning seemingly oblivious to your pain.

It can also be confusing to see your own life continuing; perhaps feelings of guilt about carrying on with day to day activities or when you notice you’ve managed to smile.

Life does go on; but very differently.

It’s ok to need some time to navigate and learn this new way of being - To learn to live with grief.

Counselling can offer a safe space to explore these difficult and sometimes confusing feelings.

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

18/02/2026

Here’s Missy looking eager to see our next client.

Animals are known to have soothing effects, spending time with them can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and definitely increase smiles!

Clients have described feeling more at ease and more able to engage in sessions whilst having the animals present 🐾 💗

http://counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/rachael-cann

14/02/2026

Anxiety often grows
from the need to control
what cannot be controlled.

The mind tries to predict,
to plan,
to rehearse every possible outcome,
hoping to feel safe.

But real calm does not come
from certainty.
It comes from trust—
trust in your ability to handle
whatever life brings.

Healing begins
when you learn to breathe in uncertainty,
to stay present,
and to remind yourself
that you are stronger
than the unknown.

10/02/2026

The sky’s looking different,
It started this morning
The sun isn’t rising,
And day isn’t dawning

It feels like the night
Has decided to stay
To keep the clouds darkened
And threatening and grey

To smother the moon
And to keep the stars covered
To strip all the rainbows
Of all of their colours

And I’m crying out
For a sliver of light –
A sign that you’re there
And you’ll wait through the night

See, you are the sun
In my cloud-covered sky
My favourite hello
And my hardest goodbye

I just need to search
In the warmth of your wake
To hang on, no matter
How long it might take

‘Cause deep down I know
That the rain will soon come
The clouds will all clear
Making way for the sun

And when the sun rises
And shines as it burns,
The rainbows will find
All their colours return

For now it is dark
But I’m hanging on in
Hoping I’ll soon
Feel the heat on my skin

Yes, the sky’s looking different
But I recognise
The day will soon dawn
And the sun will soon rise

And one day, I know
It’s a sky that we’ll share
So take your rest darling
And wait for me there

*****

Becky Hemsley 2022
Stunning artwork by Christine Bell at Contemporary Art by Christine

This is my first grief and loss collection, When I Am Gone: https://amzn.eu/d/0etV00Xk

05/02/2026

Carrying a bucket full of water takes more of your energy than carrying an empty one does.

A towel becomes heavier to hold when it’s wet - and it also becomes useless.

Trying to swim in your clothes weighs you down far more than swimming in your swimsuit does.

The irony of holding on to things that are full of water is that they drain you.
Exhaust you.
Because things are so much heavier when they hold water. Things weigh you down so much more when they hold water. Things are harder to bear when they hold water.

So let your tears go. Cry until it feels like every last drop has been squeezed from your body.

Let go of some of the weight. Some of the heaviness.
Some of the burden you bear.

And I promise
you’ll feel a little lighter.

*****

Becky Hemsley 2023
Lovely artwork by Doris Joa (dorisjoa.com)

This poem is in my collection, Letters from Life: https://amzn.to/3Me47cV
(affiliate link)