Rachel Allan Consultancy is a psychological therapy practice offering evidence-based psychological support with a strong focus on personalised care. All services are delivered online, making support accessible for individuals seeking help with emotional distress, trauma, and major life challenges through structured and compassionate therapy.

The practice is led by Dr Rachel M Allan, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Director with twenty years of experience in mental health. She holds a Practitioner Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, and is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also an Accredited Practitioner with EMDR UK, highlighting her advanced competence and specialist training in EMDR therapy.

Dr Allan’s approach is grounded in the belief that each client’s situation is unique and requires an individualised therapeutic plan. She emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all method and works collaboratively with clients to shape the direction of therapy based on their needs and goals.

A key strength of the service is its focus on evidence-based interventions, particularly EMDR therapy. The practice specialises in EMDR, trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and grief and loss, making it particularly relevant for clients seeking targeted psychological support in these areas.

Professional standards are central to the consultancy, with Dr Allan highlighting accountability, trust, and ethical practice as core values. Her work is guided by recognised clinical frameworks and reinforced by her standing within both HCPC and the British Psychological Society.

In addition to therapy, the practice offers supervision and mental health training, extending its expertise to other professionals and organisations. This reflects a broader commitment to mental health development beyond individual client work.

Dr Allan is also the author of How to Help Someone with Anxiety, a practical guide aimed at supporting individuals dealing with anxiety-related challenges. Her work overall reflects a strong emphasis on combining clinical expertise with accessible, real-world mental health support.

She provided me with the tools and skills to cope with any challenge

“Without sounding dramatic, Rachel has changed my life. I was really struggling with PTSD following a bereavement and Rachel was recommended by a family friend. Not only did Rachel help with this, she provided me with the tools and skills to cope with any challenge that comes my way. Being able to float seamlessly to my “happy place” for a moment of clarity and calm during stressful situations is a God send in my line of work. I cannot thank Rachel enough!”

Deep professional care and expertise

“I began therapy with Rachel after the death of my daughter. I was traumatised and broken. Through deep professional care and expertise Rachel worked with and guided me on a journey of healing. Through therapeutic techniques including EMDR I am now in a place I never thought would be possible. I do not have the words to describe how life changing this journey has been. If you are looking for an exemplary empathetic therapist I cannot recommend Rachel enough.”

Dr Fraser Smith was recommended to us for his broad expertise, catering to struggles like anxiety, depression, and self-worth/esteem issues. 

Upon digging deeper, we were impressed by his strong training and educational background. Aside from attaining a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, he is also registered in both the Health & Care Professions Council and the British Psychological Society.

We spoke to his previous patients, and many shared that his non-cookie-cutter care made them feel listened to and cared for. They also noted that Dr Fraser would help them understand their patients’ personalities, enabling them to set individualised goals early in the process.

Male patients we interviewed, in particular, shared that Dr Fraser helped them break the stigma by allowing them to be vulnerable in a welcoming, judgement-free setting.

Finally, it’s worth highlighting that Dr Fraser offers a broad therapeutic approach, including PCT, CBT, DBT, and ACT. Just note that since he operates in a private setting, his fees are substantially higher than those of publicly funded services.

Very warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to

“Had an ASD test done, and the whole process was exceptional. Fraser was very warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to. More than happy to explain anything. At no point did I feel like I was under pressure or being tested. 

I could take my time and just chat in an open and friendly way. The resulting report was extremely detailed and clearly showed a lot of thought in tailoring insights and recommendations to my individual needs. 

This will be a tool that I can use for the rest of my life to help improve my everyday experiences and reduce my anxiety.”

Paul Mossman, Google Review

Instantly put me at ease

“Fraser instantly put me at ease with the help of a straightforward and easy process, combined with a relaxing space for our meetings. Easy to get to, being in the centre of town. I appreciated the hands-on approach of being able to contact Fraser with any worries or concerns.

I don’t use the phrase often, but my experience with Fraser and MAPP has been life-changing. I shall forever be thankful.”

Tim Stables, Google Review

Dr Oonagh Duffy is notable for her extensive clinical experience and expertise. For starters, she’s worked with previous patients with a variety of mental struggles, including depression, anxiety, low mood, and even life changes.

We were also pleased to discover her various therapeutic approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and compassion-focused therapy. 

Our interviewees noted how great she was at nurturing a warm and supportive environment through her bedside manner. They added that the doctor would tailor her services to patients’ individualised needs, which she identifies through thorough assessments.

Another aspect worth noting is that Dr Duffy’s approach is goal-driven, with her often guiding her patients to identify milestones that translate into practical changes.

We’re just iffy about her limited operating hours, as she’s only available for a couple of hours on some days. Fortunately, her clinic is relatively accessible, and she also offers virtual consultations.

Can’t say enough good things

“Long overdue to write this review, but I can’t say enough good things about Oonagh. She is a caring, compassionate expert in her field, and she helped guide me through the darkest period of my life. I cannot recommend her services enough, if you’re in need of them.”

Kev Queen, Google Review

Very easy to talk with

“Had 7 sessions with Dr Duffy. Cannot praise her high enough. She was very easy to talk with and passed on plenty of external resources to help me go forward in my journey. Very Very happy with the outcome of our sessions. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”

Simon Allan, Google Review

Dr Emma Field is a prime example of the saying “quality over quantity”. Why? Well, despite the limited scope of her services to ADHD and ASD cases, she’s exceptional in her field of neurodiversity!

Furthermore, aside from meeting the highest standards for training, ethics, and clinical practice, her knowledge is also backed by her 30+ years of experience teaching psychology and counselling at the Open University.

We were also pleased to discover that she’s able to provide a judgment-free zone where her clients feel comfortable sharing their struggles with her. We’ve even had parents tell us that she’s the only one they felt they could trust with their children with autism.

One of the main factors that previous patients have highlighted is the doctor’s in-depth, evidence-based assessment process, which leads to more accurate diagnoses.

Lastly, we appreciate how Dr Field incorporates mindfulness and yoga to provide a more holistic progress for her patients.

Very knowledgeable and thorough

“I accessed Dr Emma for an ADHD consultation and assessment. Emma is very knowledgeable and thorough. 

She took time to listen and understand my lived experiences in order to be able to provide an accurate and detailed diagnosis, which has been both life-affirming and changing. 

Emma’s report was extremely accurate and meaningful, reflecting her ability to understand the complexity of my individual symptoms and life experiences and the interplay between them. She is very supportive and listens attentively and without judgment. 

I will now also be seeking her services in relation to my daughter. Very, very pleased I found this service.”

Jacqueline Gilmour, Google Review

Feel so much better

“My experience is very positive! ADHD Scotland was the ONLY place/company (out of around 7 that I messaged) that answered my initial email in a personal way, addressing all the questions I had asked, which is really important to me, and I presume for most people with neurodivergence and sensitivity issues.

I feel so much better after speaking with Emma, like I am finally on the right track to managing my life and wellbeing. 100% recommended. Thank you.”

Lucy Annabelle, Google Review

Although she mostly focuses on online sessions, we wanted to include Dr Bea Michalska for her exceptional bedside manner. 

For instance, previous patients told us that her compassion and supportive approach transcended into her Zoom calls. Our main gripe is her limited operating hours, as she’s only available for four days every week.

Our interviewees also highlighted Dr Michalska’s excellent communication skills, adding that they learn something new and helpful after every phone call. 

This is backed by her 10+ years of experience working in the field, catering to patients with different struggles, including anxiety, panic, depression, and OCD. Also, eight of these years were spent in NHS clinical practice, making her extremely qualified.

We also appreciated how she offers tailored therapeutic approaches to her patients by getting to know them through rigorous assessment processes. 

From there, she applies various therapies, including compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. It is worth noting, however, that her services mostly focus on adults.

Always maintaining excellent communication

“From the first initial call to meet and understand what support I was looking for, even when I wasn’t entirely sure, Bea was incredible at always maintaining excellent communication, and all sessions were easily understandable, dissection and full of important conversation.

I felt really supported by Bea’s approach, her listening and her guidance. I really feel that my sessions with Bea were important and helped me carefully heal and plan progress in actionable, tangible ways.

There were times when I couldn’t really make sense of everything going on in my world; however, Bea was always able to understand and help me find value and meaning from my own reflection, as well as our sessions together.

I can’t wait to continue more sessions and develop more ways of bettering my mental and well-being from the tailored, structured, honest and real support I received from Bea – thank you!”

Calum Doris, Google Review

Kept me afloat

“I have had the pleasure of having Dr Bea as my Psychologist for a few months. I was first introduced to her by my husband, who found Dr Bea’s website online. He was very happy with her website, so he encouraged me to get in touch.

I’m so glad I did. From the very first email I sent to make inquiries, Dr Bea has been amazing.

In every assessment with her, she has been very welcoming, professional, kind, supportive, direct, listened patiently and made me feel very relaxed and comfortable while drinking a nice cup of tea.

I’m the type of person who needs dialogue and directness, and sometimes I need people to pull me out of the woods so I can see situations for what they are. In our first assessment, I explained this to her, and that is exactly what she gave me. She listened to my needs.

I can not explain how much Dr Bea’s words have made an impression on my life and how they have contributed to changing me and my life for the better. 

In very tough and stressful times, her words have been an anchor and kept me afloat. It’s the only way I know how to explain it. An anchor!

Thank you, Dr Bea, I will forever be grateful to you!”

Roses & Bluebells, Google Review

We knew we had to include Dr Lene Thorgrimsen Forrester when we saw her extensive 30-year clinical experience. This tenure lent her a deep understanding of a broad area of mental health struggles, including ADHD, autism, interpersonal difficulties, PTSD, etc.

Clients also appreciated her flexible therapy approaches, which she tailors based on in-depth assessments.

Aside from clinical therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, she also promotes mindfulness for a more holistic approach. Clients also noted that these approaches helped them set realistic, practical goals.

We were also pleased to discover that she offers free initial consultations, which is a great resource, given the expense of private fees.

Our only gripe is that her place of practice can be inconvenient for some people, as it’s located in the Northeast Coast of Scotland, Aberdeen. 

Fortunately, this is somewhat made up for by her remote service offerings, which clients noted as being just as effective as being in the same room.

Approachable and empathetic

“I’m grateful I took the time to research and choose a psychologist from the BUPA-approved list. 

After a long wait, I was fortunate to be matched with Lene. While I initially sought help for a specific issue, Lene not only addressed that but also helped me uncover deeper insights into my behaviour, ultimately diagnosing ADHD and guiding me toward the right path.

Lene’s approachable and empathetic nature made it easy to open up during our sessions, and her guidance continues to resonate with me in my daily life. 

I’m happy to say that those visits have made a meaningful difference – helping me lead a better life and gain a deeper understanding of myself.

Her professionalism and genuine care left such a positive impression that I had no hesitation in signing up my daughter to work with her as well. Lene is truly dedicated to helping her clients, and her efforts make a real impact.”

Martynas Strazdas, Google Review

Friendly, respectful, and genuinely cares

“Such a lovely, welcoming psychology practice. The team are friendly, respectful, and genuinely cares. Every appointment felt calm and well-structured, with clear explanations and practical next steps. I felt heard and never rushed. Couldn’t recommend them more.”

Chris Forbes, Google Review