Rachel Ness (she/her) is a somatic counsellor at Allies Integrated Health in Victoria, BC who offers body-centered therapy for individuals navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and low self-esteem. She also provides hormone and surgical readiness assessments for gender-affirming care.
Rachel’s approach to counselling is rooted in somatic psychotherapy, which recognizes the deep connection between the mind, body, and nervous system. Rather than focusing on talk therapy alone, her sessions help clients reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies while exploring the emotional patterns and experiences that shape their well-being.
She integrates a range of evidence-based and experiential modalities, including Somatic Psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and culturally responsive therapy. Depending on each client’s needs, sessions may incorporate music, movement, sound, drawing, and traditional conversation to support emotional processing and self-awareness.
Rachel works with adults who are seeking support with eating disorders, disordered eating recovery, body image healing, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and stress. Her work is especially supportive for individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed by internal pressure, or caught in cycles of self-criticism.
In addition to therapy, Rachel provides hormone readiness assessments and surgical readiness assessments for individuals pursuing gender-affirming care. She approaches this work with care, respect, and an understanding of the unique experiences many trans and gender-diverse people face while navigating healthcare systems.
