Meet the Therapist: Raewyn Guerrero

Raewyn Guerrero is an online therapist who also works in London

What attracted you to become a therapist?

I have been “counselling” friends since I was five years old, if you believe what my mother says. The phone never stopped ringing, and there was always someone on the other end that I could listen to, and offer support. Helping others through tough times and offering a sense of hope is innate to me.

Where did you train?

I read my for a BSc Psychology at Goldsmiths College, then followed up with a Diploma in CBT Hypnotherapy at the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, and also studied life coaching at the Coaching Academy, then followed up with functional medicine health coaching at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy in the US to better support clients with anxiety / stress, IBS, insomnia, skin conditions like acne / eczema / psoriasis, stopping smoking and losing weight.

Can you tell us a bit about the type of therapy you practice?

I use a combination of CBT, hypnosis, and nutrition (health) coaching. My family history is one of anxiety and I wanted to find alternatives to pharmaceuticals to help others. I went through my own experience of burnout and “unexplained” stress-related symptoms including “IBS” and when therapy alone wasn’t enough, I found nutrition to be very powerful so I retrained as a functional medicine health coach and have integrated nutrition support into my practice, which really helps my clients feel better from the inside out.

I love it because I see how quickly it works to help clients feel better, often look better, and ultimately understand the root of their symptoms so they are empowered to move past them and live optimally.

What sort of people do you usually see?

Mainly stressed out City workers in their 30s – 50s, some dealing with impostor syndrome, a lot dealing with addictions to food or nicotine, and many not sleeping. But I have worked with adolescent girls, around body image and confidence and find this truly rewarding.

What do you like about being a therapist?

There’s nothing more satisfying than someone coming in feeling one way, and leaving your session feeling like a light bulb has gone on for them, and they can identify their triggers and feel empowered to make changes.

What is less pleasant?

People not being respectful of your time. Setting boundaries has been one of my biggest lessons

How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?

I’ve been registered since April 2018 and I love the Facebook community and the platform.

Have you tried the Calm mindfulness app offered to all our therapists?

Yes and I love it. So have my clients and they love it too. I offer it as part of my Sleep Better Stress Less programme.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

All the time. They’re listed on my website well-works.uk/resources

What you do for your own mental health?

I exercise regularly, I journal, and I eat a lot of dark leafy greens and minimal sugar and starchy carbs, and have a wonderful support unit in terms of friends and family.

You are a therapist in the City. What can you tell us about the areas you practice in?

I work as an online therapist and connect with clients all around the world: Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, the US, as well as London’s City.

What’s your consultation room like?

My London consultation rooms are varied. One is in a clinic in Moorgate and it’s sound proof and bright, with dimmer lighting for when hypnosis is needed. The other is very cosy and close to Bank tube.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That it truly is life changing. Spending three - six months working through your issues with someone non-judgemental and compassionate is well worth the investment.