Rachel Giles, LCSW

Rachel Giles, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), is a California-licensed therapist with 10 years of experience providing care for adults. She has worked with people facing anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, career challenges in the nonprofit sector, grief, trauma and addiction. Her practice focuses on practical support and emotional growth for clients navigating life transitions, self-esteem struggles, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue.

Her approach is accepting, nonjudgmental, and interactive. She values curiosity and collaboration, inviting clients to explore their stories and goals while tailoring methods to each person’s needs. Rachel combines client-centered techniques with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness strategies, as well as motivational interviewing and psychodynamic ideas when appropriate, to create a personalized path for change.

Rachel aims to build a positive therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard and supported as they work toward growth and self-exploration. She offers guidance, encouragement, and gentle challenge throughout the process, helping clients develop coping skills, address patterns that limit them, and move toward clearer purpose and improved well-being. She looks forward to partnering with individuals ready to begin that work.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Rachel Giles integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy into her online practice to support adults in navigating stress, relationships, career shifts, and emotional challenges. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship and meeting clients where they are - it helps people explore their values and goals while feeling understood. CBT offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, which can support stress management and self-compassion.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Rachel works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques as therapy progresses so the work remains responsive and effective for each person.

Online therapy with Rachel is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling and accessibility from home or other locations. These options allow clients to engage in consistent care around work, family, or other commitments while maintaining a strong therapeutic connection with a licensed professional.