meet rachel dannelley
Hey, I am Rachel!
I actually never planned on becoming a therapist.
For most of my childhood, I was convinced I would become an equine veterinarian. Then, during my junior year of high school, an AP Psychology class changed everything. My teacher, who also happened to be my school guidance counselor, saw something in me that I wasn't quite ready to see in myself.
She told my mom, "She's not called to work with animals. She needs to work with humans."
As much as I resisted that idea at the time, she was right.
Years later, after earning two degrees and becoming licensed in two states, I can't imagine myself doing anything else. That same teacher eventually officiated my wedding and remains one of my greatest mentors.
I believe sometimes the people who see something in us before we see it ourselves can change the entire direction of our lives. And in many ways, that's part of what I hope to offer through therapy: a relationship where you feel seen, supported, and capable of discovering something different for yourself.
What to expect
My approach to therapy.
I don't believe therapy is, or ever should be, one-size-fits-all.
Your experiences, relationships, beliefs, and the ways you've learned to navigate the world are uniquely yours. Your therapy should reflect that. My approach is trauma-informed, experiential, and grounded in the belief that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most meaningful parts of the healing process.
I'm not a blank-slate therapist. My facial expressions usually give me away, and I believe you deserve a real human on the other side of the room. That means you'll find empathy, compassion, and validation here. You'll also find honesty, accountability, and sometimes gentle challenges when they're needed.
I believe you can be deeply supported while also being encouraged to grow.
Together, we'll create a space where you can explore your experiences, better understand yourself, and work toward meaningful changes in your life.
The Work Closest to My Heart
My clinical foundation began while working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic crimes at Palm Beach County Victim Services. Those experiences shaped not only my clinical approach but also my understanding of courage, survival, and the importance of having a safe place to process experiences that can be difficult to put into words.
My work eventually expanded to include military personnel, first responders, and their families. During my time practicing near military installations in Navarre, Florida, I developed an even deeper appreciation for the unique experiences, sacrifices, and relational challenges that can accompany a life of service.
With loved ones who have served in the military and first responder communities, this work holds personal meaning for me as well. I also enjoy working with adolescents navigating ADHD and life transitions, couples seeking to strengthen their relationships, medical professionals, athletes, and individuals adjusting to grief, illness, and significant changes in their lives.
THE HUMAN PART OF THERAPY
I want you to feel comfortable showing up as you are.
You don't need to have the right words, know where to start, or feel obligated to share everything before you're ready. I integrate evidence-informed techniques with experiential and relational approaches, tailoring our work to your needs, goals, and experiences.
While I have a background in Christian counseling and can incorporate faith when it's meaningful to you, I welcome clients of all beliefs, backgrounds, and walks of life.
My hope is that you leave our work feeling not only heard and understood, but increasingly empowered to navigate your life with confidence, self-awareness, and compassion. You deserve intentional care, genuine connection, and a space where you don't have to face everything alone.
the professional stuff
Rachel Dannelley, LPC, LMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor - Texas
Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Florida
Master's in counseling, Mental Health Focus
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1
OK Corral Equine Assisted Therapy Certified
Sand Tray Therapy - Level 1 & 2
My clinical work includes specialized training in trauma-informed and experiential approaches, with particular emphasis on relational work, attachment, and working with first responder and military populations.
AREAS OF CLINICAL FOCUS
Trauma & PTSD • Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault • Relationships & Attachment • Couples Therapy • Athletes • First Responder & Military Experiences • Anxiety • Depression • Identity & Life Transitions
APPROACHES THAT MAY INFORM OUR WORK
Gottman Method-Informed Couples • Somatic Awareness • IFS Parts Work • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) • Experiential Therapy • Sand Tray • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
maybe we would work well together
I don't believe my job is to be the expert on you.
Reading an About page can tell you something about who I am and how I work — but it can't tell either of us what it will actually feel like to sit across from each other. That's what the consultation is for.
We can talk about what brings you here, what you're hoping for, and any questions you have about therapy. Then we can decide together whether working together feels like the right fit. And if it doesn't, that's okay too.
Finding the right therapist matters more than convincing you that I should be yours.
In-person in Mont Belvieu, Texas • Virtual sessions available throughout Texas and Florida