Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Thorpe.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I recognized I wanted to be a therapist during my undergraduate studies at The University of Florida. I was studying psychology, and I became intrigued by how all of our experiences throughout life shape and influence us—how the stories we carry impact the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. After finishing undergrad, I began my graduate studies in mental health counseling, also at UF. Throughout my studies, as well as through my own personal and professional experiences, I witnessed the power of truly connecting with others on a deeper, emotional level and how healing it can be. There is something profoundly transformative about being fully heard, seen, challenged, and validated—those moments of connection can be the beginning of real growth and healing.
After completing my graduate training, I worked in community mental health and later in group private practice. Both experiences shaped me tremendously and gave me insight into the unique challenges people face in different stages of life. I also saw firsthand how many barriers there can be to getting the right kind of support. Over time, I realized I wanted to create a space where people could feel safe to show up as they are, without judgment, and where therapy could be both accessible and personalized. That desire led me to open Syndesi Counseling, where I have the freedom to meet clients with creativity, authenticity, and compassion, while building a practice grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process of becoming a therapist is not always a smooth road—it’s heavy, intentional work. Part of our training requires us to take a deep dive inward and really confront, process, and integrate our own traumas, blind spots, and biases in order to be able to fully show up for our clients. It’s extremely vulnerable and, at times, exposing work. But I’ve found that it’s also incredibly valuable, because it allows me to experience firsthand what my clients are asked to do when they make the brave choice to work on their own personal growth.
There have definitely been moments of self-doubt, exhaustion, and even growing pains as I learned how to balance my own humanity with my role as a therapist. Building a practice also came with its own challenges—navigating the uncertainty of stepping out on my own, learning the business side of counseling, and trusting myself to create something sustainable and meaningful. But those challenges have shaped me just as much as my education or training. They’ve deepened my empathy and strengthened my belief that struggle can be a catalyst for transformation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Syndesi Counseling was built on the belief that healing happens through connection. The word “Syndesi” itself means connection, and that idea really guides everything I do. I specialize in working with youth, adults, and families who have experienced trauma or who feel resistant to therapy, helping them find a safe space where they can explore their story without judgment. My approach is relational and collaborative. I don’t just sit across from clients and analyze; I walk alongside them, helping them uncover strengths, challenge old patterns, and build healthier connections with themselves and others.
What sets Syndesi Counseling apart is the emphasis on authenticity and relationship. Therapy isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” process, and my goal is to make it feel deeply personal, supportive, and even creative at times. I bring in different tools—whether it’s narrative work, the Enneagram, or trauma-informed interventions—but the heart of it is always about helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.
For readers, I’d want them to know that therapy isn’t just about “fixing problems.” It’s about investing in yourself, creating space to heal, and building the kind of life and relationships that feel more authentic and fulfilling. At Syndesi, the focus is on creating those positive connections that allow real change to take root.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I went out on my own in private practice relatively early in my career, and at the time it felt like a huge risk. I wasn’t satisfied in the workplaces I had been part of, and I came to a crossroads: either move into another setting where I might feel the same, or take a leap and start my own journey. I chose the latter, even though I had little to no knowledge of the business side of running a practice. There was a steep learning curve, and I had to figure out a lot along the way, but that risk ultimately became one of the most meaningful and rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
To me, risk isn’t about recklessness, it’s about trust. It’s about trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown, even when there are no guarantees. I don’t really believe in the concept of being fully “ready”, and that applies to anything in life. If we only wait until the timing feels perfect, we miss out on countless opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Sometimes it’s the leap itself that creates the readiness.
Taking risks has shaped not only my career but also how I approach my work as a therapist. I encourage clients to take steps, even small ones, toward change, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain, because that’s often where the real transformation begins.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.syndesicounselingjax.com
- Instagram: syndesicounseling_jax
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/rachel-thorpe-jacksonville-beach-fl/915546
