Rebecca Ilk
Registered Member MÌÇÐĹÙÍø
Contact information
- Phone number
- 07872917667
Therapist - Paignton
Features
- Flexible hours available
- Wheelchair accessible office
- Concessionary rates
About me and my therapy practice
Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, capable people who are used to coping and holding it all together. Underneath, they feel anxious, overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in a painful loop of self-criticism and shame.
If that resonates, you are not alone — and you don't have to navigate it alone.
Like many therapists, I didn't come to this work from theory alone. My own experiences of therapy and navigating difficult seasons in life are what led me to train as a psychotherapist. I know what it feels like to sit in the other chair.
That experience taught me that real change doesn't come from being told to think more positively or try harder. It comes from having a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard, and where you can begin to meet yourself with more understanding and kindness.
I trained for 5 years to do this work properly, because I wanted to be able to offer that kind of space to others. I completed a BSc with clinical placement, followed by an MSc in Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies, both at Marjon University, Plymouth.
How I work
My work is integrative, trauma-informed and rooted in compassion. My approach is based on a simple but powerful idea: we don't develop anxiety, self-criticism or shutdown because we are flawed — we develop them because our brains have learned to protect us. When we understand those patterns with compassion rather than judgement, our nervous system can start to feel safer and change becomes possible.
I don't offer a one-size-fits-all model. I draw on person-centred, psychodynamic, transpersonal, parts work, solution-focused and CBT-informed approaches, alongside mindfulness and psychoeducation — always tailored to you.
At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. Research consistently shows it is the most important factor for meaningful change. My aim is to offer a down-to-earth, warm and professional space where you don't have to mask, filter or perform.
Practice description
Who I support
I work with adults [18+] seeking both short-term support and longer-term, deeper therapy. Sessions are available online across the UK and in person in Paignton.
You don't need a diagnosis to work with me.
I support clients with:
Anxiety, chronic stress and burnout | Depression and low mood | Low self-esteem, shame and perfectionism | Grief, loss and major life transitions | Relationship difficulties and feeling unseen | Trauma, emotional regulation and feeling overwhelmed
Areas of specialist experience
1. Neurodivergent-affirming therapy — ADHD & ASD
I am a specialist in working with neurodivergent clients. My MSc Distinction dissertation explored Navigating Rejection Sensitivity in Adult Females with ADHD. I understand masking, sensory overwhelm, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and the complex grief and relief that can come with late diagnosis. My practice is actively neuro-affirming — you won't need to educate me about neurodivergence.
I work with many clients who are not neurodivergent too, but my lens means I am attuned to difference and I will never assume one way of being is the right way.
2. Women's health, cancer recovery & life transitions
I have extensive experience supporting individuals navigating menopause, cancer recovery, and the identity and emotional shifts that come with major health and life changes. These are times when compassion, not just coping strategies, is essential.
3. Carers, complex cases and collaborative care
Through my role as Counselling Manager at CentrePeace, and previous work with Totnes Carers Counselling and Torbay Domestic Abuse Service, I am experienced in working with complex presentations, crisis, risk assessment, and working collaboratively with other services to ensure you get the right support.
My first session
If this feels like it might be a good fit, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call with no pressure to book. It's a chance for you to ask any questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working together.
You are welcome to call me on 07872917667 — please leave a message if I don't answer and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Alternatively, you can get in touch via my Counselling Directory profile.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Online UK-wide & In Person: Paignton, South Devon.
What I can help with
ADD / ADHD, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Health related issues, Loss, Menopause, Neurodiversity, Personal development, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
CBT, Emotionally focused therapy, Existential, Humanistic, Integrative, Person centred, Phenomenological, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution focused brief therapy, Transpersonal
Clients I work with
Adults, Older adults, Trainees
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Single session therapy (SST), Telephone therapy, Time-limited