After years of living in fast-paced cities like Sydney and London, Rachel Cowe, made the move to the Northern Rivers in early 2024 and hasn’t looked back. Drawn to the Byron Shire for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, she said the relocation was her “best decision yet!”
Rachel works as a Counsellor across two sites, Riverlands in Lismore and the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team at Tweed Valley Hospital.
Her work focuses on supporting individuals with challenges related to addiction, trauma and adverse childhood experiences, people with mental health experiences, those in crisis, offending behaviours and she has a particular passion for working with people with forensic histories.
Rachel highlights the collaborative culture within Northern NSW Local Health District, where mutual respect, diverse skillsets and genuine care for each other and the community are part of the everyday.
“Humour is essential in our teams; it makes all the difference when working in this sector and brings joy to the work we do.”
The therapeutic alliance, the connection that helps individuals feel truly seen and understood, sometimes for the first time, is at the heart of Rachel’s practice.
“Supporting someone to reconnect with their own inner wisdom, especially when it’s been clouded by addiction or trauma, is a magical space to be in.
“It’s a privilege to hear someone’s story and walk alongside them in their healing.”
Rachel’s began working in mental health and community-based roles within NGOs, before joining NSW Health as a Counsellor in Kings Cross. Here she worked with marginalised populations in a vibrant primary healthcare setting.
Her experience spans individual and group counselling, case management and rehabilitation support for people navigating complex life experiences.
Outside work, Rachel enjoys exploring the coast and hinterland of the Northern Rivers. She loves hiking and swimming or simply soaking in the slower rhythm of life.
“The lifestyle shift has enriched both my personal and professional life,” she said.