Meet Rachel Hickey

Helping you heal what's underneath the patterns and wounds that have held you back.

EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapy in Gold River and online across California for perfectionists, anxious overthinkers, and couples stuck in the same fight on repeat.

Hi I’m Rachel!I became a therapist because I went through therapy myself, and it changed my life. Through my own healing journey, I was able to uproot deep negative beliefs about myself that were getting in the way of healthy, fulfilling relationships. Experiencing that kind of freedom transformed me — and I now consider it an absolute privilege to help others experience the same.

There is something sacred about giving someone space to vent, cry, question, and lean into the most tender parts of their story. I never get tired of reminding my clients how much they matter and how worthy they are of being heard.

I work with individuals who resonate with words like perfectionist, high-functioning, highly anxious, or overthinking. No matter how much they accomplish, they still feel like it’s not enough. They struggle to voice their needs and often prioritize everyone else. The result? They’re left  depleted and disconnected.

The couples I work with are often exhausted from the same fight on repeat. One partner pursues. The other withdraws. Both feel misunderstood. Both feel alone.

These patterns aren’t random. They’re protective. But what once helped you survive may now be keeping you stuck.

Why EMDR, IFS, & EFT Matter

Early in my clinical work, I realized insight alone wasn’t enough. Clients could name their triggers, but their nervous systems still reacted automatically. That’s what led me to pursue specialized training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

EMDR helps process both “big T” and “little t” trauma that fuels anxiety and negative core beliefs. When we address the root, we create space for healthier patterns to take hold. You can’t build on a shaky foundation, and healing allows you to build something steadier.

When things finally get quiet, your mind might ask:

• Why do I seek approval from others and judge myself harshly?

• Why am I willing to do anything to hold onto unhealthy relationships?

• Why do I feel guilty when I set a boundary?

• Why do I keep having the same argument with my partner?

• How can I stop choosing insecure relationships?

If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not broken. You learned coping strategies that helped you survive. Now it’s time to learn new ones that help you thrive.

What This Means for You 

Therapy isn’t about silencing your inner critic or avoiding conflict. It’s about changing the patterns at their core so you can respond with clarity, confidence, and emotional security.

You don’t have to keep fighting the same battles — with your partner or within yourself. You can learn new ways of responding that create confidence, clarity, and emotional security. 

It’s time to find the emotional healing and freedom you’ve been looking for. 

[Click below to book your free consultation]