Rachel McMonagle Counselling & Facilitation

30/09/2026

Today marks 10 years in business, and if I’m honest, it feels a little emotional writing that.

10 years ago, I started something without really knowing where it would take me. Since then there have been so many highs, hard days, moments of doubt, big leaps, quiet wins, lessons and a lot of growing along the way.

I’ve had the privilege of being trusted with people’s stories at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives, and that is something I will never take for granted.

To every client, child, young person, family, school, organisation and group who has trusted me to do the work, thank you! You have shaped these 10 years more than you probably realise.

And to my family, especially my husband and my children, thank you for the encouragement, patience, sacrifices, late nights and for always being the people I come home to. I could never have done this without you.

I am grateful for every person who has walked a little part of this journey with me and I am excited to see what lies ahead.

Rachel ❤️

20/09/2026

🎄🍽 Christmas Dinner to your Door 🍽🎄

I know it feels very early to be talking about Christmas, but this year will mark my 5th Christmas providing Christmas Dinner to Your Door. 🎄❤️

Each year, this has grown from something small into something that reaches more people across Derry/Londonderry who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone, who are struggling physically or mentally, or who are simply finding things difficult financially.

With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on so many households, I am very aware that the need may be greater again this year. Because of that, I need to start getting an idea of numbers much earlier, so that I can plan properly, organise food and deliveries, and hopefully make sure nobody who genuinely needs this is missed.

If you feel you would benefit from a Christmas dinner, you are a small family finding things difficult, you are on your own, or you know a neighbour or someone else who may need a little kindness this Christmas, please send me a private message.

There is absolutely no charge for the meal or delivery, and you do not need to feel embarrassed or explain your circumstances to me. Any information shared will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Sometimes Christmas dinner is about much more than food. It is about knowing individual's are cared for at what can be a difficult time for some. There is more than me behind the scenes, that make this happen every year through their donations and a willingness to want to help (including my husband and children who are professional veg and spud peelers at this rate) and for that I am grateful 🙏

Every dinner is cooked fresh by me on Christmas morning and delivered to you, by myself, between 11.30 - 12.30pm.

I hold a Level 2 Food and Hygiene Certificate, so everything is prepared with care and food safety in mind.

📩 Please message me privately to register interest

Please feel free to share this post.

You never know who might see it and quietly need it this Christmas.

Rachel ❤️

14/09/2026

10/09/2026

On World Su***de Prevention Day, we are reminded that compassionate conversations, genuine connection and timely support can save lives.

No one should have to face their darkest moments alone.

Reach out if you need support.

Rachel 💛

26/08/2026

A really enjoyable training session today with a fantastic group of classroom assistants. 🌱

We explored Growth Mindset, Resilience and Metacognition, with a therapeutically informed look at what these actually mean in the everyday classroom, beyond simply telling children to “keep trying.”

We covered building resilience through manageable challenge and recovery, supporting children when they feel stuck, co-regulation and emotional safety, understanding what may sit underneath behaviour, reducing fear around mistakes, and using scaffolding and metacognitive strategies to gradually build confidence and independence, all underpinned under TransformEd and EA's Nurture principles.

A huge thank you to all the staff for your participation, openness and willingness to share your own experiences and ideas.

The conversations and practical examples really brought the training to life. 💚

25/08/2026

✨️Client availability update✨️

I now have availability for two new clients and then my books will be closed for another while.

Thank you to everyone who choses me to enter into their lives. I don't take it lightly, nor for granted.

Counselling isn't an easy process, but it is most certainly worthwhile and rewarding, if you commit to it.

Take care,

Rachel ❤️

15/06/2026

It was a pleasure to spend time with parents and carers today exploring the transition from primary to secondary school.

Transition can bring excitement, uncertainty and lots of mixed emotions; for children and adults.

We explored some practical ways to support young people through change, build confidence, encourage independence and create space for conversations about any worries they may have.

Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their experiences. I appreciate the timing and with Sports Day, it may have made it difficult for some to attend. With this in mind, if anyone who couldn't attend and would like any support or information, please reach out.

Working together, we can help our children approach this next chapter feeling supported and prepared. 🌱

11/06/2026

Sometimes healing doesn't happen through sitting and talking.

Sometimes it happens side by side, with flour on your hands, a cake in the oven and a mug of tea on standby!

Fifteens, rice krispie buns and a chocolate cake on the go today 😋

08/06/2026

Today I had the privilege of delivering Bereavement and Grief awareness training to the Classroom Assistants at Sacred Heart Primary School.

We explored how grief can present in children, practical ways to support pupils in school, and the importance of providing calm, consistent and compassionate relationships during difficult times.

One of the key messages from the session was simple:

Children may not always remember what we say, but they will remember how we made them feel.

Thank you to the staff for their openness, reflections and commitment to supporting children with such care.

30/05/2026

We live in a world that constantly tells us to keep going. But, sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is step off the hamster wheel for a while.

I've often found that removing yourself from your usual environment, even for a short while, can give you a different perspective. The things that felt overwhelming can feel more manageable and the mental clutter begins to settle.

This has been a really busy year so far and I am thoroughly enjoying my few days break away, from all responsibilities.

Time for Rachel to be 'Rachel' has been well earned 🤣