Rachel Bender, RMHCI, is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care to each individual she works with. Rachel is passionate about creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped to build meaningful change.
Rachel received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2022 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida in 2025. She graduated with honors from both institutions and is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for counseling students and professional counselors. Rachel completed extensive clinical training through both university and community-based settings, including work with youth and families impacted by trauma, behavioral concerns, and significant life stressors.
Rachel’s clinical interests include trauma recovery, anxiety and mood disorders, self-esteem development, emotional regulation, and family conflict. She is particularly passionate about working with adolescents and young adults as they develop coping skills, strengthen their sense of identity, and build resilience. Rachel integrates structured skill-building techniques with insight-oriented work to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while fostering long-term growth.
Rachel approaches therapy from a collaborative and strengths-focused perspective. She believes that healing occurs through authentic connection, empathy, and empowerment. Her therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and structured, balancing compassion with gentle accountability. Rachel prioritizes building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs, values, and goals. Her work is grounded in compassion, cultural responsiveness, integrity, and a commitment to helping clients feel both supported and capable of meaningful change.