
Rachel Davis Wootten, LMSW
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
Rachel’s favorite quote reflects her belief that life is not always as serene as the ocean.
At times, unexpected waves may come our way—changes, loss, uncertainty, difficult emotions, and moments when we feel like we have lost our footing. While we may not be able to control everything life brings, we can learn new ways of responding, find steadier ground, and develop the tools to navigate life’s challenges. Rachel views therapy as a safe and supportive space to pause, catch your breath, and learn how to move through life with greater confidence and self-compassion.
Rachel works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her approach is flexible and individualized, grounded in the belief that a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating these approaches based on each client’s unique needs and goals. Rather than relying heavily on clinical jargon or a one-size-fits-all approach, Rachel makes therapy practical, accessible, and relatable, helping clients develop meaningful skills and make changes that feel achievable in their everyday lives.
Before becoming a therapist, Rachel worked in a medical setting, where she supported patients living with neurological conditions such as ALS, multiple sclerosis (MS), and dementia. She has also supported immigrant children and families as they navigated the immigration system and provided psychosocial support during times of transition and uncertainty. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges that shape each person’s life. They have also strengthened her commitment to honoring each client’s individual story, identity, and needs.
Clients appreciate Rachel’s ability to bring humor, creativity, and compassion into the therapy room. She believes therapy can be both meaningful and engaging, and when appropriate, she incorporates expressive approaches such as music, books, and journaling to help clients explore their experiences in ways that feel natural and relatable.
Rachel sees therapy as a collaborative journey between client and therapist. She hopes to help clients feel less alone as they navigate their own waves, discover their strengths, and find ways to move forward. She is honored to walk alongside her clients as they work toward greater self-understanding, resilience, and healing.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time in nature, volunteering at an animal rescue, and relaxing with an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.