Meet Rachel Neff | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Neff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I moved around quite a bit growing up, largely due to being the daughter of a marine, and partly due to life circumstances. I lived in two countries and 3 different states by 2nd grade, and then went to 3 high schools in two different states by the middle of my sophomore year. But in between those transitions, I also experienced 7 consistent years of living in Newport, RI so I feel lucky to have gotten to experience both a lot of changes and a period of consistent stability in my childhood. In many ways, this exposed me to different ways of living, which curated a curiosity in me and love for travel, as well as a freedom to know life is bigger than your one current experience of it. I never felt totally at home until I moved to Denver, where I’ve been for the past 8 years, and if it wasn’t for my comfort with travel and change, I don’t know if I ever would have trusted that there’s somewhere that fits so well with my values and lifestyle. I think a lot of people are scared that if they make a big move or change, that they’re running away from things, but what about what you’re running towards? And what if the problems that followed felt a lot more manageable when you’re in an environment that allows you to be the most authentic version of yourself? That’s what my move to Denver was for me, anyways. Long story short, I give my upbringing a lot of credit for the creative and adventurous person I am today.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Similar to my upbringing, my career has been a windy one. I actually dropped out of my first attempt at college during my sophomore year in an existential crisis, questioning who I was and what I was meant to be doing. It ended up being the best decision, as it gave me time and space to work and travel, as well as grieve a significant loss I experienced shortly after that decision.
This period of time off school allowed me to save up for and venture on to a cross country road trip in a 16 year old Accord with my best friend. That trip could be its own story, but for the purpose of this one, I’ll summarize it to say it was the first time I was making decisions solely for myself and what I wanted, rather than what I thought others wanted or expected from me. It was clunky and unplanned- we got lost multiple times, slept in some questionable places, then had to sneak out from a cult another morning (farming volunteer program gone awry), but we also were constantly surprised by bits of magic and goodness in humanity. There was a sweet elderly couple who instantly welcomed us into their home when we knocked on their front door panicked about a tornado warning in Kansas, a serendipitous meetcute of me and my now partner in a hostel in San Francisco, and countless strangers who shared their campfires, food, or recommendations, just because they cared. I ended my travels staying with my grandparents at their house on a lake in South Carolina, continuing to grieve and dream, and it was here that I looked up social work programs. I felt fueled by the need to connect with other people who wanted to honestly look at life in its fullest- holding space for all of its beauty and brutality. I wanted to support others on their path to move away from day to day survival, or climbing the ladder, to authentic peaceful living, in the way I feel I am continually learning how to do.
Thus began my social work career, starting at Ohio State and then later finishing my master’s degree at University of Denver. It wasn’t until interning and working in many different types of jobs that I realized individual therapy is where I thrive. I love supporting clients in coming home to themselves- moving from trauma responses and people pleasing to peace, safety, and playfulness. I primarily work with women and queer folks who want to live unburdened by their past, feeling free to choose relationships, careers, and friendships who bring out the best in them. I work well with individuals who are ready to take responsibility for healing the stuck points and patterns they see creating chaos in their lives, and choose something new. As a somatic therapist, I help people get out of their heads and into their bodies to connect to their truth, and I offer this with a warm and non-judgmental approach, a little neurodivergent spice and humor, and a whole lot of direct conversations. If this sounds like something you or someone you love would benefit from, please reach out to me directly through my website so we can setup a free consultation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In addition to the top three things I take everyone to when they’re visiting Denver (either hike, ski, see a show at Red Rocks) I’d suggest…
Coffee at Weathervane, Hearth, or St. Mark’s
Breakfast at Foxrun, Onefold, or Rise & Shine Biscuits
Lunch at Leven Deli, Westbound & Down, Vine St.
Dinner at Mister Oso/Senor Bear, Uchi, Safta, Uncle, Watercourse
A show at Mercury Cafe, the Bluebird, Globe Hall
Cocktails at Gold Point, Fort Greene, Honey Elixir, Marigold
Wine at La Bouche or ESP
Beer at Our Mutual Friend or Lady Justice Brewing
Ice Cream at Happy Cones
Any farmer’s market
Thrifting on South Broadway
Any event hosted by Mile High Queer Club
Walk around Denver Botanic Gardens, Cheesman, or one of Denver’s art museums
Picnic at Jazz in the Park

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my fellow therapist friends who I consult with and lean on most: Courtney Crotty, Emily Mackay, Veronica Walton, Solana Cooper, Amber Baack, Josephine Marin, and Tricia Corso!

Website: https://www.rachelneff.com

Other: Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/865845