Rachel Haack About | Fixed Kajabi Preview
About Rachel

Hello, I'm Rachel.

Marriage and family therapist, wife, mother, writer, and educator.

I help families navigate the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking work of family life.

Rachel Haack, LMFT
My story

A little bit about me

i.

Details really matter.

Rachel Haack

My journey toward becoming a marriage and family therapist unfolded unexpectedly during my college years at the young age of 21. Married and expecting my first child, I was pursuing a degree in Interior Design. I was fascinated with the way that color, texture, scale, lighting, and furniture placement impacted your feelings. I was intrigued by the elements of physical spaces that make us feel whole, happy, and nourished. I learned that details really matter.

I was also weird! Being a 21 year-old pregnant student, waddling around a college campus regularly reminded me that I was on a unique path. Life felt serious for me, quickly. As I navigated this rapid transition into the real life of "adulting," the early years of marriage, and the shock and wonder of motherhood, my focus expanded to relational and mental health spaces.

The questions that once focused on the elements of a beautiful kitchen layout shifted to deep considerations about the elements of a loving marriage, the details fostering children's thriving, and finding balance in life's personal struggles. I decided to say (a financially painful!) goodbye to my Interior Design credits, changed majors, and took the risk of developing a passion. I became a dedicated student of the human mind, of relationships, and the elements that shape beautiful lives.

Spoiler alert: I quickly learned it was much easier to design a kitchen than to design a life.
ii.

Family had always been of central importance.

I began recognizing the enormous impact of our families of origin. As the oldest granddaughter among 48 grandchildren on my father's side (!!) and the eldest daughter of 8 children (!), family had always been of central importance.

I witnessed the impact and complexity involved in a very large relational ecosystem, with the realities of mental illness, love, shared meaning, faith, religion, conflict, divorce, sexuality, estrangement, grief, abuse, trauma, and loss woven throughout. Individually and collectively, these themes continue to shape our stories.

iii.

I am in awe of human potential.

Now, 20 years, five children, and many late nights of study later, my passion for creating meaningful, beautiful lives remains undiminished. Life's complexity only deepens with time. Psychology and humor have been foundational tools in my own battles, enriching my personal relationships.

Nothing drives me more than the reward of witnessing growth, healing, and suffering alleviated. I am in awe of human potential. Each person's journey is a sacred gift, and this work is both an honor and a privilege.

Rachel Haack with her family
Linen curtains drawn back from an open window onto a garden
My approach

Relational, developmental, and systemic.

I believe people make the most meaningful changes when we can look honestly at ourselves without losing compassion for ourselves, or for the people we love. My approach is relational, developmental, and systemic: rather than looking for someone to blame, we get curious about the patterns, histories, and dynamics that shape a family.

I'll help you take responsibility for what is yours, let go of what isn't, and become steadier and more intentional in how you show up. I believe in the possibility of repair, but also in building a rich and meaningful life even when relationships remain complicated or unresolved.

Sometimes breaks in our relationships are breakthroughs for us to lead a fuller, deeper, and more joyful existence.

What I believe

The beliefs that guide my work

  1. i.

    Marriages and families matter.

  2. ii.

    The quality of our relationships makes up the quality of our lives.

    Nothing brings more pain or purpose than our closest relationships.

  3. iii.

    We need quality, ethical professionals capable of helping.

  4. iv.

    Our ability to access joy is related to our capacity to notice and take in beauty and goodness.

    Life is a beautiful gift.

  5. v.

    Aging is our curriculum.

    Getting older is ascending a summit, not "going downhill."

My core values

Caring, Courage, Prudence, Truth, Vitality, Openness, Excellence, Family.

The good life is a process, not a state of being.
Carl Rogers
Qualifications

Training and credentials

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Nevada #5219
  • Gottman Level One Certified Couples Therapist
  • TEAM-CBT Certified
  • WTTA Certified Therapist
View my Psychology Today profile
Rachel Haack

Thank you for being here.

Each person's journey is a sacred gift. Wherever you are in yours, I'm glad you found your way here.

Rachel Haack

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