Photo of Buchheit, Rachel

Rachel Buchheit, LCPC, NCC, CT

Clinical Associate

Center for Wellbeing

Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Contact

Building & Room:

Carle Atrium Building, Center for Wellbeing

Address:

900 Main Street

Office Phone:

309-495-1640

About

Rachel Buchheit is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified in Thanatology, a concentration area of death, dying, and bereavement. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Rachel completed her undergraduate education at the Missouri University of Science & Technology in the Ozark region of Rolla, Missouri, earning a BA degree in Psychology and Secondary Teaching Certification.

Rachel completed her MA degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University in 2012. Inspired by the opportunity to advance the field of Pediatric Palliative Care, Rachel dedicated the first ten years of her post-graduate career fully immersed in providing counseling services to patients and families affected by chronic and life limiting conditions in a critical care setting at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Her work at CHOI was deeply meaningful and served as a commanding catalyst in her desire to lead as an agent of change within the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare.

Her expertise in providing comprehensive bereavement and trauma informed care paired with her experience in program design and academic roots, opened a door of opportunity to intersect her passion for direct clinical care and vision to elevate the development, implementation and execution of advanced communication and innovative wellness curriculum for medical professionals across the spectrum of care.

Rachel joined the UICOMP Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine as a clinical associate in 2021. She strives to meet individuals where they’re at and utilizes evidence-based interventions that are grounded in mutual respect, compassion and practicality.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys floating and fishing scenic waterways by canoe with her husband, Dennis. She is a dedicated equestrian with her equine partner, Henry and appreciates any opportunity to be at the barn, swim, travel, listen to music and spend quality time with friends and family.

Education

Graduate: Bradley University (Peoria, IL)
Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Undergraduate: Missouri University of Science & Technology (Rolla, MO)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Secondary Teaching Certification

Licensures and Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Illinois
    License No. 180.009725
  • Nationally Certified Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
    Certificate No. 299088
  • Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement, Association for Death Education and Counseling
    Certificate No. 13730

Professional Memberships

  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Selected Presentations

  • Cultivating Wellbeing for Healthcare Providers
  • Practical Tips for Reigniting Purpose and Inspiration in the Workplace
  • Grief in the Workplace
  • Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
  • Failing Forward: Utilizing Narrative Medicine to Combat Shane in Medicine
  • Medical Empathy: Compassion-Focused Contemplative Practices
  • Combating the Stress Cycle: Identifying Regulation Practices that Work
  • Addressing Imposter Syndrome
  • Mindful Self-Compassion
  • Using CBT to Get Unstuck from Lousy Moments
  • The Power of Social Connections
  • Self-Regulation and Mindfulness
  • Assertive Communication Skills
  • Foundations of Resilience
  • Workplace Wellbeing Process Groups
  • Medical Professionalism