Here to provide the support you deserve.
Your Happiness Guide
Hailing from St. Louis and now rooted in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, Rachael Farinella (she/her/they) is a musician, artist, writer, certified Mindfulness Teacher, and Happiness Guide passionate about helping others create meaningful change. With over 12 years of mindfulness experience and professional training through an ICF-accredited institute, Rachael helps clients move toward confidence, clarity, and purpose.
A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Rachael brings an inclusive, affirming approach to every session by creating space for clients to feel seen, supported, and challenged. Known for their thoughtful insights and direct, results-driven style, they balance practical tools with deep compassion.
Grounded in research-backed methods, Rachael’s work combines mindfulness practices and transformational guidance that’s both actionable and effective- supporting real, lasting growth in both personal and professional life.
"When I embraced my authentic self, I created space for those who truly saw my value-leading me to opportunities and adventures I only imagined as a kid but never thought possible.
Now, I’m living my purpose by helping others embrace their authenticity as well and create lives they truly love, as themselves, and nothing less."Rachael Farinella
FAQ: Guidance, Growth, & Boundaries
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This work centers on personal growth, goal-setting, and building intentional habits that align with your values.
It’s a collaborative space where you’ll clarify what matters most and create a path forward.
The focus is on progress, accountability, and resilience, not perfection.
I offer tools, prompts, structure, and support, but you lead the way.
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It’s not therapy: I don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions or unpack past trauma.
It’s not mentorship: This isn’t based on my personal success story, it’s about helping you find your way.
It’s not consulting: I don’t give one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, I help you find clarity and make decisions that feel right for you.
It’s not a one-sided conversation: I’m trained to co-create a reflective space. This isn’t just a place to vent, it’s a space for real insight and actionable next steps.
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Therapy supports healing from the past and managing mental health. This work is focused on growth, decision-making, and future goals.
Mentorship is advice-based. This work is not about giving answers, it’s about helping you discover your own.
Consulting gives predefined solutions. Here, you build clarity and momentum by finding what’s right for you.
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If you are experiencing unresolved trauma, persistent emotional distress, or mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression, therapy is the appropriate choice.
If you need expert advice or specific solutions for a problem, consulting may be a better fit.
If you are looking for guidance in a specialized field or career, mentorship may be more relevant.
This service is best suited for those who are mentally healthy, ready to focus on personal or professional growth, and motivated to take actionable steps toward their goals. -
If you’ve ever said “I know what I need to do, I just can’t seem to do it,” this space is for you. Guide & Seek helps uncover what’s actually getting in the way, challenges the beliefs holding you back, and gives you the structure and support to start moving forward, for real this time.
It’s reflective, but not passive. You’ll ask yourself better questions, find alignment in the answers, and create change that lasts.
Every session considers the whole of who you are: values, vision, patterns, purpose. Because real growth isn’t linear, and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
This is guidance with depth and momentum.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our guidance sessions and therapy are distinct but complementary practices. If mental health concerns arise while working together, it may be recommended to pursue therapy to address those challenges before continuing.
If you have any questions about services and how they works, please ask for clarification before signing your contract.
“Working with Rachael helped me cut through self-doubt and reconnect with who I truly am. Their direct approach and fresh perspective gave me the clarity and confidence I needed. This is who you want in your corner.”
Katherine B. Guide & Seek Client
”I was definitely a little skeptical, but I gave it a shot because nothing else was working. Rachael challenged me in all the right ways, and now I finally feel like I’m moving forward instead of staying stuck.”
Kimberly B. Guide & Seek Client
Getting Started FAQ
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Fill out the short form on the Contact page. From there, I’ll reach out within 2–3 business days to schedule your free 15-minute Discovery Call.
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It’s a chance for us to connect, talk through what you’re looking for, and see if the work I offer feels aligned with your needs. You’ll get clarity on what to expect, and we’ll both get a feel for whether we’re a good fit to move forward together.
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If we decide to work together, I’ll send over intake forms and a questionnaire. These forms help set clear boundaries, deepen your self-reflection, and confirm that you’re ready to engage in this work. The process is thoughtful and in-depth designed for people who are ready to show up fully and create meaningful change.
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Yes! Most people blend mindfulness guidance, confidence work, and accountability depending on what’s most helpful. Services are flexible and evolve as your goals do.
Policy FAQ
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All sessions are paid in full in advance. If you can’t attend a prepaid session, you may send someone else in your place.
Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice are non-refundable.
Rescheduling is allowed with sufficient notice, subject to availability.
Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours' notice will not be refunded or rescheduled.
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Refunds for prepaid packages will be issued for unused sessions only, minus any completed sessions. Refunds are not available for sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice.
For group sessions, refunds will not be provided for missed classes unless canceled or rescheduled by the teacher. -
Zelle, Stripe, and PayPal
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Sliding scale or discounted pricing based on need is available. Please inquire during your consultation if this applies to you.
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Yes, all sessions are confidential. I will not share your information unless required by law or with your explicit consent.
For group sessions, I ask all participants to respect one another’s privacy.
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Clients may send texts or emails between sessions for brief check-ins or clarifications.
Messages will be responded to within 24 hours during business hours (Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-6 PM).
If a topic requires deeper discussion, it will be addressed in the next scheduled session.
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I maintain clear, professional boundaries to create a safe, respectful, and effective working relationship. Mindfulness and personal development guidance are not substitutes for therapy, legal advice, or medical care. If those services are needed, I’ll encourage you to seek the appropriate support.