Deba Anna Salim HCPC Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor, mindfulness practitioner
About me
I am a qualified, experienced, HCPC registered art psychotherapist (MA), counsellor and mindfulness practitioner based in Hackney, East London offering individual one-to-one therapy either short or long term.
I offer you a space to feel heard; where I deeply listen and bear witness. This resting space and supportive environment may empower you in discovering and activating your own, innate healing ability, which I believe is within all of us.
Sitting together, walking in nature, making art or simply speaking your truth and feeling heard are all ways that can be useful in bringing to light aspects of yourself to be shared, processed and let go of if no longer serving you. I believe that learning to trust yourself is key to your own healing.
"We all need a safe space in life where we can share our experiences, where there is no judgment and no need to hold back fears. With Deba as my witness she offers that space for me. I experience a deep sense of compassion and empathy from Deba which is a gift from one being to another to help heal. It is often not in the words but in the sharing of energy. The sessions are not fixed or rigid but have a life of their own to wander into the places needed at each and every moment" (client testimonial)
While I initially trained in a psychodynamic model and framework, my work has since expanded to include a more integrative, transpersonal form, where feeling- based relating is key. Art making can occur or not in the sessions. Quite often creativity and imagination are activated through the words spoken, dreams, symbols and/or imagery that rise up naturally in the course of a session.
I have recently adapted my practice to include outdoor, walking therapy in nature which can be so beneficial to mind, body and spirit. Walking side-by-side rather than sitting face-face can be a different way of relating and encompasses a whole other range of attention and being with another within the natural environment.
By addressing different aspects of our being human (spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, physical and creative), healing and growth can occur. My work is about adapting and facilitating whatever works best for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have over 15 years experience of working in various settings to support mental health. I initially trained as a visual artist, obtaining a BA Hons degree in Fine Art from Glasgow School of Art. I then did an MA in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths UCL. I have always felt steered towards the arts and nature as ways to heal and have worked in many different settings including community-based work, the NHS, educational settings and the arts. I have worked with individuals and groups, from early years to older adults. I also have training and experience as a mindfulness practitioner.
I offer support for a wide spectrum of psychological, emotional and spiritual issues including anxiety, depression, loneliness, attachment-based issues, bereavement and loss, addictions, issues around identity (including cultural, ethnic, sexuality, gender) and relationship problems.
Member organisations
Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
Health and Care Professions Council
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
I am happy to have a chat on the phone or you can email me with no obligation. From there, we can arrange an initial consultation where you can ask me questions to get a greater feel for how I work and to establish whether we might be a good fit to work together.
My fees are on a sliding scale of £50-£75 per session. I also have limited spaces where I offer low cost therapy.
