Mira Shah

Hello. My name Mira Shah and I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor which all sounds very complicated but it simply means that I am a trained professional for talking therapies. Counselling is not my first career, I used to work in and amongst the bright lights of London.

Fast forward a number of years, I'd made some life changes and I felt kind of... lost. I sought therapy after feeling exhausted and vacant but not really knowing why. Being able to talk to someone openly and honestly without judgement felt freeing. The positive impact of counselling in my life was a game changer for me and was the reason I decided to train as a counsellor.

I am passionate about mental health and breaking down the taboo that surrounds mental health today. It is absolutely ok to not be ok, but it does not feel ok that putting yourself first and asking for help can throw up fear and shame. I strongly believe that change is possible and sometimes you just need a hand to support you in getting to where you want to go.

What is Counselling and how can it help me?

Counselling provides a space for you to talk about anything that prevents you from feeling ok in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment. It is, in itself a journey and a process to explore yourself further.

We all have blind spots in our growth and they tend to be invisible when they are our own. The process of speaking with someone to explore why you think the way you think, and feel the way you do, will allow you to find clarity in your thoughts, feelings and life experiences.

People seek therapy for a range of life issues such as anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, trauma and work related issues. Sometimes there isn’t an issue at all and you may want to seek therapy to feel healthier, to be more self-aware or for personal growth. You do not need to have a specific challenge in your life to benefit from the space I provide.

The way I work

I am an Integrative Counsellor and the way I work stems from a Humanistic approach This simply means that I believe that every person has ingrained tools to achieve the best from themselves should they wish to do so.

Life seldom happens in straight lines – there are ups and downs which often makes the journey exhilarating and exciting but also sometimes unrelenting and difficult – this is life. It is in these moments that we need to access the ingrained tools which we all have to help us not only survive, but thrive – we all have these tools but sometimes we don’t know it. I do not aim to advise or diagnose but to create a space where you are able to explore your issues without fear of consequence. I will support you in building resilience, autonomy and a relationship with yourself in order to be able to achieve your therapeutic goals.

The cornerstone of therapy is the therapeutic relationship and for me, the basis of this relationship is trust, acceptance and empathy. Whilst I am unable to walk in your shoes, I can walk beside you and try to understand what it may feel like for you. It is during this process of reflection that creates self-awareness and clarity of your circumstances.

Working in a way that enables you to tell your story without fear and shame, understanding the narrative and accepting your experience is powerful, and for me this is the heart of therapy.

A bit about the process…

Whilst the thought of seeking help may seem daunting and overwhelming it needn’t be. Please feel free to contact me confidentially by either phone, text message or email to enquire further or to arrange an initial session.

The initial session will be an opportunity for us to meet and have a chat about your therapeutic needs, i.e. why you are seeking therapy and what you would like to achieve, it will also give you an idea of the way I work. It is really important for you to feel relaxed and comfortable with the therapist you choose. Once we have had our initial session and you decide to commit to therapy sessions with me, we can discuss arrangements going forward.

One of the most common questions I get asked ‘How long will therapy take?’ and there is no simple way to answer this question. Counselling is not a quick fix. It requires time and commitment and can take place over weeks or several months. However long it takes, know that you are not alone.

What happens next?

If you would like to find out more about therapy sessions with or to arrange an initial session with me then please do not hesitate to contact me by either phone, text message or email. If I am unavailable by phone then please leave me a message and I will aim to contact you within 24 hours.

I also work with:

• Cross cultural issues
• Harmful practices
• Intergenerational trauma

I charge £50 for a 50 minute session

I am currently based in Bishops Stortford and offer sessions at Water Lane Cottage for Counselling and Psychotherapy.  The practice is based in the heart of the Town Centre with parking facilities nearby.

Counselling is completely individual and what works for one person may not work for another. If you’ve tried face to face counselling and it has not worked for you then there are other options available. Online and telephone counselling is an alternative to face to face therapy and has become more popular due to current restrictions.

Please get in touch for further information on video and telephone counselling.