Dr Samreen Bhaidani

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

Counselling Psychologist, PhD

About me

About Me
With over sixteen years of professional experience, I have had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds — particularly those navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and emotional wellbeing in cross-cultural contexts. I offer therapy that is affirming, relational, and culturally aware, grounded in respect for both individuality and the communities we come from.

 
Taking the First Step
It can be confusing and frustrating when our emotions don’t make sense or when we feel stuck and overwhelmed. You might feel lost or unsure about how to move forward. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you’re returning after previous support, I offer a warm, safe space where you can feel truly heard and understood as we gently explore what’s been happening and begin to find clarity, balance, and calm together.

My Approach
My approach is collaborative and reflective, helping you make sense of your inner world and life experiences so you can move toward greater self-understanding and choice. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to building a relationship where you feel safe, heard, and understood. I work in a culturally sensitive and open-minded way, creating an inclusive space where every experience is welcomed and valued.

 
How I Work
I draw on various evidence-based modalities, including CBT, mindfulness, and relational approaches, always tailoring therapy to each client’s unique background and lived experience. My work involves thoughtful assessment and treatment formulation, leading to effective, evidence-based interventions and ongoing evaluation — all within clear professional standards and boundaries.

 
Cultural Sensitivity
I recognise that seeking therapy can sometimes feel unfamiliar or even taboo in certain communities. My approach is compassionate, grounded, and culturally sensitive, offering a space where you can explore your inner world without fear of judgment or shame — and without needing to explain the balance between cultures.

Who I Work With
I work with clients experiencing anxiety or trauma related to relationships, family, work, or past experiences, including those managing challenges linked to ADHD. In our early sessions, we’ll explore underlying issues and create a plan that feels manageable and supportive. Many clients begin to feel lighter and more in control within the first few months, with steady and lasting progress over time.

I also specialise in supporting clients from South Asian backgrounds who experience difficulties related to identity, autonomy, and the pressures of cultural or religious expectations. I understand the unique challenges that can arise when navigating cultural identity, family obligations, and mental health, and I aim to provide an inclusive, understanding space where all aspects of your experience are respected and valued.

 
What to Expect
During our initial sessions, we’ll take time to explore what’s been happening and work together to create a plan that feels meaningful and achievable. Many clients notice a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first few months and sustained improvement over time.

Whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to be challenged, I’ll meet you where you are. Together, we’ll develop an approach that’s tailored to your goals, pace, and personal journey.

Languages
In addition to English, I also speak Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, allowing clients to express themselves in the language that feels most comfortable and natural.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • PhD: Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology 
  • MSc: Psychology
  • BSc (Hons): Social Work with Children and Young People
  • FdSc: Counselling

I work collaboratively with clients to understand how they make sense of their inner world and life experiences. At the heart of my therapy is a commitment to building a relationship where clients feel safe, heard, and accepted. I am culturally sensitive, open-minded, and receptive to new ideas, providing an inclusive service that respects each individual’s unique background. I have experience working with clients from diverse communities, supporting a wide range of mental health difficulties as well as cultural and identity-related challenges.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

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.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

BAATN
Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)

Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£80.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • Students
  • Unemployed

Additional information

I offer concession rates for students and individuals on a low income. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions — I’m happy to discuss options and work with you to help make therapy affordable and accessible.

Further information

I also provide mentoring and coaching sessions to clients with additional needs and learning difficulties.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Additional languages

Punjabi
Urdu

Hindi

Dr Samreen Bhaidani
Dr Samreen Bhaidani