About me
Now Accepting New Clients
Hi, I'm Nafeesa.
I'm a warm, approachable Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Senior Accredited Coach and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years' experience supporting people through life's challenges.
I bring both professional expertise and a deep appreciation for the ways our identities, relationships, cultures, communities and life experiences can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Over the years, I have worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, cultures, faiths and lived experiences. Whilst these experiences may differ greatly, my focus is always on understanding your unique perspective and what matters most to you.
I am trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, with my work rooted in person-centred and experiential psychotherapy. I believe that lasting change happens when people feel genuinely understood, accepted and supported to explore their experiences at a deeper level.
Whilst I won't tell you how to live your life, I will actively work alongside you, drawing upon my experience, professional knowledge and therapeutic skills to help you gain insight, identify patterns, process difficult experiences and move towards meaningful and lasting change.
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck or exhausted from carrying things alone for far too long. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, relationship difficulties, grief, loss, low self-worth, family conflict, identity-related challenges or the impact of past experiences. Equally, you may not have a clear reason for seeking therapy, but simply know that something no longer feels sustainable.
Whatever brings you here, you will be met with warmth, curiosity, compassion and respect.
My Approach
I work with adults from all walks of life and welcome people of all genders, sexualities, relationship styles, cultures, faiths and backgrounds.
Many of the people I support have learned to adapt to the roles, expectations and responsibilities placed upon them. Over time, they may become disconnected from their own needs whilst working hard to be strong, capable, resilient or 'fine' for the benefit of others. Therapy can offer a space to step away from those expectations and reconnect with what is really happening beneath the surface.
I recognise that vulnerability can feel difficult for many reasons. For some, it may not have felt safe to express emotions, ask for help or prioritise their own needs. Others may have learned to cope by staying busy, taking care of everyone else or carrying their struggles quietly. Together, we can create a space where all parts of your experience are welcome and where greater self-understanding, self-compassion and meaningful change can emerge.
As a practitioner, I am committed to ongoing learning and regularly engage with current research, training and reflective practice to ensure my work remains responsive, ethical and effective.
Areas of Experience
Alongside my general psychotherapy practice, I have extensive experience supporting people with:
• Trauma and complex trauma
• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and burnout
• Relationship and family difficulties
• Domestic abuse and coercive control
• Addiction and recovery
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Grief and loss
• Identity, belonging and life transitions
• Neurodivergence
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Workplace wellbeing and leadership challenges
I specialise in working with trauma and understand that trauma can take many forms. It may stem from a single event, difficult relationships, childhood experiences, discrimination, loss, chronic stress or years of carrying responsibilities that felt too much to bear alone. Whatever your experiences, we can work together to understand their impact and support your healing.
Leadership, Professional and Coaching Experience
Alongside my psychotherapy work, I am also a Senior Accredited Coach with experience supporting leaders, managers, helping professionals and individuals navigating significant personal and professional responsibilities.
I understand the unique pressures that can come with leadership, including decision fatigue, burnout, imposter syndrome, managing competing demands and balancing professional success with personal wellbeing. Many people in leadership roles spend their lives supporting others whilst having few spaces where they themselves feel able to be supported.
My combined psychotherapy and coaching background allows me to work with both the emotional and practical aspects of personal growth, self-awareness and change.
Identity, Culture and Belonging
As a strong advocate for equality, dignity and social justice, I recognise that our experiences are often shaped by the wider systems, cultures and communities we live within. I am committed to offering an affirmative therapeutic space where people feel respected, heard, valued and able to explore their experiences without fear of judgement.
Alongside my broader psychotherapy practice, I have particular expertise supporting people navigating issues relating to culture, faith, race, identity, belonging and family expectations. As a British South Asian Muslim woman, I understand the complexity these experiences can bring whilst recognising that every person's story is unique.
Whether these aspects of your identity feel central to your experiences or not, you will be met with openness, curiosity and respect.
Taking the First Step
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and I understand how important it is to find someone you feel comfortable with.
I offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss what has brought you to therapy, explore what support you may be looking for and decide whether working together feels like the right fit.
If you're considering therapy, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and Experience
I have over 15 years' experience supporting adults through a wide range of emotional, relational and psychological challenges.
My experience spans psychotherapy, coaching, clinical supervision, leadership development, community mental health and trauma-informed practice. Throughout my career, I have supported people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, domestic abuse, addiction, grief, identity-related challenges, workplace stress and significant life transitions.
I have particular expertise in working with trauma and understand the lasting impact that adverse experiences, relationships, family dynamics and wider social contexts can have on emotional wellbeing. Whether these experiences stem from childhood, significant life events, relationships or ongoing stress, my aim is to help clients make sense of their experiences, deepen their understanding of themselves and move towards healing and meaningful change.
My approach is grounded in person-centred and experiential psychotherapy, whilst drawing upon knowledge from Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed practice and coaching psychology where appropriate.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I have extensive experience facilitating groups, delivering training and supporting leaders, managers, helping professionals and fellow practitioners through coaching, supervision and reflective practice. This breadth of experience enables me to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and life experiences.
My previous work with children, young people and families continues to inform my understanding of attachment, development, trauma and family systems. This experience enriches my work with adults exploring the lasting impact of early experiences, family relationships and cultural expectations, and is particularly valuable when supervising practitioners working within schools, educational settings and family-focused services.
I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly engage in further training, reflective practice and clinical supervision to ensure my work remains ethical, responsive and informed by current research.
Qualifications
• BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Training)
• Postgraduate Diploma – Senior Practitioner Coaching
• Certificate in Clinical Supervision
• Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice
• Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Skills (Children and Young People)
• Certificate in Children and Adolescent Studies and Therapeutic Skills
Member organisations
school 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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Black, African and Asian Therapy Network
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Racism
- Racial identity issues
- Cultural Issues
- Religious Issues
- Work Place stress in Leadership Roles
- Specialism in working with Adult survivors of Domestic Abuse (intimate partner relationships or family Dynamics)
- Specialism in working with People who have witnessed and/or experienced domestic Abuse
Fees
£65.00 - £100.00
Additional information
After the initial 15 minute phone call, the first meeting will be a Clinical Assessment session and will be 50 minutes long. This will allows us the opportunity to see if we can work together and to see if my services are suited to your needs.
All therapy session rates: start at £65 per session
Supervision prices range from £70 per hour
When I work
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Further information
I offer counselling both face to face and online via Google Meet/Whatsapp or via telephone and you can select which feels most comfortable with you.
Sessions can be delivered in English or Urdu.