Seeking therapy can be challenging and daunting, and it takes courage to realise that we need help, and we no longer want to suffer and struggle to cope on our own. Sometimes, when we realise we need help, it’s even harder to take the first leap and to actually reach out. Making that first call is never easy. Counselling could make the difference between continuing to struggle or developing inner strength and the self-belief needed to bring about real change – but even knowing that doesn’t make it easy.
When you are ready, I am here. Finding the right person to share your painful experiences is an important step in your journey. If you’re not sure about anything – not sure, even, whether counselling is for you – I am happy to help you decide, without any obligation. A listening ear may be all you need to get clear about what you need.
I work with clients who present with a wide range of struggles and have experienced working in a compassionate way with anxiety, depression, trauma low self-esteem, bereavement, narcissistic injury and body dysmorphia.
Anxiety is something we actively hold in our body. When we keep our emotions inside and lose touch with our gut feelings, it eventually contributes to a constant sense of unease and overwhelm, leading to us catastrophising over certain situations and predicting the worst-case scenario. Together, in a way that feels comfortable for you, we will work to understand where this anxiety comes from and help you get to a place where you can manage these difficult thoughts. I also have experience in supporting people presenting with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
I understand that it can feel like your depression will never lift, that things cannot improve, but I am here to help you engage with these feelings and move past them. When we are feeling low in mood and depressed, certain emotions are kept inside and pushed down, causing a sense of numbness and lethargy, and we will use psychotherapeutic technique to gradually bring them out into the open.
I have an interest in working with trauma which I believe is the key factor behind mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and many others. My experience includes exploring the effects of child abuse and relational trauma created within family dynamics.
Trauma is an emotional response when experiencing a distressing emotional or psychological event. If we do not look at it with a curious eye, the feelings that accompany the trauma will continue to surface in our adult lives and influence our emotions in a negative way.
Low self-esteem is something I see incredibly often as a counsellor. When our self-worth is based around external accomplishments, or relationships with others, it is inevitable that we constantly feel like we are not doing enough, or are not good enough. My role, therefore, is to help you rediscover your innate worth as an individual, enabling you to feel empowered once again.
We all experience the loss of a loved one, or a loss of any kind, in our own unique way. There is no right way to grieve, and we all grieve differently, which is normal.
Clients can feel overwhelmed with sadness, anger, guilt, shock or simply being numb. My practice is a place where we can safely explore what’s going on for you with an empathic ear.
My work involves supporting those who experience narcissistic injuries – when one responds to perceived criticism or abandonment with disproportionate anger, defiance, and arguments, which consequently leads to problems in relationships. We will look to become more present with these emotions, understanding where they come from and the role they play in your life, ahead of coming up with new ways to interpret these challenging situations.
I am here to provide personalised, compassionate support to people struggling with body dysmorphia issues of any kind. This could include bulimia, anorexia, or general negative self-image. Navigating this issue on your own is extremely difficult, and recovery takes time. We will explore your feelings together, and completely without judgement, gradually getting to a place of greater self-love and understanding.
Want to learn more about how I became a counsellor? See my About Me page for a full bio and a list of my qualifications.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07786921996 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
©Nisa Farooq
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