Ansaa

I know that choosing a therapist can feel daunting. You may be wondering whether you'll feel understood, whether your experiences will be taken seriously, or whether therapy will actually feel helpful rather than overwhelming. My aim is to offer a space that feels calm, authentic, compassionate and culturally-sensitive where you can be heard without having to explain or justify yourself.

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Professional Background​

I'm a qualified psychotherapist with a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I'm an accredited registered member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), which means I have a strong understanding of how trauma can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and daily life - and this informs the way I work in therapy.

 

I regularly engage in continuing professional development (CPD) and clinical supervision to ensure my work is thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in ethical best practice. 

 

Online Therapy

​As I work online, I've completed specialist training in online and telephone counselling. This supports me to offer therapy that remains attentive, well-boundaried, and emotionally connected within an online setting. I pay careful attention to safety, confidentiality, and presence, so therapy still feels grounded, human, and supportive - even through a screen.

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My Approach​

My work is rooted in a person-centred, integrative, and trauma-informed approach. I specialise in cultural identity and family dynamics, supporting clients navigating the pressures of family, relationships, and cultural expectations. I work with individuals affected by trauma, including childhood trauma, as well as addiction (alcohol and substance use), anxiety, low mood, women's experiences, low self-esteem, stress, and overwhelm. 

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I work in a trauma-informed way, paying close attention to safety, choice, and emotional boundaries. Therapy is paced around what feels manageable for you, helping you make sense of your experiences and take steps towards positive change. We go gently, with care and respect for your nervous system, your history, and your capacity at any given time. 

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Understanding Culture, Family, and Responsibility

I'm particularly aware of the pressures that can arise within family systems, cultural expectations, marriage dynamics, and generational roles. This includes the experiences of those born here to immigrant parents, or those navigating life between cultures. I aim to offer therapy that is culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive, recognising how wider social, cultural, and systemic factors can shape wellbeing, identity, and relationships. 

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As someone with a Pakistani background, I understand how culture, faith, family, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and the world around us. 

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In many families - particularly those where loyalty, responsibility, and resilience are deeply valued - strength is admired. It can also be expected. Love and pressure can exist side by side. Belonging and silence can coexist. I understand how subtle these dynamics can be. 

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The weight of being the dependable one.

The quiet guilt when prioritising yourself. 

The tension between honouring your family and honouring your own needs. 

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My approach does not ask you to reject your culture, faith, or family. Instead, we create space to explore how these influences have shaped you - gently without judgement - so you can find a balance that feels sustainable and authentic. 

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Therapy with me is calm, reflective, and grounded.

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It is a space where you are not required to perform strength, have the answers, or hold everything together. 

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You can bring uncertainty. 

You can bring frustration. 

You can bring exhaustion. 

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You can simply be. 

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Who I work With

I work with individuals as well as couples, families, and other significant relationships. At the heart of my work is an understanding that relationships - past and present - shape how we see ourselves and how safe we feel in the world. 

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I understand how hard it can be to hold everything together while carrying the weight of expectations, responsibilities, or past experiences.

 

Therapy doesn't require you to have everything figured out. If you're feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or simply curious about what support might look like, we can start from where you are, exploring your experiences and challenges in a safe and supportive space. ​​​