Sayma Arshad

Sayma Arshad is an MBACP accredited integrative counsellor, a recognition that indicates a high standard of competence and ethical practice. She is also a qualified social worker and brings an understanding of how multiple social and personal factors affect mental health and disturb the state of mind.

With 13 years of experience in the mental health sector, Sayma has worked on the front line with vulnerable people who have learning disabilities and mental health conditions, as well as supporting other mental healthcare professionals. Her background includes roles within the NHS, social services and charity organisations.

Sayma offers a tailored, client-centred approach informed by a unique blend of humanistic, person-centred, transpersonal therapy, spiritual therapy, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, rational-emotive therapy, solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), trauma-focused and strength-based methods. As an integrative practitioner she adapts her approach to meet each client’s needs, believing that a strong therapeutic relationship and trust are central to successful outcomes.

She has supported people with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, parenting difficulties, bereavement, self-esteem struggles, relationship issues, career challenges, childhood abuse, ASD and ADHD. Her experience also encompasses relationship breakdowns and betrayal, emotional and physical abuse, trauma and PTSD, later-stage ADHD diagnosis, narcissistic abuse, working with adult survivors of abuse and managing work-related stress.

Colleagues and clients find Sayma warm, interactive and patient. She recognises that the first session can feel daunting and prioritises listening and support so clients feel heard and understood. Sayma also draws on deep inner wisdom, using both logical and intuitive insight to guide her work, and she is committed to helping people achieve their goals as they navigate their personal journeys.