Depression & anxiety
Stress
Domestic violence
Low self-esteem
Lack of confidence
Anger
Bereavement and loss
Redundancy
Couple counselling
Areas of specialism
I have experience as a therapist in helping clients who have personal difficulties with many issues including:
Marital breakdown
Abuse
Trauma
Addiction and its impact
Sexuality
Relationship problems
Family difficulties
Break-up
About me
My name is Sheista Ahmed and I am an integrative counsellor which means that I have been trained in a number of theoretical approaches. I am trained in cognitive behavioural therapy which means I aims to improve your state of mind by teaching you to spot the links between your thoughts, actions and feelings. When doing CBT, we will find new ways of dealing with problems, and set goals for what you want to change.
I am registered with British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), membership number 381951. I offer therapy in a compassionate, caring and client-focused way. I work with people to help them gain an understanding and to find more helpful and considered ways to manage their difficulties. I work with all kinds of difficulties that we as human beings can experience: depression, anxiety, relationship or work difficulties, stress, or just that sense that nothing feels right.
My aim, as your counsellor, is that we build a relationship of trust, understanding and acceptance: a therapeutic alliance. I want you to feel supported and heard; and able to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Through this relationship, we can explore your concerns, find ways to deal with them, and better manage your life.
I am committed to providing a high-quality professional service in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.
Qualifications
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework of good practice, maintaining a safe environment for my clients.
I continue to attend regular CPD courses in the field of counselling, which keeps me up to date in my practice.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and have professional indemnity insurance.
Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory
CMI Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring certificate
Certificate in An Understanding of Addiction
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
Experience
I work with a range of problems. As well as working in private practice, I have worked within the social care system for the last four years and have extensive knowledge working with children and adults affected by neglect, abuse and trauma, I have also worked in a drug and alcohol counselling service providing support to women and men suffering substance misuse.
Areas of Specialism
Relationship problems; anxiety; couple counselling; low self-esteem; depression and bereavement or loss.
Recent continuing professional development has primarily been around working with people who have suffered a traumatic event and how this effects every day life through anxiety and depression.
Fees
I offer 50 minute counselling sessions, on a regular weekly basis so that you are fully supported until you are feeling better. My fees are based on a 50 minute counselling session. You can pay either by cash or by electronic bank transfer. All payments must be paid on the day or in advance.
£60 based on individual session
£75 for couples session
Simple Process
How Does it Work?
Counselling is what’s known as a talking therapy. There are many different types, or models, of counselling or therapy. Each has its own methods and ways of working. I work with the integrative theory believing in the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals to help themselves. However, those resources sometimes get a bit lost in the complexity of modern living. We can all sometimes do with a bit of help to uncover our own strengths and capacity to cope. One of the great truths of therapy is that it can be really helpful to talk things through with someone who isn’t involved in the rest of your life.
I am an integrative counsellor – this means that I integrate different counselling theories to really suit your own individual needs. I can therefore work with clients combining different approaches such as Person-Centred Theory, Psychodynamic, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or sometimes with a single theory approach, dependant on the client’s needs. So for example, if you are suffering from anxiety, I may feel it is worth looking back at your past to see where the anxiety might have started, as well as noticing how you see your life right now. Then lastly, but importantly, when we have looked at the past and the present, we look together at what you might like to change about the way you think, that will enable you to live with a more positive outlook on the future – this part is based on cognitive behavioural therapy, looking at current thoughts, feelings and actions.
Step 1:
Schedule your initial Consultation
Step 2:
We discuss it and agree a plan together
What to expect
Finding the right therapist can sometimes seem a little daunting. I try to make the process as simple as possible for my clients.
If you decide to get in touch with me, we will arrange an initial meeting. This will usually be at my consulting room in West London.
Once you’ve decided to make an appointment we can arrange a mutually convenient day & time for that first appointment. We will meet for an initial consultation that will last 75 minutes. At this first appointment I’ll ask you to tell me a little about why you’re seeking therapy. I’ll be hoping to find out a bit about what the difficulties are and what you are hoping for from counselling. This will help us both work out whether therapy is going to be helpful for you, or if there is another alternative which might suit you better.
If you’re not sure whether you want to take that step yet I can offer a free telephone call prior to arranging an appointment if that would suit you, where we can discuss what your difficulties are and what you are hoping for from therapy. I am also happy to take email contacts if that feels better for you. We can discuss what your hopes are and what difficulties you are facing. If you’ve any questions I’ll be happy to answer them.
What my clients say about me
Testimonials
After a number of false starts with therapists, I can only say that I wish I had found Sheista I cannot recommend Sheista enough.
Within the space of three weeks Sheista was able to help me identify why I was feeling as I was and helped me with a number of mechanisms not just to cope but to overcome.
I went to see Sheista when I felt I was no longer able to cope and everything in my life was going wrong. I couldn’t understand why. Sheista was very insightful and helped me to identify the issues. My sessions with her have not only helped me gain an understanding of my habits and patterns but also given me the tools to break the bad habits and understand what is important.
I had tried counselling before and thought it wasn’t for me. I now realise that finding the right counsellor makes all the difference.
Questions clients ask
Frequent Asked Questions
How often do I need to come?
It is helpful to have weekly sessions to ensure you get the most benefit from your counselling. If you attend less frequently then it is unlikely that you will be gaining psychological benefit.
I have early morning, day time and evening appointments, with a limited number of sessions available at a reduced rate, for people in receipt of benefits.
How many sessions will I need?
That’s really difficult to answer as everyone is different. If we meet and discuss what you are looking for then we can discuss that. I am experienced in providing time limited therapy of 6 or 8 sessions, but equally have worked with people for long-term therapy. What I can say is that you need only ever have as many sessions as you wish and we can work with that.
Where are you based?
My counselling practice is based in West London close to the Piccadilly and Central lines.
Do you hold professional insurance?
Yes, I carry full professional liability insurance.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
I ask that you give as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend for a session. If you have to cancel a session with less than 24 hours notice then I will need to charge the full fee.
How do I know it’s going to help?
There are no guarantees as counselling relies on the relationship between counsellor and client, and each relationship is individual. Research has shown that the most significant factor in whether therapy is successful is the relationship. I will work hard to create a safe and positive relationship in which you feel able to discuss your difficulties.
Is it confidential?
Yes. I will explain exactly what this means during the initial consultation.
How do I pay?
Payment for the initial consultation is required at the end of the session (cash or bank transfer). This is a one-off payment that is payable whether or not we ultimately contract to work together.
You will need to feel ready to see a therapist and it’s important to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable with. Research suggests that it is the relationship between client and therapist that is at the very heart of the therapeutic process. Our initial meeting will help us to establish this.
We will agree a suitable time to meet each week.
Book an Appointment
Email: enquiries@healingcounselling.co.uk | Phone: 07947965096 | Registered Member MBACP: 381951
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