So far, I have worked as a therapist in local counselling services, employee assistance programme (EAP) counselling helpline, women’s well-being centre, private practice and as a student counsellor in colleges, primary and high schools.

Currently, I work for a children’s charity where my role is to support and guide families and children who are on in process of being referred/assessed for neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD.

Private practice sessions are held over online video call or in-person at my therapy room in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Usually, I see private clients for therapy on weekday evenings and weekends. 

I have experience of working with clients experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. Some examples are:

• Low self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence
• Attachment difficulties (stemming from childhood)
• Attachment style and the impact of this on relationships, family and friendships.
• Family of romantic relationship difficulties.
• Anxiety
• Low mood, depression, low motivation and drive
• Self-harm
• Grief and bereavement
• Culture-specific issues
• Identifying traits of Autism and ADHD
• Guidance around neurodiversity and how to refer for assessment
• With South Asian clients – managing difficulties with identity, religion, family and culture (e.g., exploring how issues impact mental health, lifestyle, choices). 

Why did you choose to be a therapist?
During my A Levels, I was interested in Psychology and was lucky to have found insightful work experience with a talented psychotherapist. Sitting in and observing her live therapy sessions was fascinating! I loved seeing how empowered clients felt when they left the therapy room. From then on, I was motivated to train as a therapist.

Personal life experiences furthered my motivation and desire to qualify as a therapist. During my undergraduate studies, I struggled with psychosomatic anxiety. In order to cope with this, I started going to therapy. My therapist made me feel safe and comfortable. She normalised my struggle with anxiety through teaching me about anxiety. I learnt that anxiety is natural, common and to some extent – essential for survival. There was nothing to be ashamed of. Therapy helped me to understand my anxiety triggers and I developed a toolkit of coping strategies. Over time, I felt more in control of my mind and reactions. I learnt to sit through the difficult days and how to manage my bodily responses. 

My experience of personal therapy highlighted that mental health is real. Our mind and body is closely connected. What/how we think directly impacts our feelings, reactions and overall health and well-being.  Personal therapy also highlighted how important professional understanding and support is when trying improve our mental health. 

Why did you name your practice Support with Shez?
Often, counselling services have a clinical name but I wanted to add a personal touch. Because I am an independent practitioner, it made sense to have a part of my name in my practice name.  The use of ‘with’ was also planned as I do not view myself as the expert or leader in counselling sessions. Instead, I work collaboratively with my clients, hence, Support with Shez.

What have you learnt through being a therapist?
During my training, I became more aware of the stigma and stereotypes which exist around mental health – especially within the South Asian community. Since realising this, my aim is to increase education and awareness around mental health issues – and their impact on daily life – within the South Asian community. I am hopeful that this can be achieved through psycho-education and open and honest conversations about mental health with South Asian children, teens, adults and seniors. 

Who are you outside of being a therapist?
Outside of work, I like to spend time with my close friends and family but also value ‘me time’. Taking myself out to a fancy coffee shop and walking in nature are my favourite self-care methods. Also, I have always loved reading so I enjoy doing this in my spare time as it allows me to escape reality and instead dive into a world created by the author. 

During extended periods of time off, I love to travel and have been lucky enough to tick off many places so far – with many more still on the list! Travelling and trying new cuisine is enjoyable and a great way to learn about different cultures, lifestyles and people. Having a deeper understanding of what makes people different/similar and how different cultures/societies operate is useful when working with clients in counselling.

What is your background?
I was born and raised in England but maintain a connection with my Pakistani roots through visiting Pakistan.

I am fluent in English, Urdu and Punjabi.

Belonging and identifying with two largely different backgrounds has shaped my beliefs, interests and experiences. I am grateful to have had the best of both worlds but also understand how tricky it can be to find a balance between two cultures, identities and lifestyles. Therefore, I often work with, and relate to, clients with either of the two backgrounds, identities and experiences.