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Home Counsellors Sayma Arshad
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Sayma Arshad, BACP

Credentials
BACP
Experience
13 years
Practising in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Sessions
Online only
Client ages
Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression

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Sayma Arshad uses an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy. She blends humanistic ideas with cognitive and attachment-based work to help people feel heard and make practical changes. Sayma draws on 13 years of experience in mental health and social work to shape sessions that suit each person.

She holds BACP accreditation which reflects a professional standard of practice. Her background includes work in the NHS, social services and voluntary organisations.

Background and approach

That frontline experience involved supporting people with mental health needs and learning disabilities, and offering peer support to other mental health professionals. These roles gave her a clear view of how life circumstances, relationships and trauma can affect wellbeing. In sessions she focuses on building a steady therapeutic relationship first.

She listens, reflects and helps clients identify small, manageable steps. Techniques come from cognitive behavioural work, attachment-based thinking and emotionally-focused methods depending on what is helpful. Sayma also uses mindfulness and motivational approaches to support self-awareness and change.

She is comfortable helping people talk through grief, anxiety, stress, addictions and relationship pain. She can also assist with issues such as sleep problems, eating concerns, low self-esteem and coping with major life changes. Practical matters are matched to each person.

Sayma adapts session pace and format to fit needs and daily life. Her aim is to help people find clearer ways forward and to feel more able to cope between sessions.

Integrative approaches for online therapy

Sayma draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early and current relationships shape emotional patterns. This helps when work focuses on trust, intimacy worries and how people respond under stress. She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy, which looks at unhelpful thinking and behaviour and teaches concrete strategies for managing anxiety, low mood and sleep issues.

The right approach is often worked out together. The therapist starts by listening to your goals, preferences and day-to-day constraints. Then she suggests a mix of methods and checks in regularly to see what helps and what needs adjusting, so the plan stays collaborative and practical.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions may be quicker and need less bandwidth. Live chat or messaging can suit brief check-ins, reflective work between sessions or times when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it possible to fit therapy around work, childcare or travel and to keep continuity of care when schedules change.
What sorts of concerns can be addressed?
Issues commonly worked on include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions and trauma. Other areas listed include relationship and intimacy struggles, sleep and eating problems, parenting strain, bipolar and ADHD related challenges.
What is the therapist's general approach or style?
Therapy is integrative and person-centred with a focus on building a trusting relationship. Sayma uses cognitive behavioural tools, attachment ideas, emotionally-focused and mindfulness practices as needed.
How much experience does the counsellor have?
Sayma has 13 years of experience working across the mental health sector, including roles in the NHS, social services and charity organisations.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP, and practises from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Work can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How is cost arranged for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

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Therapeutic approaches

Experience
13 years
Registered with
BACP
Languages
English

Contacting Sayma

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