When I started out in therapy, I did not feel I had the capacity on my own to overcome my muddled thoughts, feelings and memories that were affecting me at the time. I did not feel able to face current situations and decisions that were looming over me, even some fairly ordinary ones.
Additionally, my responses to the decisions I had made; to situations I had been in; and to relationships I was experiencing at the time (including friends and family), were all racked with shame and self-doubt.
Looking back, my five years of therapy with you was like a measured process of me “putting things back in order”. I was able to trace back some of the origins of my troubled mind; I was able to give up some of the responsibility I felt for my situation and treatment of others; I was able to make links between the various parts of my life that had “gone wrong”; I could re-visit the early traumas I had experienced as a child and how the “after-shocks” continued to affect me and those around me ; I was also able to recognise how some of the things I had done and decisions I had made in the past were the best I could do at the time.
My time in therapy during the last year and a half, led to my recognition that things were different in how I was leading my life. Your feedback during that time helped me to take a step back to see how different I had become when faced with the kind of dilemmas, feelings and situations that would have previously caused me so much anguish. In a session we had in late December 2022, you referred to me being able to “articulate my needs”; “keep to my boundaries”; “turn to resources within myself”. You explained my “internal frame of reference” as “how I process what is going on, and how I am going to respond to that”.
But for my move to Kent, I think my therapy could have ended in early 2023 but I continued on a 3-weekly basis until I felt more confident in my new situation.
Since my last therapy session, I have sometimes had thoughts that I would previously have “saved up” for my therapy. I now take the approach that such thoughts are a part of life and I can draw on my past therapy and teachings in mindfulness, to find solutions, or a way forward, by myself. Some deeper issues might have to remain hanging, either for me to return to later, or to accept that they may never be resolved, but I do not have to carry them around with me.
Thank you for helping me on this journey. I cannot imagine anyone else helping me as much as you have, or in the way that you have.
Robin, February 2024
I came to Zareeda at a time where I needed to calm my mind, I needed to understand why I never allowed my feelings to be validated. Zareeda's calm, caring and attentive demeanour put me at ease instantly and allowed me to open up. I love that Zareeda uses empathy along with studies/literature to help validate what I may have been feeling, especially around childhood trauma. I am incredibly grateful for the valuable sessions we had where I got to share feelings that I would otherwise feel guilty about sharing, with no judgment. Zareeda is incredibly knowledgeable and ensures that I get to speak freely, whilst also helping me to understand who I am as a person.
IF, November 2023
I am immensely grateful to Zareeda for the profound impact she has had on my journey. From the moment I began my sessions, it was evident that I was in the hands of an expert who truly understood the complexities of childhood sexual abuse trauma and its effects on adult life and relationships.
As a South East Asian, I greatly appreciated her understanding of the intricacies of my religious and cultural background. This religious and cultural sensitivity was important to me, and made me feel truly understood.
What struck me immediately was Zareeda’s dedication to providing evidence-based support. She combines empathy with facts, research, and studies, creating a therapeutic environment that feels reassuring. Her ability to blend her deep knowledge with a compassionate, easy to understand approach is truly remarkable. What sets her apart is her genuine commitment to her client’s well-being. She guided me through a web of emotions, memories, and behaviors, helping me navigate the path towards self-discovery.
One of the most significant changes I've experienced under her guidance is an improvement in my self-esteem and a sense of validation. For the first time in my life, I felt seen and heard. Zareeda created a safe and non-judgmental space, where I felt comfortable addressing even the most challenging and painful aspects of my childhood. She patiently listened as I shared my difficult experiences, offering understanding and kindness that provided a sense of relief I had never encountered before.
I can say with confidence that Zareeda has played a pivotal role in my life's transformation. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate, expert guidance through the complex terrain of childhood trauma recovery. She is a beacon of hope, a wellspring of knowledge, and a true catalyst for healing. She has not only empowered me to confront my past but has also equipped me with the tools to build a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Farah, October 2023
“Thanks a lot for listening, understanding and guiding me. You have been immensely helpful.”
Priya, September 2023
“Zareeda offers a safe and comfortable space to be able to talk freely and openly about what is troubling you, without any fear of judgement. She offered great insight and clearly has a deep understanding of the research surrounding sexual trauma.
Zareeda is highly educated and experienced, and it gave me great comfort knowing that I wasn't the only one facing difficulties due to trauma, and that what I was feeling was normal given what had happened.
With Zareeda's help, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of what had happened to me, which in turn allowed me to process what had happened and feel a lot less oppressed with feelings of anxiety and fear. I now feel far better than I did before I started working with Zareeda.
I would highly recommend Zareeda to anyone who is going through any personal difficulties.”
John, September 2022
"I cannot recommend Zareeda as a counsellor enough. Her approach is truly empowering and the only one that has worked for me.
After seeing six therapists over eight years; trying CBT, EMDR, integrative therapy, nothing seemed to address all of my issues and make a dent in my anxiety and depression. Most of the therapists I saw before helped for a while but they only addressed part of my issues and made judgments on my situation too quickly without taking the time to hear me out fully. I guess a lot of them didn't feel equipped to deal with the amount of traumas I suffered (incest, sexual abuses, emotional neglect, institutional abuse, loss of faith, family rejection and more). Not many people have the patience to really listen to you, let you entangle the mess you're in, hear the pain you feel and let you choose how to heal.
Zareeda listened to me like no one did before. She doesn't take notes and is fully present with you. She never tells you what to do but offers suggestions of things to think about if you feel stuck. Mostly she inspires you to believe in yourself and in your ability to take control of your life and heal.
It took me almost a year to take this in and go back to her after a couple of sessions, to truly start my healing journey. It's not an easy road but I wouldn't have it any other way and of course, I'd never go back to where I was! I am truly healing now, sleeping peacefully, and seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
Zareeda, I'll be forever grateful to you for giving me hope again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Claire, August 2021
"Zareeda is a brilliant therapist. Due to Zareeda's kind, caring yet professional nature I felt comfortable and at ease when opening up. I needed a therapist who not only understood me as a person but also could understand my language, family dynamics, cultural and religious aspects which were very important to me. Zareeda catered for all my specific needs which helped me to share my very difficult life experiences. I would highly recommend Zareeda as a therapist."
Anonymous, March 2021
“I never thought of getting counselling until a family member suggested I should.
I come from a Pakistani background where certain topics are frowned upon discussing and given some of the childhood traumas I suffered I was reluctant to speak about these. It affected me in my adulthood and I was at breaking point and felt like I was on the verge of depression.
I wanted a counsellor that could understand the cultural aspect of my life so I chose to book an appointment with Zareeda. Since doing my sessions I have seen a massive difference in myself. Initially I was worried about using this method of therapy as I assumed that by going to counselling the counsellor would give me the answer to my problems, and in fact I was wrong. I learnt that the answer to the problems is within myself, I feel so much more happier and content now since doing my sessions it’s like I am a new person.
Zareeda made me feel so comfortable and is so attentive during the sessions. I feel more confident and empowered and it feels so nice to finally have the burden I carried for so many years lifted off my head. Thank you so much Zareeda you literally are God sent!”
N Khan, November 2020
"Zareeda is a great listener and working with her has been so helpful to me. I’ve struggled a lot with problems in the past year, and the therapy has helped me to cope. I’ve become stronger, more confident, and better able to manage my close relationships. I wonder now why I didn’t get help sooner. "
Annie, August 2019
"Zareeda is pure light presence and practices with complete non-judgement which made me feel at ease and nurtured.
She radiates positivity and I immediately knew I am in good and trustworthy hands. Zareeda intuitively knew what I needed, and gently guided and supported me through each process. I truly felt like we were working together for my greater good and that she always had my best interests at heart.
Zareeda, I really want to thank you. I'm eternally grateful for your loving presence, your intuition, and your ability to create a safe, sacred space for healing to happen. What rare and beautiful qualities these are. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience some profound transformations in my life."
Steffi, July 2019
“ Working with Zareeda was very helpful. It allowed me to discover the difficulties I was facing and where they came from. I felt completely safe and it was a great experience for personal growth. I would definitely recommend her and go back to working with her.”
Isabel, June 2019
“I have been seeing Zareeda for nearly six months now. I was immediately struck by the power of being listened to in a way that I have never experienced before. This led me to feel relaxed and trust that I could be totally open in how I talked about the things that I felt I needed to.
In my counselling I am free to decide what I want to talk about. Zareeda will not offer her own opinion, but she will sometimes provide valuable feedback based on what she has heard me saying.
Zareeda is helping me to overcome some of the painful things I have experienced in my life. Counselling gives me the opportunity to talk about my experiences, whilst feeling safe and totally accepted. Through this process I have begun to “let go” of some of the painful issues that I have been carrying.
I always come away from my counselling sessions feeling satisfied that I have gained from the experience.”
Robin, April 2019