Clinical Psychologist
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – University of Glasgow
MSc Developmental Psychology – University of Dundee
MA (Hons) Psychology – University of Dundee
Clinical Practice
I have worked with adults, adolescents and children in a variety of NHS settings over the years. My work involves psychological assessment and intervention, including therapy and working systemically.
I have expertise in providing psychological treatment for a range of different difficulties including:
- Depression and Low Mood
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Low Self-Esteem
- Social Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Specific Phobias
- Trauma-related difficulties including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
- Stress and Burnout
- Trichotillomania
- OCD
- Health Anxiety
- Bulimia
- Grief and Loss
- Behavioural Difficulties
- Relationship Difficulties
- Adjustment Difficulties
I can also provide assessment of Neurodevelopmental Difficulties including Autism and ADHD; as well as assessment of Learning Disabilities. I deliver psychoeducation and strategies that may be helpful for clients and their loved ones, in learning how to understand and live with these difficulties.
My specialist interest is working with marginalised groups. Being culturally sensitive in my practice is important to me, and I particularly like to support individuals in feeling empowered about their identity. For transparency, my identity is a cis heterosexual Palestinian Muslim, and therefore have elements of lived experience that may help in providing a safe and non-judgemental space for others. For Muslim clients, I integrate elements of Islam in my practice.
I also have a specialist interest in working with creatives. Having worked in the performance and writing industries, I am aware of the unique challenges of pursuing careers in this field and how this can impact you. Drawing upon my psychological practice, I like to combine these two worlds together to support you in living the life you want to live.
My final specialist interest is working with children and young people (CYP), and their families. I have expertise in adapting my approach to an individual’s developmental age and stage, so that I can help support their ongoing development and trajectory. I like to teach CYP and families about mental health and the brain, as well as creatively deliver coping strategies to help them cope with their difficulties and support CYP in becoming the person they want to be.
Therapeutic Approach
Initially, I offer sessions to get to know you and find out what you are looking for. Together, we will start to develop an understanding of how you have come to this point in your life of seeking help. This will also help us identify the specific difficulties you may have and the factors that may be keeping them going. From this, we will then identify your goals in working with me, and this will then inform a treatment plan for you.
I use NICE Guidelines and The Matrix to guide me to what approach will suit you best. For most difficulties, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based psychological therapy and this is the therefore my primary approach. That being said, I appreciate that everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and I therefore do integrate other models and therapies where appropriate including elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT). I will always strive to flexibly adapt and tailor approaches to your specific individual needs.
I am also trained in Systemic Practice, which involves working with a person’s wider systems e.g. family, education, other supports. Where appropriate, I can offer this to you also.
I can provide sessions both in person at The Psychology Rooms, or remotely depending on what suits you best.
Seeking help is a big step to take, and it is important that you feel safe and in control of your journey. A big part of my work is developing our therapeutic relationship, and ensuring our journey together is collaborative. I will regularly ask for your feedback and to check how effective our work is for you so that I can make changes where required. It is a privilege to do the job I do, and therefore openness and honesty are core elements of my work.
Thank you for looking at my page, and if you have any further questions about my work please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Wishing you all the best in the next step of recovery and wellness.