Sayma Arshad , BACP

Sayma Arshad is an integrative therapist with BACP accreditation and a background in social work, bringing 13 years of professional experience across the NHS, social services and charity organisations. She blends clinical knowledge with practical frontline experience, having supported vulnerable people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions and fellow mental healthcare professionals. Sayma tailors her work to each individual, drawing on a wide range of therapeutic models to meet the needs presented in therapy.

Her practice addresses common and complex concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting difficulties, bereavement, self-esteem and relationship problems. She has particular experience with childhood abuse, adult survivors of abuse, trauma and PTSD, later life diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, narcissistic abuse, affairs and betrayal, emotional and physical abuse, work-related stress and a variety of addiction and intimacy-related issues. Sayma also works with issues around career, eating and sleeping, bipolar presentation, anger and coping with life changes.

As an integrative counsellor she combines person-centred and humanistic principles with cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, solution-focused brief and trauma-focused techniques, guided by a strength-based perspective. She emphasises building a trusting therapeutic relationship as central to progress, meeting clients with empathy, patience and reliability. Sayma approaches each client with warmth and an openness that supports people to explore their experience and move toward their goals.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Sayma draws on several evidence-informed approaches to support clients in online sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and helps people understand and change unhelpful connection habits - it is often useful for relationship difficulties, intimacy issues and trauma-related patterns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on offering empathetic, non-judgmental listening and creating a space where clients can explore their feelings and values at their own pace - this approach supports self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, stress and many everyday challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sayma works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals and preferences, adapting techniques as therapy progresses to ensure the work remains relevant and effective.

Online sessions offer flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to arrange appointments around work, family and geographical constraints, and allow clients to engage from the setting that feels most comfortable for them while working with licensed professionals and therapists.