Sayma Arshad, BACP

Sayma Arshad is a BACP-accredited integrative therapist and a qualified social worker who brings more than 13 years of mental health experience to her practice. She combines professional training with front-line work in the NHS, social services and charity settings, giving her a broad perspective on how social, emotional and practical factors affect wellbeing. Her background includes supporting vulnerable people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions as well as working alongside other mental healthcare professionals.

She describes her style as warm, empathetic and patient, prioritising a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change. As an integrative practitioner she adapts her methods to each person, blending person-centred and trauma-informed elements with cognitive and solution-focused techniques when appropriate. Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, LGBT concerns, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related difficulties, eating and sleeping problems, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, bipolar disorder and ADHD.

Clients can expect a collaborative and respectful approach in which Sayma listens carefully and supports people to clarify goals, build insight and develop practical coping strategies. She draws on both professional knowledge and personal wisdom to guide the therapeutic process, and aims to help people feel understood while working toward meaningful change.

Approaches that guide online care

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and emotional regulation - it helps people explore connection, trust and attachment difficulties that often underlie relationship stress and anxiety. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises an accepting, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where the therapist offers empathy and understanding to help clients find their own solutions and build self-worth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, making it useful for anxiety, depression and many everyday challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Sayma works collaboratively to determine what fits each person. She tailors methods to individual needs, goals and preferences, and will discuss options so clients can decide together which approaches to prioritise.

Online therapy with Sayma is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular support from a registered professional without needing to travel, and allow therapy to continue alongside work, family and other commitments.