Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Clinical Supervision
Life is a complex web of relationships, roles, choices, and identities that we are constantly navigating. Sometimes we do this with ease, and at other times things can feel out of flux and life can begin to feel out of our control. We are made up of multiple different parts and are impacted in different ways by the society we live in. Sometimes we just need to focus on one thing and we can get back on an even keel, but at other times it is not enough to just address one issue – the entanglement of all the factors that make up our lives make it impossible to tease out just one issue, and we find ourselves having to address other key elements.
Working together
An intersectional framework which recognises our unique personal ecosystems and the web of relationships we are embedded in is the foundation of my approach to counselling. As the child of immigrants, I have always been fascinated by the psychological, social, geographical, and political spaces we inhabit. As an academic, having a strong theoretical and evidence-based approach drives my work. My psychological and integrative training means I have qualifications, training, and experience of a number of different methods and will work with you in finding the best way for us to work together. I am always led by my clients – you are the expert on yourself – even if it doesn’t feel like it at times. My role is to help you regain trust in yourself and find your sense of peace. You can choose from face to face, online, or phone sessions – or a mix.
In Person Sessions
I offer face to face counselling and psychotherapy services from two peaceful locations. One is the Forest of Dean, overlooking a calming view, and the other is in the heart of Bristol, close to Princes Street Bridge. Close to the city centre and served well by public transport and parking, this is a tranquil space to meet.
Online Sessions
Working online means we can work together regardless of where you are in the world. Our sessions are protected by the same confidentiality agreements and parameters as face to face. Some days can feel harder than others to get motivated and some clients like to agree to have online sessions as an option as well as face to face.
Telephone sessions
Telephone appointments offer flexibility about where you have your session. You can find a quiet space inside your home, sit in your car, a café, or walk and talk outside.
As well as lecturing in Psychology I have taught on Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy training courses at Postgraduate levels on issues of diversity and power and privilege in therapy and advise on embedding antiracism across course and curriculum content. If you would like to discuss me teaching on your course or training your staff, please get in touch.
Teaching and Training
I have lectured in Psychology, Psychosocial Studies, and Social Sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across a number of Universities and Guest Lecture across courses.
Corporate Counselling Services
I offer counselling services for organisations and am happy to discuss referrals. You may be looking to provide a safe external space to deliver support across your team, creative wellbeing groups, or you may want to source someone with expertise in working in race for employees for whom race and racism may play a part in their anxieties.
Clinical Supervision
I offer supervision for therapists, psychologists, frontline workers, community workers, social workers, mental health staff, teachers, academics, and other professionals. This can be ad hoc or regular supervision, and can supplement existing supervision and support you have in place. Please get in touch to discuss your individual or organisational needs. I work with national organisations to offer a full suite of health support for organisational staff.
Specific areas of specialism
My background in psychology, geography, and psychotherapy, as well as my community and voluntary work have honed my skills in a number of key areas:
Identity – Many of us have felt a bit lost about who we are and where we fit at some point or another. Sometimes there is an event that sparks that introspection – a new course/job, moving home, the start or end of a relationship. At other times, we suddenly find ourselves wondering who we really are.
Cultural issues – Inhabiting multiple cultural spaces can be exciting and creative, but can also bring challenges and complexities trying to uphold tradition and expectations as well as pursue individual choices. Cultural issues impact understanding of mental health, relationships, intergenerational issues and traditions intersect with all aspects of our lives. I work within the cultural framework of my clients to help you find your own answers.
Family I work with managing complex family dynamics particularly those related to culture. Whether it is issues in marriage, in-laws, or adapting to to marriage, it can be hard to love up to expectations.
Burnout The demands of everyday life and workplaces can lead to burnout without even realising it is happening. Recognising the signs of burnout early can help to build strategies to help recover faster. With burnout comes the lowering of all our defence mechanisms that keep us running. Therapy can help make sense of this and aid recovery.
Childhood Sexual Abuse CSA has ramifications across the lifespan. I work with Adult survivors and particularly around the shame, stigma and rejection that comes with this in a safe culturally competent context.
Racism – As an advocate, activist, researcher, trainer, and consultant in matters of race, inequality, and institutional racism, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this area.
Entrepreneurs – Self employment brings a host of challenges (and rewards) and can change relationships. Entrepreneurs sometimes feel a particular type of imposter syndrome and lack of confidence in spaces where others are perceived to be more qualified. This often intersects with familial and cultural factors. Having worked with many entrepreneurs I can support the development of greater resilience.
Ultra High Net Worth Individuals – Wealth, whether acquired or inherited, brings with it a host of unique complications. Research shows UHNWIs may experience significant isolation and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. I offer a non-judgmental, ultra discreet therapy service.
Workplace stress – I have worked to support both those who have experienced stress and anxiety at work and employers who are seeking to understand how they can better support employees.
Creative wellbeing groups – I run wellbeing crafting groups that help to bring a sense of fun and calm, and offer a gentle space to step away from the chaos of everyday life.
In addition to the above specialisms, I offer therapy and counselling for all conditions including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, low self-esteem, confidence, anger management, stress, negative thinking, relationship issues, coping with uncertainty and change, feeling overwhelmed, adverse childhood experiences, adult survivors of child sex abuse.
Languages – I also offer counselling in Sylheti / Bengali
Fees and contact
If you would like to discuss any of the above services with me, please feel free to contact me via the contact form on my Home page or email me at nilu@nilufarahmed.com
I offer a free consultation to discuss your needs.
