Sayma Arshad

BACP

United Kingdom

Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change

Continue with Sayma

At a glance

Credentials

BACP

Registration

BACP, United Kingdom / 384258

Experience

13 years

Languages

English

Location

United Kingdom

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp.

1. • Motivational interviewing
   • BACP counsellor
   • 13 years experience

   About Sayma

   Sayma Arshad is a BACP counsellor with 13 years of experience in mental health settings. She offers a calm, patient presence and focuses on building trust so people feel heard from the first session. Her background includes work in the NHS, social services and charities, and she brings that frontline experience to her counselling.

   She tailors sessions to each person, using a mix of approaches rather than one fixed method. Motivational Interviewing appears among her approaches and she also draws on attachment-based, client-centred and cognitive behavioural ideas when these fit a person's needs. Sessions commonly address anxiety, depression, stress and relationship concerns.

   Her work has included supporting people affected by trauma and abuse, adult survivors of childhood harm, and those navigating later-stage diagnoses such as ADHD. She has also worked with people facing bereavement, addictions, parenting strain, sleep and eating difficulties, and challenges with self-esteem and anger.

   Sayma says she listens first and adapts her way of working to each person. She combines practical strategies with reflective conversation and offers direction when clients want it. Her social work experience informs how she considers wider life factors alongside emotional experience.

   People who choose her can expect a warm, interactive style aimed at helping them reach their goals. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

2. How different approaches shape online counselling

   Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping a person find their own reasons for change. It uses open questions and reflective listening to build motivation for steps the person wants to take. This can be useful for things like addictions, low motivation or big life changes.
   
   Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships affect current patterns. It helps people notice how they connect with others and work on safer, more secure ways of relating, which often helps with intimacy and relationship worries.
   
   Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the heart of sessions. The counsellor listens without judgement and follows the client's pace, which can be helpful when someone needs space to make sense of strong feelings or stressful life events.
   
   Finding the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, then adapt methods as needed. That way the person and counsellor shape a plan collaboratively rather than sticking to one fixed method.
   
   If you want to use online sessions, please confirm which formats the therapist currently offers before booking since formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people prefer telephone sessions when bandwidth is limited, while others like video when they want face-to-face interaction. Registered or accredited professionals can tailor the practical setup to help sessions fit into everyday life.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression

   Also works with

   AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesADHD

   Therapeutic approaches

   Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   13+ years

   Listed in

   United Kingdom

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What kinds of issues does this counsellor help with?

   She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions and relationship issues, plus trauma, self-esteem and ADHD-related worries.

   How would you describe the therapeutic style?

   The approach is person-centred and collaborative, blending motivational interviewing with attachment-based and cognitive behavioural ideas to match each person's needs.

   What experience does she bring to sessions?

   She has 13 years' experience in the mental health sector, including work in the NHS, social services and charity settings, and practice with a broad range of presenting problems.

   What professional credential does she hold and where is she based?

   She is BACP and works from the United Kingdom.

   Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?

   Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

   What session formats are available?

   The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

   How does payment and cost work?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

   How do I begin working with her?

   Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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