Sayma Arshad, BACP

Sayma Arshad is a BACP-accredited integrative therapist and qualified social worker who blends clinical knowledge with practical experience from more than 13 years in the mental health sector. Her background includes frontline roles supporting vulnerable people with learning differences and mental health conditions, as well as collaborating with other mental healthcare professionals within the NHS, social services and charity organisations. She combines evidence-based techniques with a person-centred, compassionate stance to tailor therapy to each individual’s needs.

Sayma describes her practice as integrative, drawing on Attachment-Based, Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Emotionally-Focused and Mindfulness therapies alongside trauma-focused and strength-based work. This flexible approach supports a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, sleep and eating issues, ADHD and bipolar presentations. She also has extensive experience with relationship ruptures including affairs and betrayal, narcissistic abuse, and supporting adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Known for a warm, patient and empathic manner, Sayma places strong emphasis on building trust and a therapeutic relationship as core ingredients for progress. She aims to listen carefully, help clients identify goals, and guide them through change using a blend of logical reflection and intuitive understanding. Sayma welcomes international clients and adapts her interventions to each person’s circumstances and preferences.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online support

Sayma uses Client-Centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s perspective guides the pace and direction of work. This approach focuses on empathy and understanding to help people explore their feelings and build self-awareness, often supporting issues like low self-esteem, relationship concerns and life transitions.

She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - which helps identify unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and introduces practical strategies to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression and stress. CBT is structured and skills-focused, offering tools clients can use between sessions.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic journey. Sayma works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, and she will adapt the plan over time. She may also liaise with other licensed professionals when appropriate to support coordinated care.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how and when someone connects. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions suit those who prefer voice contact, and live chat or text-based messaging provide accessible options for people with busy schedules or differing communication styles. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care and fit therapy into everyday life while working with a qualified therapist.