Frequently asked questions...

It is not always an easy decision to begin therapy or even to know if it will be helpful. It is worth being honest with yourself and perhaps discussing your concerns with someone you trust. If you are unsure, I offer a free 20min phone consultation prior to setting a meeting where I can get an idea of your current situation and we can discuss any questions you may have. 

This is dependent on what you are going through at the moment and may change during the time we work together. Some people prefer weekly sessions, while others may want fortnightly.  For both  therapy and coaching,  the total number of sessions someone needs is a very individual thing and I really cannot put a number on it. 

Therapy sessions are usually 50 mins long each time. Coaching can vary from between 60 - 90 mins. ​

Usually we would agree a number of sessions initially when we agree to work together and then review this as our time progresses. It could be that you need fewer sessions than you think at the start, or sometimes people uncover insights as we work together which may prolong the process. You are not bound to a minimum or maximum number of sessions. 

Session fees are listed on the Services page of this website. If you feel you need support but the costs are worrying, please do get in touch and we can see if any concessionary rates can be applied. As the saying goes - "If you don't ask, you don't get". It is always worth having a conversation and seeing what options are available.  

Yes, I work online and in person.

I work in therapy rooms in Enfield Town. There is a map available on the Contact page.

Not at all.  My wearing a headscarf is a part of my religious identity but has nothing to do with the clients I choose to work with. In fact, most of the people I have worked with till now have not been Muslim. I am happy to work with people of any faith, or those who do not ascribe to a particular religion. While I am interested in Islamic psychology and spirituality in general, these are not my specialisms or the only areas with which  I want to work.

I have lived and worked in London for most of my life (with a brief stint in the Midlands) so appreciate the difference and diversity between all of us. Its what makes my work as a therapist so interesting and unique.

While there is potentially a lot of overlap between the two  - essentially the difference is to do with goals or targets and on which direction you want to focus on - the past, present or future?  With both therapy and coaching, people usually want to change something about their present circumstances - it could be internal (emotional) or something more tangible. 

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With therapy - the focus is usually in the past and present. We look for events, patterns of behaviour or thinking that have shaped the present. By identifying these honestly clients can often change their direction or at least have more clarity about why things are the way they are. There is a focus on feelings and self awareness. 

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Coaching is a lot more forward facing - the client identifies something they want to change in the present and formulates a goal or target to be reached in a given time frame. We then collaboratively break down the overall goal into practical steps and the process encourages accountability and ownership from the client.  Coaching is 'tidier' than therapy in many ways as the direction and goals are set and the sessions are geared around that overall objective. Therapy on the other hand  can go down many tangents depending on what comes up for the client - it is a much less directed process.

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 I hope this gives a brief overview  - a lot of books have been written about this very subject! If you are unsure which approach may work for you, please get in touch and we can hopefully reach a decision collaboratively. If you are interested in looking into this more deeply, here are some books that you may want to have a look at:

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The Gift of Therapy, Irvin D. Yalom
A classic book offering deep insights into the benefits of therapy and how it helps people heal and grow.

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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb
A therapist’s own journey in therapy, showing how both professionals and clients can transform through the process.

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The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier
A practical book on how coaching can help with decision-making, confidence, and motivation.

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Atomic Habits, James Clear
A powerful book on how small habit changes can create lasting personal and professional success—great for those considering coaching.

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The Tools, Phil Stutz & Barry Michels
A fascinating blend of therapeutic techniques and coaching-style motivation to help you unlock your potential.