Hello I’m Zara,
I am the director of ‘Counselling Psychologist – Talking Therapy London’, a Counselling Psychologist and mum of two little monkeys!
I have over 12 years of experience working in the field of mental health; ranging from the public sector (NHS) to the private sector, charity organisations and schools. I have worked in various different NHS trusts across the UK, including community mental health teams, in-patient services and specialist tertiary psychological therapy services. I have experience working in charity organisations including MENCAP, which offers support to adults with Learning Disability and Place 2 Be which offers therapy for children. In addition, I have experience working in schools, offering play and art therapy for children.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are” Carl Jung
Ever since I was fifteen-years-old, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology. I have always found the plurality of humankind to be fascinating. I believe we can all learn from each other; there is a true richness in diversity. Everyone is unique and copes with adversity differently. This inspired me to learn more about how we appraise situations and why we feel and behave in certain ways.
Studying psychology at undergraduate, masters and doctoral level further solidified my wish to become a psychologist. It is such a privilege to be in a position, to be part of someone’s recovery journey. To be able to walk alongside someone who is experiencing distress is truly a humbling experience.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my husband and children. We enjoy visiting nearby canals to feed the ducks. When I have some time to myself, I enjoy swimming, going out for a coffee and catching up with friends.
My Therapeutic Approach
I practice integratively and ensure that I always tailor my approach to each individual. I offer individualised, personal therapy for each client to ensure that you get what you need from therapy. The therapeutic models I use are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Trauma-Focused CBT. I also use many techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based Interventions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process between my clients and myself. I bring the psychological expertise and you bring your knowledge of yourself and your experiences. You know yourself best and although I try my best to understand where you are coming from, no one truly knows what it is like to walk in your shoes. Therefore the more you put into therapy, the more you will get out of it. We can work together to achieve your goals. I have many tools in my toolbox and my aim is to help you develop these tools, so that with time you can learn to support yourself.
Areas I Can Help With:
Anxiety and Depression
Post-Natal Anxiety and Depression
Identity issues
Low self-esteem
12+
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Why Choose Me?
There are many therapists to choose from, so why choose me?
Research has shown that a positive therapeutic relationship between client and therapist greatly enhances therapy outcomes. You need to feel a true connection with your therapist, so that you feel comfortable to talk about anything that is on your mind.
I believe I could be the right therapist for you due to a combination of my own personal experiences, my clinical experiences and my training in psychology:
- I have experienced trauma and many significant bereavements in my life, which have taken me years to process. Grief is not easy and comes in waves. I cannot say that I have experienced the same adversity as you, as no two journey’s will ever be the same, but what I can say is that I have an idea of what you may be going through. This can often help you to feel understood. I am a busy mum and have experienced the craziness that is called ‘motherhood’. I have been through the sleepless nights and experienced the hormonal changes and intense emotions that come with parenting. If I am being honest, being a mum has been the most challenging accomplishment in my life. The feelings of pure joy, love and awe for your tiny human can often be overshadowed by guilt, shame and anger. Therapy can help new mums process the mixture of feelings they may be experiencing.
- I have worked with a variety of people who have experienced a range of different difficulties, including those who have required in-patient stay to those who have needed some support with stress, anxiety or low mood.
- My doctoral training in Counselling Psychology has equipped me with the knowledge and understanding to deliver effective therapy.
I understand that we are all unique and one size does not fit all. I will not fit you into a box. I will fully customize the therapeutic modality we use, giving you a greater chance for success.
WHAT MY CLIENT´S SAY
“Zara listened with such patience and understanding. She provided me with tools to help me process my grief, manage my emotions and start to rebuild my life”.
Anna Mc Devitt
Priya Chahal
“What stands out most is Zara’s genuine care and the safe, supportive space she created
-even virtually-
which allowed me to truly open up and grow”
“Zara is extremely helpful, professional and generous with her time. Zara is a very kind and compassionate person. I feel at ease and in safe hands.”
Laura Beevor
I can help you through every step along your recovery journey
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Education
> PsychD in Counselling Psychology, 2020, University of East London – School of Psychology
> MSc in Foundations of Clinical Psychology & Health Services, Psychology 2012, Goldsmiths, University of London
> BSc in Psychology, 2009, Brunel University of London
Certifications
> Supervision Training, 2024, University of Surrey
> Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
>
Experience
> Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Community Mental Health Team
> South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust – Integrated Psychological Therapies Team
> The Maudsley Hospital, PICuP Clinic
> Place2Be
> MENCAP
Voluntary Work
> Aga Khan Health Board – Board Member – Healthy Minds Team
> Samaritans
> Place2Be