My name is Aasha and this is my story…

I experienced a lot of abuse as a child which left me feeling lacking in confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately I also experienced trauma in my adult life. I was involved in a serious car accident. Following this incident I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as I was experiencing flashbacks and intense anxiety. I avoided travelling by car as I felt triggered. I also never really told anyone about the childhood abuse as I felt ashamed of it. Before starting therapy I felt anxious all the time, my low confidence affected my performance at work and whenever I saw a car, my heart would race. I also struggled when it came to making friends and having relationships. I felt like I was just about surviving.

When I started therapy with Zara, she helped me understand how my past trauma has affected my life today. She gave me a safe space where I felt comfortable to talk about things I had not told anyone else. She taught me that avoiding certain things, may feel helpful in the short-term but not are actually not helpful in the long-term. In therapy I learnt how to manage my anxiety better. I am slowly learning to face my fears rather than avoid them. Although I still experience my flashbacks, I am less distressed by them. My anxiety has reduced and I feel like, for the first time in my life, I am able to do things I previously really struggled with. Having therapy with Zara, helped me go from just surviving to thriving.