Hi, my name is Ammar (he/him). I am of mixed heritage and have spent most of my life in London, where I have a private practice (ADifferentSpace.co.uk).

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a teacher for twenty years and experienced both the joys and stresses of work. Over the last seven years, I visited over 45 schools nationwide as a mental health consultant, promoting well-being.

I am aware that starting counselling or therapy can seem daunting, so I'd like to give you an idea about how I work so you can decide if what I offer sounds right for you.

You may be here for various reasons, including:

• struggling with the pressures of daily life: work-related stress, relationship difficulties, social media addiction etc,.

• feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, engulfed in periods of depression

• trapped in negative thought patterns, burdened by a harsh inner-critic

• needing to heal from abuse, trauma or a loss you’ve experienced 

• grappling with identity issues; striving to understand who you are and your place in the world 

You may feel that something is holding you back from leading a more vibrant, meaningful and fulfilling life. 

I offer ‘a different space’; one that is safe, confidential and non-judgmental. A space in which you can reflect and make sense of your life and connect with yourself in a way that will help you to heal, grow and flourish. 

Finding the ‘right’ therapist for you – someone with whom you feel comfortable and compatible - is important. I offer you a free 20-minute phone or online conversation so that you and I can get to know each other and explore whether working together feels right for you.

MY APPROACH

In therapy, different things work for different people. I am trained in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, so I draw upon various theories and perspectives. I have a flexible approach and endeavour to tailor the therapy I offer to each person I work with.

Some of us are used to talking about our feelings; some of us are not; others like to use images, music, objects and creative ways to help us capture an experience and connect with deeper feelings. I welcome all of these elements in our work together.

My approach is informed by

• a belief that the relationship or ‘alliance’ that we build together is often the key to healing and growth; things may happen in our relationship that resonate with your wider experiences in life. 

• an understanding that the past - in particular, our childhood - impacts our lives in ways we are sometimes unaware of and can hold us back from living more fulfilling lives.

• a recognition that the way that society oppresses and marginalises people due to gender, race, class, sexuality, religion, disability and other dynamics of power has a significant impact on our psychological well-being and personal development. 

• an awareness of the role of our body in getting in touch with our feelings; and exploring how trauma may be trapped in our body. 

I have a personal interest in the following areas:

Self-Compassion; Work-related stress; Inner-Judge; Shame; Social media use; Young People; Parenting; Cultural issues; Race & Racism; Mixed heritage identity; Mental distress associated with having unconventional beliefs and experiences.