Counselling

It is crucial for us to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what
the counselling process entails before we begin our work together.

What is counselling?

Counselling allows people to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they
encounter in a safe, confidential environment without any judgment. Counselling and
psychotherapy can offer a space to explore options and help you exert your power of
choice over whatever life may throw at you. Whether you& are an individual or a couple, counselling is designed to enable people to increase their self-awareness and to
identify, address and find ways of coping with challenges that occur in life.

Counselling aim to

Help people seek the change they need within themselves or change something in their lives..

Help people resolve or find ways to live with challenging feelings.

Help people recognise unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns, and find ways to challenge unhelpful thinking or change behavioural patterns.

Help people make sense of things around them and understand themself better

What can counselling help address?

Addiction

Relationship issues

Trauma and abuse counselling

Difficulty with life adjustments

Building self-esteem

Loss and Bereavement

Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Coping with Autism

What to expect

As a counsellor, we hold a deep passion for our work and take the responsibility of working with you very seriously. Our approach is rooted in unconditional positive regard, which means we will offer you acceptance, support, and empathy without any judgment.

Our approach involves

therapeutic interventions designed around a person’s needs

Counselling with us

Our focus during counselling will be on understanding your perspective of the problem or problems that brought you to seek help. Even if you have received a diagnosis of a psychological disorder, we are more interested in hearing about your own experiences and how you understand the issue.

We firmly believe that you are the expert on your own life and issues, but if you need support in exploring your situation, we are here to help. We will examine with you the impact of your problem on the crucial areas of your life and address any emotional repercussions.

Our approach will be flexible, allowing us to move at your pace and discuss topics that you feel comfortable with. We will periodically check in with you to ensure that we are addressing your concerns and exploring the topics you want to discuss.

We will not only listen to what you say but also to what you don't say. We understand that sometimes what remains unsaid can be just as significant as what is spoken.

A Collaborative Agreement

we recognize that it is a collaborative communication
process. We will establish a shared agreement, where we both commit to
establishing boundaries and setting expectations for the counselling
relationship.

of what the counselling process entails before we begin our work together. We place great importance on transparency and open communication as a means of fostering trust and creating a strong foundation for our collaboration.

Counselling Modalities

Our counseling style is designed to be conversational and easy to engage with. However, our responses are always intentional and geared towards helping you take control of your life and overcome any obstacles you may be facing

We incorporate numerous approaches and concepts into our counseling,such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotional Focused Therapy. Our objective
is to customize our approach to your specific needs and concerns, utilizing evidence-based techniques to promote your personal growth and healing.

ACC sensitive Counselling

Sexual Abuse Counselling

Experiencing a traumatic event, such as abuse, sexual assault, physical violence, or threats of harm, can leave individuals feeling lost and unsure of how to respond. Trauma can lead to negative self-perception, self-doubt, and a constant feeling of inadequacy. However, its crucial to remember that no one deserves to be harmed or made to feel uncomfortable, and we are not defined by the trauma we experience. We are worthy of love and respect, and we can heal and move forward.

Counselling can help individuals understand how the abuse has impacted their lives and relationships. It can also help them to develop coping skills and strategies to manage the emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that may result from the abuse.

Sexual abuse counselling may include various therapeutic techniques such astalk therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and art therapy. The choice of therapy will depend on the individual & unique needs and preferences.

It is important to note that sexual abuse counselling can be a difficult emotional process, and it may take time for individuals to feel comfortable and safebefore they begin sharing their experiences with a therapist. However, with patience, commitment, and the support of a skilled therapist, individuals canwork through their trauma and begin to heal.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault, it important to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counsellor.
It is beneficial to speak with a licensed mental health professional such as a counsellor or psychotherapist to process the trauma of sexual assault. Theseprofessionals are trained to provide support and guidance for individuals experiencing these types of experiences. Regardless of when the incident occurred, professional support can be sought at any time.
In addition to immediate injuries and distress, individuals may experience post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts over time. It is important to seek help as soon as you notice these symptoms. A licensed mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to help manage these symptoms
Zainul Abidin
Qualified & Experienced Counsellor

Zainul Abidin is a highly skilled and internationally experienced counsellor, specialising in various areas, including youth, family, special needs children, and individuals facing addiction challenges. He utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs, drawing from:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Spiritual & Behavioural Psychology
  • Family Therapy

Qualifications:

  • Master’s in Counselling
  • Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction
  • Addiction Practitioner
  • Advanced Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Practitioner
  • Board Certified Cognitive Specialist (Autism)
  • Advanced Certified Autism Specialist

Areas of Counselling:

  • Abuse & Trauma
  • Anger & Violence
  • Anxiety & Panic Attacks
  • Depression & Sadness
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Grief & Loss
  • Identity & Belonging
  • Life Transitions & Changes
  • Parenting Support
  • Postnatal Depression & Trauma
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem & Confidence
  • Sexual Abuse Recovery
  • Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm

Our Undertakings

As your counsellor, we undertake to uphold the following commitments:

Providing you with unconditional positive regard and treating you with respect
and dignity.

Offering you a comfortable and safe environment where you can speak confidentially.

Listening to you attentively and without judgment, and supporting you in exploring the issues that matter to you.

Being punctual and prepared for our scheduled sessions.

Explaining the counselling process clearly at every stage and being transparent in all our interactions.

Seeing you as a whole person, beyond the impact of the abuse on your life.

Adapting the pace of our work to what I believe is most effective for you.

Suggesting ideas and options for healing that I believe could be helpful, while leaving the final decision to you.

Seeing you as a whole person, beyond the impact of the abuse on your life.