Welcome to Alpebble Counselling
PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS & ADULTS.
Exploring emotional histories, life experiences, gaining better awareness of self, navigating testing times are some of the reasons why people seek therapy. For children and adolescents, having an empathic and listening presence can be all that they need. Whatever your reasons for counselling, working with me, you will find a warm and safe space that is personalised to your needs and draws on your inner resourcefulness.
Hi, my name is Samia. I am a fully qualified therapist and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Specialist. As a Registered Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP), I adhere to their code of conduct and ethical framework. I am fully insured and registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), possessing an Enhanced DBS check.
My Counselling Approach
Central to my therapeutic approach is providing healthy counselling where a compassionate and non-judgemental contained space enables you to feel accepted, seen and heard. I understand the complexities that many South Asian, Black, and Ethnic communities may experience with mental health support. I employ a culturally and faith-sensitive approach in all my work.
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How I Work
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and as such I employ diverse therapeutic techniques to tailor counselling to client needs. My counselling approach is integrative, meaning I draw on various models underpinned by psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, person centred, CBT, neuroscience, play therapy, art creativity and talk therapy theories to offer a flexible counselling service.
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My Experience
Private Practice - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Adult Therapist: In my private practice, I see clients of various ages and backgrounds commonly exploring issues related to family systems, relationships, school pressures, relocation transitions, anxiety and depression. I also provide parent/ carer support.
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School Clinician: I have substantial experience working with children and adolescents. Currently, I manage and oversee the counselling provision at a secondary school in Waltham Forest supporting pupils with emotional challenges, on occasions in partnership with NHS professionals, Social Services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Weekly sessions explore client-led issues ranging from anxiety, self-harm, exam pressures, peer issues and parent-child dynamics. In primary school, I work with children across Key Stage 1 and 2 employing creative and play therapeutic practices.
Domestic Violence Non-Profit Women's Support Service: I have clinical experience working with South Asian women aged 20 and above supporting them with trauma, abuse, family and domestic violence-related issues.
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I can support issues such as:
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Abuse Trauma Bereavement/ Divorce Bullying
Low Self-esteem Anxiety Transitions Self-harm
Suicidal ideation
The pebble in the stream secretly believes itself to be a precious stone.
- Japanese proverb
T E S T I M O N I A L S
"Samia has been a breath of fresh air in what could have been a very turbulent time of relocation. Our daughter has come on leaps and bounds under Samia’s guidance and is so much more capable and armed to face issues as they come up. Samia’s empathy, ability to listen, deep knowledge and delivery of tools have supported the weeks of talk therapy all have been invaluable and we thank her so much for getting our daughter back on track and smiling again." Parent of 16 year old. Counselling
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"I felt listened to and supported in the short amount of sessions I had. Samia is a great listener and makes me feel listened to." 15 year old client
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"My daughter was really struggling with feeling very overwhelmed and anxious. Samia gave not just support, but practical tips to help us both through this time. She made me feel listened to and like I wasn't alone. I would highly recommend her." Parent of 6 year old. Parent Support
"When my teenage daughter said that she felt she would benefit from counselling, I wasn’t sure where to start. A friend, who is herself a counsellor, referred me to Samia and I was so pleased that she did. My daughter found the sessions really helpful - there were some issues she felt she wanted to resolve before she went off to university and Samia helped her to talk through everything and work it out. She is a very calm presence and immediately made my daughter feel at ease. Due to lockdown, the sessions took place online, which worked very well. What was great, as a mother, was that Samia spoke to me too in the first session to find out more about our family and answer my queries. She also spoke to me at the end to give some feedback - obviously, making sure that my daughter was happy for her to share the information first. I think this helped us both as it helped us to talk openly about the benefits of counselling. I highly recommend Samia and in fact have already recommended her to friends." Parent of 17-year old. Counselling
"When we faced the first lockdown, my daughter started having meltdowns and tantrums, which was very unlike her. I felt both helpless and worried, which was when I turned to Samia, as I trusted in her expertise. She was patient and understanding, and put me at ease with the way she approached my concerns with kindness and integrity. She also gave me valuable insight and actionable steps which I could implement straight away with my daughter and is still helpful today. I would highly recommend Samia as the go-to expert in her field." - Parent of 8 year old. Parental Support
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"The counselling sessions with Samia were very, very helpful and I felt listened to. I have had counselling before but these sessions were very helpful and I feel I have learnt a lot about myself."
15 year old client