Hello! I’m Alaa, a trainee Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and artist facilitator, within the final stages of my accredited with the UK Council for Psychotherapists (UKCP), and the Health and Care Proffessional Council (HCPC), offering reduced rate face-to-face therapy in London.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental and confidential space to explore your emotions, thoughts or behavioural patterns. I invite you to come as you are, as all parts of yourself are welcome in the therapy room. I see the therapy space as a place to rehearse new ways of expressing yourself, relating to others, and a place to re-imagine new possibilities for yourself and how you wish to live your life.
Therapy Offer
Who I work with?
I work with adults across various cultures, faiths, abilities, gender expressions and sexuality. As a therapist with significant lived experience across these areas, I can bring an empathetic and informed lens to my work, especially focusing on themes of belonging and community. I also aim to work in a neuro-affirming way and offer reasonable adjustments to the work where it is possible.
Why Art?
Art Psychotherapy offers the unique opportunity to connect conventional talking therapy with creative expression. It is a clinical and evidence-based approach, used across the NHS and in private practice. The use of creativity within the therapy space allows for expression, when putting your thoughts or emotions into words feels difficult. Integrating the arts into talking therapy can also often offer a pathway into your unconscious, offering insight and healing. We can also explore creative grounding techniques, which can help you with self-regulation.
I offer access to a range of art forms and materials, which you can access in our sessions, including visual art, sculpture and clay, drama and puppetry, sand play, music, poetry, and embodied work.
You won’t have to share your art with anyone, and there will be no judgment on the aesthetics of the work. You do not have to be ‘good at art’ or have any particular skills, just an openness to the process.
How it works
1
Book your 15-minute free consultation call. This allows us to briefly get to know each other and find out more about your needs.
Click the botton in the corner to book your slot.
2
if everything sounds good one the phone, we will arrange a first assessment session. This is a commitment-free 50 minute session, to see if this is the right fit.
3
Once we decide we are the right fit for each other, we will agree on a time-slot to start weekly therapy.
My Theoretical Approach & Training
Approach:
As an integrative therapist, I draw on a variety of theories and approaches, including Psychodynamic theories, Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis, person-centred therapy, Attachment theory, and trauma-based models.
As there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, recovery and growth, the integrative approach allows me to tailor the therapy process to each client and their individual needs. My aim is to work with you to create a collaborative therapy process in which you hold agency.
Training:
MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy | 2023-2026| IATE
Advanced Diploma in the Therapeutic & Educational Application of the Arts | 2022-2023 | IATE
Certificate in Counselling Skills | 2024 | The Skills Network
Additional Training
Trauma-informed approach for Arts practitioners | Kazzum Arts | Naloxone & ChemSex training | CGL | Mental Health First Aider
Practical Information
I offer short-term focused therapy (12+ weeks) where we narrow down on one particular theme or issue, or long-term, in-depth therapy (26+ weeks) which allows for a more open-ended and flexible exploration.
Each session is typically 50 minutes long and on a weekly basis. I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to explore whether this is the right fit for you.
I offer therapy in English and German.
My therapy practice is based in East Ham, East London. See contact page for full address.
Some of the areas of work
Depression
Stress, anxiety, panic attacks
Relationship issues
Family-dynamics
Isolation
Loneliness
Trauma
Abuse
Loss and grief
Bereavement
Identity
Self-esteem
Lack of direction
Personal or professional transitions
Racism
Gender or sexuality related issues
Issues with faith (whether it’s an internal dilemma or how the external world perceives you and your relation to faith and spirituality)
Islamophobia
Issues related to migration
Inter-generational trauma
Self-development
This is not an exhaustive list. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me to see if working together in another area is the right fit.
FAQ
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At the moment, I only offer in-person therapy, in East London. However, from summer 2026 I am aiming to open up online practice.
If in-person sessions are not feasible for you at the moment, you can join my mailing list at the bottom of the site, to be the first to find out about online slots opening. -
Each session is typically 50 minutes long and on a weekly basis.
Short-term, focused therapy is typically 12+ weeks, where we narrow down on one particular theme or issue
Long-term, in-depth therapy is 26+ weeks, which allows for a more open-ended and flexible exploration. Exact timelines can be discussed based on your specific needs. -
Currently, I offer 50-minute session, for a fee of £60. This is below the average rate of 1-1 therapy in London, and is reduced as I am in the final stages of completed the training.
This rate is likely to increase for new clients, once training is complete. -
Similar to talking therapies, we may start by exploring the main themes that have brought you to therapy. You may choose to create art while talking, or to take some time during a session to explore a topic or feeling through art. We would typically reflect on the art created and make meaning of it together. We may notice patterns over time.
If you are unsure if art in therapy is for you or how to transition into art-making, I encourage you to bring this to our sessions, so we can explore how to support you in the best way. -
You won’t have to share your art with anyone, and there will be no judgment on the aesthetics of the work. You do not have to be ‘good at art’ or have any particular skills, just an openness to the process.
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If you find yourself in a crisis or in need of instant support in between sessions, you. can always reach out to Samaritans at 116 123 (24 hrs), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.
If you’re in urgent crisis, call 999 or go to your local A&E department.
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No, you don’t have to be in crisis to seek therapy. In fact, many people begin therapy as a preventative step—using it as a space to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and address challenges before they become overwhelming. While therapy is a powerful tool during times of crisis, it’s equally valuable for personal growth, navigating life transitions, improving relationships, or simply having a supportive space to reflect. Reaching out before things escalate is a proactive and empowering choice.
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Unfortunately, no (for now). My space is located on the first floor of a listed building, run by the council. It can only be accessed via stairs at the moment.
However, we have raised this issue with the council, with long-term plans to address accessibility concerns in the building. As you can imagine, this will be a very slow process before we can see actual change.
In the meantime, please do reach out, and we can see if an accessible interim space can be arranged.
Alternatively, you can sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when online slots open up.
Let’s Work together
Leave me a message and I will respond shortly. Alternatively, you can leave call me on:
07964 7472 38