Reza AhmadOnline Counsellor & Psychotherapist based near Stroud (UK)

In the heart of difficulty we can uncover our deepest potential.

Being alive in a body is no easy ride! In the rich and complex flow of life we inevitably encounter various adverse circumstances. Sometimes this gives rise to painful or overwhelming experiences that we are unable to process or digest due to a lack of internal or external support. This is what is meant by 'trauma', which is something we all experience in some form or another. Traumatic experiences most commonly occur in a relational context, especially early in life because that is when we are most vulnerable and have yet to develop our full capacities and strengths. Of course, we can also experience trauma as a result of an accident, illness, crime, war or pandemic. If we are not able to process such traumatic experiences we are left with painful imprints (feelings, sensations, memories and beliefs) lodged in our body-mind. We then employ a wide range of mostly sub-conscious strategies in an attempt to protect ourselves from re-experiencing these painful unprocessed experiences. Such protective strategies can become persistent tendencies that drain our vital energy, limit our ability to be present and respond effectively to current life circumstances, whilst also producing a plethora of unintended negative consequences. And despite these strategies, we may sometimes feel taken over by the painful feelings of unprocessed past experiences. All of this limits the expression and experience of our deepest potential and is almost always what motivates people to seek therapy.

• Perhaps you repeatedly find yourself in a painful situation or feel stuck.
• Or you are experiencing emotions that feel overwhelming or unexplainable.
• Different kinds of relationships can be hard to navigate.
• Have you experienced trauma, painful past events, illness or loss?
• You may be feeling sad, lonely or low in self-esteem.
• Or be struggling with feelings of guilt and shame.
• Anxiety, fear or depression can be limiting or even crippling for some.
• Perhaps you're struggling with compulsive or addictive behaviours.
• Or impulsive, reactive behaviours that harm others or yourself.
• Do you find it difficult to receive love, love others or yourself?
• Are you unsure of your direction or purpose in life?
  
  

None of these issues are a sign of failure or weakness, although such judgments are often internalised as beliefs. This all belongs to the shared landscape of our human condition. Yet suffering can motivate us to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world. You may be fearful of facing what feels painful, difficult or shameful. Or doubtful that anyone can help. However, reaching out to a counsellor or psychotherapist for support is a courageous act of reclaiming your power - you are choosing to engage with areas of difficulty and begin a process of healing and growth, leading to a life of greater meaning, authenticity and beauty.

I provide a safe, confidential relationship within which you can explore those aspects of your experience that you are struggling with. I work with the understanding that we all have the innate capacity to relate to anything we are experiencing with an open heart and open mind. I can support you to be present in this way with whatever feels painful, frightening, stuck or unresolved which is what catalyses a natural process of healing, integration and growth. Counter-intuitively, if we voluntarily explore our emotional wounds and the darker areas of our psyche we find that some of our deepest gifts and capacities emerge from these places. This is a journey of uncovering and deepening your experience of the innate qualities of your true Self which include compassion, clarity, confidence, creativity, calm and love.

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist based near Stroud in the UK. I work online only with individuals and couples. My primary therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS). This powerful modality is at the leading edge of contemporary psychological therapies, especially in the treatment of trauma. It is a fast growing influence around the globe, supported by a growing body of research. In addition, I have been exploring meditation practices and teachings from various Eastern ('Nondual') spiritual traditions for over 20 years, all of which informs my understanding and practice of therapy. The view I bring to this work is non-sectarian and universal in nature.

I am a qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist. I also have a postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Counselling and a further Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy. I am an Accredited Member of the The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) (on a register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority) and I abide by its Code of Ethics.

My work as a therapist is grounded in the power, at the core of every one of us, to be present with all of our experience with an open heart and open mind. When we orient towards our experience in this way everything takes its natural course, from the healing of our emotional wounds, to the harmonising of our inner life and the increasing capacity to contribute our unique gifts to the world. It would be my honour to accompany and support you on that journey.

If you are an individual or a couple seeking online counselling or psychotherapy you are welcome to get in touch with me here.