Shaheen Walker

Hi – are you feeling stuck? Repeating the same patterns of behaviour again and again in your life or relationship and going around in circles? Do you feel a lack of love/respect with your partner or someone close to you? Has sex, intimacy or compulsive sexual behaviour/sex addiction become an issue and you don’t quite know how to approach it? Perhaps life changes, trauma, neurodiversity (adhd/asc) or difficult times have led to anxiety/depression, low self-confidence, the trust has gone, or you’re simply feeling sad, stressed, lonely, angry, misunderstood, numb, or just not sure what you feel anymore . . .

It is important that everyone feels comfortable so I am happy to offer a free 15-minute Zoom or telephone consultation with no obligation … just a chance to see how it feels to talk.

People seek therapy or self-help for many reasons but often the attention is solely on the person, not the impact of behaviour on those around them. I provide a safe, confidential space working collaboratively with individuals, couples, cross-cultural, enm and neurodiverse relationships helping make sense of what might be going on emotionally and physically, resulting in the overall effect.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a Relate/CPCAB qualified Specialist, Accredited with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, a fully Registered member of the BACP, BAATN and endorsed on both COSRT Psychosexual and Relationship registers. I also partner with Tavistock for Mentalisation-based Therapy (MBT) helping together and single parents in conflict achieve better communication, am certified with the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), have trained with the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology and completed the ICEEFT LGBTQ+ Externship. I am experienced in supporting a range of people wanting to improve their lives and relationships, so you can rest assured that my practice is diverse, bespoke and welcoming for all backgrounds, ethnicities and identities.

If you are looking specifically to process trauma or shame, it may interest you to know that I am also IFS (Internal Family Systems) and Brainspotting certified. Standard talking therapy is certainly one helpful therapeutic solution, but not the only option you have with me for recovery because for some it can only go so far, feel too repetitive or even re-traumatise – particularly in cases of fear or abuse. Building safety and stabilisation techniques, as well as recognising how you give Consent and developing freedom of choice to ask for what you want, is key.

I also offer One Session Therapy. If you are unsure about commitment or therapy in general, or would just like to address an issue that is weighing you down but don’t think it requires a number of sessions to resolve, then this may be a more suitable option. Change starts from seeing a situation in a different light but it’s not always easy opening up to the people around us, so even a one-off session with a professional, unbiased focus can be like an emotional detox to help us unburden and feel lighter. Some also use this as a ‘self-care check-in’ … you can stay secure knowing that you can come, go and check in or out with me whenever needed … no block bookings and no pressure!

My previous experience of working in the NHS and being a Samaritans Leader made me conscious about giving more possibilities and autonomy to everybody seeking support. Using systemic, psychodynamic, relational, psychosexual and neuroscience skills – as you can see, this is not a one-size-fits-all viewpoint … rather an integrative approach and validation of perspectives with a fresh, unique and non-judgmental attitude to help you and your situation.

Good self-esteem leads to healthy boundaries leading to positive relationships and all are key to the foundation of our general mental health and overall sense of wellbeing. If you’re overwhelmed, feeling vulnerable or struggling in your personal, social, or romantic life then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Warmest wishes

Shaheen