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Hi there. I am aware that starting therapy can seem daunting, so I want to give you an idea about who I am and how I work so you can decide if what I offer sounds right for you.

You may be here for various reasons, including:

• struggling with the pressures of daily life: work-related stress, relationship difficulties, social media addiction, etc,.
  
• feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, engulfed in periods of depression
  
• trapped in negative thought patterns, burdened by a harsh inner-critic
  
• needing to heal from abuse, trauma or a loss you’ve experienced
  
• grappling with identity issues; striving to understand who you are. 
  

You may feel that something is holding you back from leading a more vibrant, meaningful and fulfilling life.

I offer ‘a different space’; one that is safe, confidential and non-judgmental. A space in which you can reflect and make sense of your life and connect with yourself in a way that will help you to heal, grow and flourish.

MY APPROACH

In therapy, different things work for different people. I endeavour to tailor the therapy I offer to each person I work with.

Some of us are used to talking about our feelings; some of us are not; others like to use images, music, objects and creative ways to help us capture an experience and connect with deeper feelings. I welcome all of these elements in our work together.

My approach is informed by 

• a belief that the relationship or ‘alliance’ that we build together is often the key to healing and growth
  
• an understanding that the past impacts our lives in ways we are sometimes unaware of and can hold us back from living more fulfilling lives
  
• a recognition that the way that society oppresses and marginalises people due to gender, race, class, sexuality, religion, disability and other dynamics of power has a significant impact on our psychological well-being
  
• an awareness of the role of our body in getting in touch with our feelings, and in working with trauma
  

I work with clients either on a short-term or long-term basis. Sessions are 50 minutes and take place weekly in-person or online.

I offer in-person therapy in two locations: one is a few minutes walk from London Bridge station in Southwark and the other is at the Deptford Psychotherapy Centre in Deptford, Lewisham.

ABOUT ME

As you can tell from my name - Ammar Terence Al-Ghabban - I am of mixed heritage. I’ve spent most of my life in London.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a teacher for twenty years and experienced both the joys and stresses of work. Over the last seven years, I visited over 45 schools nationwide as a mental health consultant, promoting well-being.

I was awarded a Diploma in Integrative Counselling at the Minster Centre, ‘one of Europe’s leading integrative psychotherapy and counselling training institutes’. I am currently completing a UKCP accredited MA in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy at the Minster Centre. I am a practitioner member of BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network). I have an enhanced DBS certificate.

As part of my training, I worked as a counsellor at a university counselling service for two years. I now see people in my private practice.

I have received specialist training in various areas, including:

Gender, Sexual Relationship Diversity; Trauma; Childhood Sexual Abuse; Domestic Violence; Suicide & Self-harm; Death & Bereavement; Eating Disorders; Psychiatric Assessments & Severe Presentations; Working with Adolescents; Family & Belonging.

I have a personal interest in the following areas:

Anxiety; Depression; Work-related stress; Cultural Issues; Race & Racism; Mixed heritage identity; Polyamory / Non-Monogamy; Self-Compassion; Inner-Judge; Parenting; Young People; ADHD; Social media use; Mental distress associated with having unconventional beliefs & experiences.

Finding the ‘right’ therapist for you – someone with whom you feel comfortable and compatible - is important. I offer you a free 20-minute phone or online conversation so that you and I can get to know each other and explore whether working together feels right for you.

In our first session will get to know each other more and explore (in more detail) what brings you to therapy and what you hope to get out of it. Then, if you are happy to continue,  we will agree a regular day and time to meet.