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, therapeutic space working collaboratively with individuals, couples and ENM/CNM 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 practitioner, Accredited with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, a fully Registered member of the BACP, as well as being endorsed by COSRT (both RT and PRT registers). I also work at Relate as a Specialist, partner with Tavistock focusing on Mentalization 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 (CICS) and completed the ICEEFT LGBTQ+ Externship. I support a range of people wanting to improve their lives and relationships, so whether you feel a sense of cultural belonging or othering, rest assured that my practice is bespoke and welcoming for all ethnicities and identities including gender, sexual and relationship diversity (GSRD).

I also offer One Session or Ad Hoc Therapy. This is for any of you who are unsure about counselling, on a waiting list, unable to commit, or only want a one-off appointment to tackle an issue that is weighing you down. It’s not always easy opening up to the people around us but a single session with a professional, unbiased focus can be like an emotional detox to help us unload and feel lighter. Some also use this as an opportunity for a ‘self-care check-in’ … you can rest assured knowing you are able to come and go and check in or out with me whenever needed … no block bookings and no pressure!

Additionally, it may interest you to know that I have trained with IFS UK and am Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Brainspotting certified. Standard talking therapy is not the only way to process trauma or distress and for some it can only go so far, feel repetitive, too intrusive, or even re-traumatise. 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.

My previous experience of working in the NHS and being a Samaritans Leader made me conscious about giving more choice and autonomy to everybody seeking support. Using systemic, psychodynamic, psychosexual and neuroscience skills as you can see this is not a one-size-fits-all viewpoint … rather an organic 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 great sex and positive relationships, which 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