Fareda Barlas

Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience and the relationship between client and therapist is truly unlike any other. It is therefore essential that you find someone with whom you can feel safe with and if you’re visiting my page, it is likely that you are looking to embark on a therapeutic journey.

As children, we were raised with a set of standards and beliefs, as well as patterns of behaviour that we have taken and made our own, depending on our environment. Significant relationships, or the lack of, throughout life, can impact our core sense of who we are. What patterns have you followed so far? Perhaps these patterns have served you well in the past, in order to survive but they have become restrictive in your adult life.

People seek out therapy for various reasons. Perhaps you’re struggling with day to day life or you would like to explore yourself, your patterns or childhood experiences further. I provide a safe space in order for us to start a journey together. In working through these issues, we could explore and create a new path together.

My Approach 

I believe every story is unique, so when it comes to therapy, I don’t believe one size fits all. This is why I chose to be trained in Integrative Psychotherapy.

I work relationally and draw on several therapeutic approaches such as Psychodynamic, Attachment-based, Existential, Gestalt, Humanistic, Body Psychotherapies and Spirituality, depending on your presenting issues. 

I strongly believe that being in this profession, we are in a privileged position to support someone’s journey. It is therefore really crucial that the therapist has taken an internal journey alongside a therapist themselves.

I cannot ask my clients to search for truths within themselves, if I am not willing to do so myself. I view relating with others as central to our sense of self and our inner understanding is highly influential in how effective we are. The therapeutic process and the developing relationship between you as the client and I as the therapist offers a good insight into your internal world and ways of relating to yourself and others.

I am an integrative therapist and a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) , with a diploma from the Minster Centre. A leading training institute in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am also completing a Masters/Advanced Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Minster Centre, accredited by Middlesex University.

I work in private practice seeing individuals for long term and time limited therapy. I have also worked as a therapist in different settings. My work has been with people experiencing a variety of difficulties and dissatisfaction in their daily lives.

Qualifications and training

Masters/Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy - currently completing this course at the Minster Centre.

Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy - The Minster Centre

Masters in Marketing

BA Honours in Psychology and Marketing  

Once we have made arrangements to meet for an introductory session, we will have a chance to discuss what brings you to therapy. You will be able to share the concerns which have brought you to therapy and ask any questions. I will likely explain a bit about the way I work too. It is also a chance for you and I to assess whether we are the right fit for each other. If this is the case, we will arrange to meet for a minimum of one session per week in a regular time slot.

All introductory sessions will be held online, during which we can assess and discuss the follow up sessions and decide on online or in person work.

Starting therapy can bring up various feelings, and I ensure that the first session is as containing, and grounding as possible.