Cheqing Zhang

 Cheqing Zhang, MBACP

Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Specialising in Chinese International Student Mental Health

Professional Profile

I am a UK-trained integrative counsellor and psychotherapist specialising in the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Chinese international students and young adults living overseas.

With academic training in applied psychology, education and psychology, and integrative counselling, I bring together psychological understanding, professional counselling skills, and first-hand experience of studying and living in the UK. I understand that moving abroad can be exciting, but it may also bring loneliness, cultural disconnection, academic pressure, uncertainty, and a loss of familiar support.

Chinese international students often face a unique combination of challenges. These may include adjusting to a different culture, studying in a second language, managing parental expectations, maintaining family relationships across distance, building new friendships, and coping with pressure to appear successful. Some students find it difficult to express emotional distress directly and may instead experience sleep problems, loss of motivation, procrastination, social withdrawal, anxiety, low mood, or physical symptoms.

My aim is to provide a warm, culturally sensitive and non-judgemental space where clients can speak openly without feeling misunderstood or criticised. I work collaboratively with each client, helping them understand their emotions, recognise unhelpful patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and gradually build greater confidence and independence.

My approach is integrative, which means I do not apply one fixed method to every client. I adapt the counselling process according to each person’s needs, personality, cultural background, circumstances and therapeutic goals.

Areas of Special Interest

* Cross-cultural adjustment and homesickness

* Anxiety, low mood and emotional overwhelm

* Loneliness, isolation and difficulties forming friendships

* Academic pressure, perfectionism and fear of failure

* Procrastination, loss of motivation and study avoidance

* Sleep difficulties and disrupted daily routines

* Family relationships and parental expectations

* Communication difficulties between students and parents

* Identity, confidence and self-esteem

* Interpersonal and romantic relationship difficulties

* Graduation, employment and uncertainty about the future

* Major life transitions and adapting to independent living

Professional Experience

I have accumulated approximately 700 hours of counselling practice and have supported clients through UK-based counselling organisations, including Inner Port Mental Health, Liuxinguihang, UK Counselling Network and OSHI.

Alongside my counselling work, I have extensive experience supporting Chinese students with overseas adjustment and practical challenges. This has given me a detailed understanding of the connection between emotional wellbeing and everyday difficulties such as accommodation, university communication, healthcare access, academic routines and independent living.

I am also the founder of Inner Port Mental Health, a platform providing psychological and practical support to Chinese international students and their families. Through this work, I have developed a strong understanding of the concerns experienced by both students overseas and parents supporting them from China.

Education and Qualifications

* **MA Integrative Counselling** — Leeds Beckett University

BACP-accredited programme

* **MA Education and Psychology** — University of Sheffield

BPS-accredited programme

* **Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology**

* **Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — MBACP**

Therapeutic Style

My therapeutic style is warm, attentive and collaborative. I recognise that many Chinese clients may need time to develop trust before discussing vulnerable experiences. I therefore work at a pace that feels manageable and respect each client’s boundaries, values and cultural background.

Counselling with me is not about telling clients what decisions to make. It is about helping them understand themselves more deeply, process difficult emotions, recognise their own needs, and develop the confidence to make choices that are right for them.

Where there are concerns requiring medical, psychiatric or specialist intervention, I support clients in identifying and accessing appropriate local services.

Client Groups

* Chinese international students

* Overseas Chinese young adults

* University and postgraduate students

* Recent graduates and early-career professionals

* Parents seeking support in understanding their child’s emotional difficulties

Languages

* Mandarin Chinese

* English

Location and Format

Based in London, United Kingdom.

Online counselling is available for clients in different locations, subject to professional and jurisdictional considerations.