About me
I'm Shagufta Zabeer MBACP, a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist based in Birmingham.
One of the things I value most about counselling is giving someone the experience of being genuinely heard and understood without judgement.
I don't see you as a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms.
Instead, I am interested in understanding:
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What happened to you?
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What has life taught you about yourself?
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How have you learned to cope and survive?
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And what do you need now?
Sometimes the parts of ourselves we criticise most developed for a reason.
Therapy gives us an opportunity to approach those parts with curiosity and compassion rather than shame.
My therapeutic approach
My counselling practice is integrative and person-centred at its core.
This means I don't expect you to fit into one therapeutic model. I draw on different approaches depending on you and what emerges within our work.
My practice incorporates:
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Person-Centred Therapy — providing empathy, acceptance and a genuine therapeutic relationship.
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Psychodynamic Therapy — exploring how earlier experiences and relationships may influence how you experience yourself and others today.
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Gestalt Therapy — developing awareness of your emotions, patterns, needs and what is happening in the present moment.
I also work in a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming way and may incorporate grounding, mindfulness and emotional-regulation techniques where appropriate.
My experience - I have completed over 200 hours of supervised clinical counselling practice across face-to-face, community and online settings.
My experience includes supporting adults experiencing:
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Anxiety and depression
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Trauma
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Domestic abuse and coercive control
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Relationship difficulties
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Emotional distress and overwhelm
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Low self-esteem and self-worth
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Neurodivergence
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Difficulties with boundaries and communication
I previously provided face-to-face counselling through Women Acting in Today's Society (WAITS), supporting women affected by domestic abuse, trauma and difficult relationship experiences.
I currently provide online counselling through Affordable Counselling Network alongside developing my private practice.
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Qualifications & Professional Membership
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Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling
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Birmingham Newman University
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BACP-accredited counselling training
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Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
I undertake regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development and practise in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Who you are matters in therapy.
Culture, disability, neurodivergence, family expectations, relationships and life experiences can all shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
I aim to provide a culturally sensitive, inclusive and anti-discriminatory therapeutic space where you don't have to leave important parts of yourself outside the room.
I can provide counselling in English, Urdu and Mirpuri/Potwari.