Shamim Patel

My work is rooted in psychotherapy, which follows a humanistic, relational approach. This means I am interested in you – as a whole person and what you bring to the space – and in the relationship we build during sessions.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or a sense of being lost, unsure how you arrived at this point. My aim is to create a safe, empathetic space where you can share your problems, stories, and experiences without fear of judgment. I understand how challenging it can be to open up, especially when discussing difficult or traumatic experiences. I focus on fostering connection and understanding.

My journey into psychology is driven by a profound commitment to supporting individuals through challenging times. I have extensive experience in coaching and mentoring, having worked with individuals in prominent organisations such as Emirates, Oracle, and the NHS UK, helping people navigate personal and professional growth. This foundational experience is complemented by over 200 hours of clinically supervised mental health support on a UK-based mental health helpline. During this time, I undertook rigorous training to effectively respond to individuals in acute distress, dealing with a wide range of complex issues including, but not limited to, suicide, self-harm, and abuse.

A key area of my expertise lies in crisis intervention, where I have skillfully applied proven de-escalation techniques and risk assessment measures to determine if an individual is at imminent risk of suicide, ensuring their immediate safety and well-being. I consider my proudest moments to be the positive feedback I have received from those I have supported, including an instance where an individual credited me with saving their life. I believe it is a profound privilege to hold space for someone’s pain and to be a steadfast support during their most vulnerable times.

I am credentialed in several therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), allowing me to tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of my clients. I am CPD accredited in Safeguarding Adults Level 1 & 2 and Safeguarding Children with Learning Disabilities Level 1 & 2. I hold a Community Development Authority (CDA) license in Dubai.

Academically, I achieved an MSc with Distinction from the prestigious University of Kent and am a Graduate member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS). My commitment to the field is further demonstrated by my work on the University of Kent Wellbeing Advisory Board, an initiative that was recently featured in a BBC article

I am also trained in Transference Focused Psychotherapy, accredited by the British Psychological Society, and have actively participated in clinical therapy sessions, including one focusing on the topic “Spiralling into Mental Illness.” Currently, I am furthering my expertise by training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling with the esteemed Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.