Welcome

Hi, my name is Ammar (he/him). I am a therapist based in London. Welcome to my website. I am aware that starting counselling or therapy can seem daunting, so in the following pages, I want to give you an idea about who I am and how I work so you can decide if what I offer sounds right for you.

You may be here for various reasons, including:

  • struggling with the pressures of daily life: work-related stress, relationship difficulties, social media addiction etc,.

  • feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, engulfed in periods of depression

  • trapped in negative thought patterns, burdened by a harsh inner-critic

  • needing to heal from abuse, trauma or a loss you’ve experienced 

  • grappling with identity issues; striving to understand who you are and your place in the world 

You may feel that something is holding you back from leading a more vibrant, meaningful and fulfilling life. 

I offer ‘a different space’; one that is safe, confidential and non-judgmental. A space in which you can reflect and make sense of your life; connect with your feelings; and have the opportunity to heal, grow and flourish. 

Finding the ‘right’ therapist for you – someone with whom you feel comfortable and compatible - is important. I offer you a free 20-minute phone or online conversation so that you and I can get to know each other and explore whether working together feels right for you.

My Approach

In therapy, different things work for different people. I am trained in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, so I draw upon various theories and perspectives. I have a flexible approach and endeavour to tailor the therapy I offer to each person I work with.

Some of us are used to talking about our feelings; some of us are not; others like to use images, music, objects and creative ways to help us capture an experience and connect with deeper feelings. I welcome all of these elements in our work together.

My approach is informed by

  • a belief that the relationship or ‘alliance’ that we build together is often the key to healing and growth; things may happen in our relationship that resonate with your wider experiences in life. 

  • an understanding that the past - in particular, our childhood - impacts our lives in ways we are sometimes unaware of and can hold us back from living more fulfilling lives.

  • a recognition that the way that society oppresses and marginalises people due to gender, race, class, sexuality, religion, disability and other dynamics of power has a significant impact on our psychological well-being. 

  • an awareness of the role of our body in getting in touch with our feelings; and exploring how trauma may be trapped in our body. 

Services

Individual therapy for adults

Free 20-minute online or phone conversation.

Weekly 50-minute sessions: in-person (London Bridge & Deptford) or online.

Short-term or open-ended therapy.

Fees: £70 per session.

I have some low-cost places for people on lower incomes.

Mental health in schools / organisations

Staff well-being

Mental Health awareness

Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs

Inclusivity: Race, Gender, Sexuality, Neurodiversity.

Please contact me via the enquiries form to explore opportunities.

About Me

As you can tell from my name - Ammar Terence Al-Ghabban - I am of mixed heritage. I’ve spent most of my life in London.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a teacher for twenty years. Over the last seven years, I visited over 45 schools nationwide as a mental health consultant, promoting well-being.

I was awarded a Diploma in Integrative Counselling at the The Minster Centre, ‘one of Europe’s leading integrative psychotherapy and counselling training institutes’. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy). I am a practitioner member of BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network).

I worked as a counsellor at a university counselling service for two years. I now see people in my private practice. I provide therapeutic support at both the UK Covid-19 and Post Office inquiries. I have an enhanced DBS certificate. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office - all your confidential information is held securely and treated in accordance with data privacy guidelines.

I have received specialist training in various areas, including:

Gender, Sexual & Relationship Diversity; Trauma; Childhood Sexual Abuse; Domestic Violence; Suicide & Self-harm; Death & Bereavement; Eating Disorders; Psychiatric Assessments & Severe Presentations; Working with Adolescents; Family & Belonging.

I have a personal interest in the following areas:

Anxiety; Depression; Work-related stress; Cultural Issues; Race & Racism; Mixed heritage identity; Polyamory / Non-Monogamy; Self-Compassion; Inner-Judge; Parenting; Young People; ADHD; Social media use; Mental distress associated with having unconventional beliefs & experiences.

Qualifications / Affiliations

Diploma in Integrative Counselling, The Minster Centre.

MA Media, Institute of Education: UCL, University of London.

English PGCE, Goldsmiths University, University of London.

BA Philosophy, King’s College, University of London.

 I am currently completing a MA in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy at The Minster Centre.

Publications

Testimonials

  • It was a pleasure discussing our undistilled and sublimely spontaneous thoughts with you. Love the way you have breathed life and soul into them.

    Headteacher, Bradford.

  • We all found the day immensely useful, and felt so excited by the ideas we discussed.

    Headteacher, Keynsham

  • Thank you for today - it was brilliant. Everyone was buzzing after you left. Thanks for all the help and ideas.

    SENDCo, Bletchley.

  • It's been a pleasure having you working with us this year. You have had a tremendous impact.

    Designated Safeguarding Lead, Essex.

  • I've had really positive feedback from all of the staff that attended the INSET - they are already asking when you can come back!

    SENDCo, Southampton

  • I attended training with yourself on Friday, and it was a fantastic experience.

    Teaching Assistant, London.

Get in Touch