Nuzhat Basheer
I am a psychologist who works with adults dealing with a wide range of issues including both clinical and non-clinical concerns. Whether it’s someone who comes because they have been diagnosed with depression and are unable to get out of bed, or someone who feels run down because of their circumstances and environment. In sessions, I rely on empathizing and support, allowing the client to take up the space and time they need. And with trust, point out your blind spots and provide gentle nudges when needed.
What I believe therapy is for.
My understanding of therapy has evolved with the work I've done. I once believed the most important part was helping clients change existing patterns through self-awareness. Now I believe that opening up, being vulnerable, forming bonds, and communicating effectively take clients further than self-awareness and change alone. I treat the therapy space as a playground for my clients to practice this.
What therapy feels like with me.
Working with me feels like building a connection with someone genuinely trying to understand where you come from. I'm curious by nature, I want to know your experiences, not just "what the problem is." I make it a point to normalize what you've lived through instead of measuring it against what you should be feeling, thinking, or doing. I focus on leading the session with a feeling of comfort, acceptance, and clarity.
The first session.
The first session will focus on both of us getting to know each other (more of me getting to know you) at a pace that you are comfortable with. We’ll get around to previous experience with therapy, what made you do it now, what you’re looking for from the sessions as well as from me. I’ll be asking you about your history, but only to the point where you’re ready and willing to talk about it. I’d like you to know that you have the right to evaluate my work and see if this relationship would work for you.
Whether we are a good match.
Who I work best with
I work best with people who feel like they:
- aren’t good enough no matter what they do
- are responsible for the actions and emotions of those around them
- constantly worry about everything
- need to be/act a certain way to be loved & appreciated
- set aside what matters to them to make space for others
- value themselves based on how others value them
Where I may not be the best fit
I am not a good fit for you if you are looking for someone who has a tight structure for sessions and definitive deadlines. I might not be the right fit if you want someone who is direct and challenging. I also do not work with children and couples. I am not the right fit for someone in acute crisis or needing urgent psychiatric care.
The things people bring me.
- Primary: Depression, anxiety/overthinking, stress, dysfunctional relationship dynamics, trauma & abuse
Secondary: OCD, financial stress, anger issues, grief
- If I had to name one thing I do better than most, it is helping people who have always felt unseen and unheard shift that narrative and take up their space in the world
- “I can’t stop thinking”
- “I feel all alone”
- “I feel useless, like nothing I do ever matters”
- “I feel guilty every time I rest”
- “I feel broken and empty”
- “I can’t say no to people even when I want to”
- “I feel like I need to be in control of everything, I can’t let go”
- “I keep going back to the same kind of relationships”
The shape of the work.
Modalities I use
- CBT: for identifying thinking errors that could your perspective of the world around you
- ACT: for unhooking; for cultivating the ability to separate emotions and thoughts
- IFS: for identifying different parts at play
- Gestalt techniques: for staying with the feeling & addressing various viewpoints
- Mindfulness-based techniques: to regulate emotions
- I integrate these techniques as required
Session style
I am moderately structured. I prefer to decide with the client what is to be addressed in the upcoming session so they have time to reflect and prepare on what they would like to share. At the same time, if there a more urgent issues that arise within this time, I ask the client to choose what they would like to focus on at the moment. We start by checking in to see how the time between sessions has been for the client and what has come up for them since the last session and navigate based on that. I usually end sessions with a question for the client to reflect upon. I might suggest a few tasks to try between sessions, provided the client’s willingness.
Longer work
Long-term work with me means addressing issues that brought you to therapy while also working on putting out fires that come up along the way. In this process, I will come to know your patterns much better and be able to point them out when they don’t serve you. I will be there to support you as you navigate changing landscapes. We review our progress every few months and I will say so if I think you are ready to reduce frequency or stop.
Training, registration and practicalities.
| Qualifications | B.A. Psychology & Sociology: Lady Doak College, 2014 M.Sc. Psychology: Montfort College, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Registration | CDA-licensed psychologist: Community Development Authority, Dubai |
| Years of experience | 10 years of post-graduate experience, across a psychiatric clinic, online mental health platforms, and mental health clinics. |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil but mainly hold therapeutic conversations in english |
| Online or in person | I work fully online as I am based in the UAE |
| Availability and fees | I am currently accepting new clients. I am available on Mondays and Fridays. |
What sits behind how I practise.
What I value in the work
Acceptance: I believe that acceptance heals more than people understand or account for so the first thing that I want every person I work with is to feel accepted by listening to your experience from a place curiosity and not judgement or expectation.
Respect: Respect for who you are and where you come from are very important to understand what makes you who you are and I will not brush past or minimize it.
Honesty: I'd rather be honest with you than simply reassuring, because I trust you can take the truth when it comes from a place of care.
If you are in immediate danger or worried you might act on thoughts of harming yourself, please contact Tele-MANAS (14416 or 1-800-89-14416, available 24×7 across India) or your local emergency services.
