Healing is the experience of being held—not just physically, but emotionally, relationally, and psychologically.
Welcome to Shifaá Healing Hearts Counselling
Culturally Informed Counselling and Psychotherapy in Queen's Park W10, and Online
At Shifaá Healing Hearts Counselling, we are proud to bring culturally sensitive and inclusive mental health services to the residents of Queen’s Park. Supported by funding from Imperial College London and in collaboration with the Queen’s Park Community Council, our mission is to reduce health inequalities, foster emotional well-being, and strengthen community connections.
"Shifaá," meaning healing in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Bengali, Somali, and many other languages, reflects SHHC’s commitment to creating healing, well-being, and a sense of belonging.
Our Journey Together
At Shifaá Healing Hearts Counselling (SHHC), we know that your culture shapes who you are and how you experience the world. That’s why we take the time to understand your values, beliefs, and identity, so our support feels real, respectful, and meaningful.
Counselling isn’t about giving advice or fixing problems. It’s a conversation, a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who listens and understands. Healing happens through connection with yourself and with others. That’s why we focus on trust, safety, and mutual understanding in our work together.
Whether you're facing family struggles, identity challenges, or past hurts, we’re here to support you in a way that makes sense for you. Your culture isn’t just recognised it’s embraced as part of your healing journey.
As the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy puts it, “Intercultural therapy is about creating a bridge of understanding, where therapist and client can meet beyond cultural assumptions and biases.
We’re here to walk with you on that bridge, offering a compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and valued.
I Need Support
Looking for support?
Free Counselling for Community Clients, Queens Park and surrounding areas.
We offer free counselling services to individuals aged 18+ living in Queen’s Park and surrounding areas who are on low incomes.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Aged 18 or older
• On a benefits-level income (exceptions apply for specific referrals)
• Not currently attending another psychotherapy or counselling service
We Prioritise Referrals From:
• Survivors of domestic/sexual abuse or harmful practices
• Members of minoritised communities facing racism, discrimination, or exclusion
• Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants (especially those with trauma experiences)
• LGBTQ+ individuals
What to Expect:
• Weekly 50-minute sessions (in-person or online)
• A safe, confidential space to explore your concerns
• Support tailored to your needs
• Each client receives up to 10 free sessions, equivalent to over £700 in private costs.
Ready to start? Refer yourself here.
Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions and rebuild your life, but in urgent situations, immediate crisis support is essential. If you or someone you know needs help right away, please reach out to one of these trusted local or national crisis support services:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, 24/7 confidential support.
NHS Mental Health Helpline: Dial 111 for advice and assistance.
Shout: Text 85258 for free, 24/7 support via text.
Westminster Mind: Call 020 7289 7213 for local mental health support services.
Local Crisis Team: Contact your area’s mental health crisis team Queens Park & Paddington CMHT 020 7266 9700.
Our Vision
To create a community where mental health support is accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive for all.
Our Mission
To provide free, high-quality counselling that respects and reflects the diverse experiences of our clients. We aim to support healing, resilience, and empowerment through culturally informed care.
Our Values
Compassion and empathy
Respect for cultural identity
Commitment to equity and inclusion
Confidentiality and integrity
FAQs
Culturally informed counselling acknowledges the unique experiences shaped by culture, identity, and background. We tailor our approach to be respectful, understanding, and responsive to diverse perspectives.
Counselling offers a confidential, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, experiences, and challenges. Whether you’re coping with trauma, stress, or life changes, our therapists are here to support your well-being.
• Stress and Anxiety: Managing overwhelming feelings and learning coping strategies.
• Panic Attacks: Understanding triggers and building tools to regain control.
• Relationship Problems: Navigating conflicts, communication issues, or breakups.
• Abuse: Providing a safe space to process and heal from past or present experiences.
• Grief and Loss: Coping with bereavement and life changes.
• Addiction: Exploring patterns and working toward healthier habits.
• Trauma and PTSD: Addressing the impact of past traumatic experiences.
• Depression: Finding support to lift feelings of hopelessness and build resilience.
• Confidence and Self-Esteem: Overcoming self-doubt and building self-worth.
• Anger Management: Learning ways to manage and express anger constructively.
• Sexuality and Identity: Exploring questions or challenges related to sexuality or identity.
• Workplace or Retirement Challenges: Navigating transitions, stress, or conflicts.
• Family or School Life Issues: Resolving tensions and improving relationships.
How can counselling help?
A Safe Space to Be Heard
Counselling provides a non-judgmental environment where you can share your thoughts and emotions freely. As Malcolm X said, “When 'I' is replaced with 'we,' even illness becomes wellness.” This reflects the power of connection and community in healing.
Emotional Support
Counselling helps you express feelings like sadness, anger, or fear and provides tools for managing stress and anxiety. We integrate Isha McKenzie-Mavinga’s work on racial trauma into our practice by validating clients’ lived experiences of systemic oppression, "When clients feel culturally and spiritually validated, they are empowered to explore their deepest truths." This helps individuals feel seen and supported as they explore their journeys toward healing.
Understanding Your Past and Present
Therapy helps you reflect on how past experiences, including relationships, shape your current feelings and behaviours. Together, we explore these patterns to create healthier ways of navigating challenges.
• Relationship Building: Counselling improves communication and conflict resolution skills, helping you rebuild trust and navigate differences in personal relationships.
• Inclusive Approach: As Dwight Turner states, “Therapy must acknowledge the impact of race, culture, and intersectionality.” We ensure therapy respects and includes your unique background and identity.
Rewriting Your Story
Inspired by narrative therapy, we work with you to reframe and reshape your story. This process can bring a sense of empowerment, helping you embrace your identity, culture, and resilience. Kim Etherington says, "Our stories are shaped by culture, and the role of therapy is to honour those stories while empowering individuals to rewrite them." Narrative therapy helps clients explore and reframe their personal stories, integrating resilience and cultural pride. We support individuals in reclaiming their voices and reshaping their journeys.
Building Emotional Resilience
Therapy equips you with tools to handle stress, anxiety, and other challenges, creating a stronger foundation for mental and emotional well-being.
• Improved Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD while fostering self-awareness and clarity about your values and goals.
• Personal Growth: Encourages understanding your patterns, building confidence, and developing healthier habits.
• Physical Benefits: Therapy can reduce stress-related symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and insomnia through techniques like relaxation and self-care routines.
Addressing Trauma and Systemic Challenges
Whether it’s intergenerational trauma, racial injustice, or systemic barriers, counselling provides a space to process these experiences and find strength in your identity and community.
Eugene Ellis, the founder of Black African Asian Therapist Network believed "Healing racial trauma means addressing the ways it impacts the body, mind, and spirit." we create spaces where clients can address the embodied effects of racial trauma and build resilience. This holistic approach fosters emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Venue in Queen's Park
Our counselling and therapy services are provided in a safe, comfortable, and private setting in Queen’s Park. Whether you choose to meet in-person or online, we strive to create an environment where you can feel secure and at ease as you open up.
Remote sessions are also available via a secure online platform.
Let us know if you have mobility or accessibility needs so we can accommodate you where possible.
Our Counselling Process
What to Expect When You Start Counselling:
Referral: Complete our referral form to get started.
Assessment: We’ll arrange an initial assessment to understand your needs.
Matching: Based on your assessment, we’ll match you with a counsellor suited to your requirements.
Counselling Sessions: Weekly 50-minute sessions, either in-person or online, focusing on your goals and well-being.
Commitment to Your Journey:
We encourage regular attendance to make the most of your counselling experience. Your counsellor will support you in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.
Private Clients
For those seeking open-ended sessions, we offer counselling tailored to your individual needs.
• Flexible Options: Choose the length and frequency of sessions that work best for you.
• If you’d like to learn more about our services or enquire about fees, please email us to discuss your needs. We’ll be happy to arrange an initial consultation to explore how we can support you.
Get in touch
Initial 15-minute consultation
Taking the first step can feel daunting. If you have any questions about how counselling works, feel free to reach out.
You can email us using the contact form below with your name and contact details.
You can also register your interest here: Shifaá Healing Hearts Counselling – Queen’s Park Community Council.
Note: Our counsellors cannot assist with housing or immigration issues but can direct you to relevant services.
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