Welcome to Serene Psychology

Dr Sonia Ahmed – Counselling Psychologist & EMDR Therapist

Hello and welcome to my page. I am Dr Sonia Ahmed, a counselling psychologist with over 10 years of clinical experience, who is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

I appreciate that searching for a trauma informed therapist and accepting that you need help is a difficult step to take and will come with a mixture of emotions. You may be feeling apprehensive, scared, or even overwhelmed. On the other hand, you may be feeling a sense of relief and hope that you are getting the help you need. Whatever you are feeling, the fact that you are here indicates that you are ready to take the necessary steps to make positive changes in your life, and I am here to support you with this through online trauma therapy and face-to-face therapy that works with your unique needs.

I believe that each person’s experience is individual and unique, and that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to therapy for trauma. Therefore my therapeutic approach takes on an integrative stance, in which I will often draw upon a number of therapeutic models and techniques, tailored to each individuals needs. Regardless of your treatment plan, developing a strong therapeutic relationship, will be the core of trauma therapy. This means that face to face and EMDR therapy sessions will be based on empathy, trust, warmth, compassion, whilst being adaptive to each of your needs.

To learn more about my services in Sunderland and surrounding areas, such as Newcastle, please click on the ‘find out more’ tab below. Alternatively, if you are happy with what you have read, you can click directly onto the ‘contact us’ tab and reach out to me directly.

Understanding the Importance of Seeking Therapy

The decision to seek therapy is a courageous and proactive choice that can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It offers an opportunity to gain insight into personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate these challenges effectively.

How Therapy Can Positively Impact Mental Health

Therapy offers a range of benefits that can positively impact mental health. By engaging in therapy, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, identify and modify negative thought patterns, and improve their emotional regulation skills. Additionally, therapy can enhance interpersonal relationships, boost self-esteem, and foster a greater sense of empowerment and resilience. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques, individuals can experience meaningful and lasting changes that improve their overall quality of life.

Private therapy Sunderland – Why Choose a Local Therapist?

When seeking therapy, choosing a local therapist offers several advantages. As a therapist in Sunderland, I have a deep understanding of the local community and its unique challenges. This allows me to provide culturally sensitive and contextually relevant support that resonates with the experiences of my clients. Additionally, working with a local therapist offers the convenience of easy accessibility and the opportunity to engage in face-to-face sessions, fostering a more personal and connected therapeutic relationship.

Confidential and Reliable Service

At Serene Psychology in Sunderland, confidentiality and privacy are foundational principles that guide my therapeutic practice. You can trust that our sessions are conducted in a secure and private setting, and that your personal information is handled with the utmost care and discretion. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in therapy, and I am committed to providing a secure and trustworthy environment for my clients. Your privacy is respected at every stage of the therapeutic process, and you can feel confident that our sessions are conducted with the strictest adherence to confidentiality standards. You can trust that our work together remains private (unless there is a disclosure of risk), allowing you the freedom to explore your concerns openly and honestly.

Specialised Therapeutic Approaches & Individualised Therapy Plans

My private therapy in Sunderland offers specialised therapeutic approaches that are tailored to address a diverse range of mental health concerns. Whether you are seeking cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, or EMDR, I provide a comprehensive range of evidence-based interventions to meet your specific needs. By integrating these approaches, I strive to create a customised treatment plan that aligns with your unique goals and requirements.

Recognising that everyone is unique, I am dedicated to developing individualised therapy plans that are tailored to your distinct needs and circumstances. Through a collaborative and client-centered approach, we will work together to identify your strengths, challenges, and aspirations, allowing us to create a personalised roadmap for your therapeutic journey. By addressing your specific concerns and goals, we can maximize the effectiveness of our work together and promote sustainable growth and healing.