Reza Ahmad Counsellor & Psychotherapist Online and in Bristol (UK)

I am now only offering online therapy

In the heart of difficulty we can find our deepest potential.

Being alive in a body is no easy ride! In the rich and complex flow of life we inevitably encounter various adverse circumstances. Sometimes this gives rise to painful or overwhelming (i.e. 'traumatic') experiences that we are unable to process or digest due to the conditions we subsequently find ourselves in. Most commonly this occurs in a relational context, especially early in life because that is when we are most vulnerable and have yet to develop our full capacities and strengths. Of course, we can also experience trauma as a result of an accident, illness, crime, war or pandemic. If we are not able to process such traumatic experiences the imprints of these experiences become lodged in our body-mind. We then need to employ a wide range of (mostly sub-conscious) strategies in an attempt to protect ourselves from re-experiencing these painful imprints. These protective strategies can become persistent tendencies that drain our vital energy, limit our ability to respond effectively to current life circumstances, whilst also producing a plethora of unintended negative consequences. And despite these strategies, we may sometimes find ourselves overcome by painful feelings and/or memories related to past experiences. All of this limits the expression and experience of our deepest potential and is almost always what motivates people to seek therapy.

• Perhaps you repeatedly find yourself in a painful situation or feel stuck.
• Or you are experiencing emotions that feel overwhelming or unexplainable.
• Different kinds of relationships can be hard to navigate.
• Have you experienced trauma, painful past events, illness or loss?
• You may be feeling sad, lonely or low in self-esteem.
• Or be struggling with feelings of guilt and shame.
• Anxiety, fear or depression can be limiting or even crippling for some.
• Perhaps you're struggling with compulsive or addictive behaviours.
• Or impulsive, reactive behaviours that harm others or yourself.
• Do you find it difficult to receive love, love others or yourself?
• Are you unsure of your direction or purpose in life?
  
  

None of these issues are a sign of failure or weakness, although such judgments are very often internalised as beliefs. This all belongs to the landscape of our human experience and can lead us to finding a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world so that we can live a more meaningful and satisfying life. It can be incredibly difficult to resolve and move beyond such challenging experiences on our own. You may be fearful of facing what feels painful, difficult or shameful. Or doubtful that anyone can help. However, reaching out to a counsellor or psychotherapist for support is an empowering step to take - you are choosing to engage with the difficulty and begin a process of healing and growth.

I provide a safe, confidential relationship within which you can explore those aspects of your experience that you are struggling with. I work with the understanding that we all have the capacity to meet anything we are experiencing with an open heart and open mind. I can support you to be present in this way with whatever feels painful, frightening, stuck or unresolved. This is what catalyses a natural process of healing, integration and growth. Counter-intuitively, if we voluntarily explore our emotional wounds and the darker areas of our psyche we find that some of our deepest gifts and capacities emerge from these places. This is a journey in which you will uncover and deepen your experience of the innate qualities of your core Self which include compassion, clarity, confidence, creativity, calm and love.

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Eastville in the North of Bristol. I work online with individuals and couples. My primary therapeutic approach is Internal Family Systems. This powerful modality is at the leading edge of contemporary psychological therapies, especially in the treatment of trauma. It is a fast growing influence around the globe, supported by a growing body of research. I also offer Tango Couples Therapy in person. This is an alternative, dance-oriented approach to couples therapy. I have been exploring meditation and various ('Nondual') spiritual traditions for over 20 years, all of which has contributed to my understanding and practice of therapy.

I am a qualified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist. I also have a postgraduate Diploma in Gestalt Counselling and a further Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy. I am an Accredited Member of the The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) (on a register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority) and I abide by its Code of Ethics.

My work as a therapist is grounded in the power, at the core of every one of us, to be present with all of our experience with an open heart and open mind. When we orient towards our experience in this way everything takes its natural course, from the healing of our emotional wounds, to the harmonising of our inner life and the increasing capacity to contribute our unique gifts to the world. It would be my honour to accompany and support you on that journey.

If you are an individual or a couple seeking counselling or psychotherapy, either online or in Bristol, you are welcome to get in touch with me here.