FathimaAshraff-Ali

Counselling & Psychotherapy for Teenagers & Adults
Face-to-Face in Solihull & Online Across the UK

When life feels overwhelming, you don't have to work through it alone.

I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Solihull and online for teenagers and adults. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, self-doubt, or questions about who you are. Or perhaps you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong. You just know that something doesn't feel right.

Sometimes, taking the step to speak to someone can be the beginning of understanding what's going on — and we can work through that together.

Welcome

A place where you can be yourself

Lavender in bloom before a historic stone garden, soft summer light

A calm space to be heard

Sometimes everything can look fine from the outside while, internally, you're feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, lost or unsure of what to do next.

You might be navigating a difficult relationship, coping with a loss, adjusting to a life change, struggling with work or study pressures, or trying to make sense of feelings that have been building for some time.

You don't need to be in crisis to seek therapy, and you don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to discuss or what needs to change.

You can simply bring whatever is weighing on you, and we'll begin there.

I'll offer a welcoming, reflective and non-judgemental environment where you can speak openly, gain greater insight into your situation, and consider what might help moving forward.

“
You don't need a ‘big enough’ reason to come to therapy. If something matters to you, it's worth talking about.
Fathima Ashraff-Ali, counsellor and psychotherapist
About Me

Hi, I'm Fathima

I believe we all need places where we can be ourselves without having to explain, hide, or carry everything alone.

I'm an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and a member of both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). I work with teenagers and adults, offering counselling and psychotherapy in Solihull and online.

For more than 15 years, I've worked in specialist mental health settings across the NHS, education and the voluntary sector, helping people navigate a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. For the past eight years, I've led student mental health services within a college and university environment, enabling hundreds of teenagers and adults to access help during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

As someone from a South Asian background who has lived and worked in the UK, Asia and the Middle East, I understand how culture, faith, family expectations and identity can influence our wellbeing, relationships and sense of self. I have particular experience supporting people navigating cultural expectations, interracial and interfaith relationships, intergenerational differences, and the challenge of balancing different aspects of identity.

I work integratively, which means I adapt therapy to the person in front of me rather than expecting anyone to fit a particular model. Drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural approaches, we'll work together in a way that feels relevant and meaningful to your circumstances.

My approach is compassionate, grounded and thoughtful. Beginning therapy can feel daunting, but the right therapeutic relationship can make it easier to explore what's happening and gain clarity.

Above all, I offer an authentic, accepting relationship where you can reflect on whatever is important to you at a pace that feels comfortable.

Professional Memberships

  • BACPIndividual Member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • BPSGraduate Member of The British Psychological Society
  • MHFAInstructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England
Services

How I can help

Life can bring challenges that leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected or unsure where to turn. Whether you're seeking counselling or psychotherapy for yourself, or looking for mental health training or consultancy for your organisation, my aim is to provide compassionate, practical support tailored to your needs.

i.

Counselling and Psychotherapy for Teenagers and Adults

I offer counselling and psychotherapy for teenagers and adults, both face-to-face in Solihull and online across the UK.

Therapy provides a confidential space to explore difficulties that may be affecting your wellbeing, relationships, work, studies or everyday life.

You might be:

  • Feeling anxious, worried or overwhelmed
  • Experiencing low mood or depression
  • Struggling within relationships
  • Living with the effects of trauma
  • Coping with grief or loss
  • Feeling stuck or uncertain about the future
  • Exploring questions around identity
  • Experiencing low self-esteem or self-criticism
  • Finding life increasingly difficult to manage

You don't need to know exactly where to begin. We can start with what's on your mind.

Sometimes, the first step is simply having somewhere to put it all down.

Get in Touch →
ii.

Education Mental Health Consultancy

With extensive experience developing and leading student mental health services, I provide consultancy for schools, colleges and universities seeking to strengthen their wellbeing provision.

Support may include:

  • Reviewing existing mental health provision
  • Developing referral and triage pathways
  • Establishing counselling or wellbeing services
  • Enhancing safeguarding and risk management processes
  • Building staff confidence and capability

Whether you're creating a new service or developing an existing one, I can help you create sustainable, effective support for students.

Book a Consultation →
iii.

Mental Health First Aid Training

As a qualified MHFA England Instructor Member, I deliver accredited Adult Mental Health First Aid training across education, workplace, and community settings.

Training helps participants:

  • Understand mental health and common difficulties
  • Recognise signs of distress
  • Have supportive conversations with confidence
  • Respond appropriately during a crisis
  • Signpost people towards appropriate support

Sessions are practical, engaging, and designed to increase confidence when supporting others.

Book a Consultation →
Kind Words

What people have shared

Shared with permission. Details are kept anonymous to protect the confidentiality of everyone I work with.

“
I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for me. I was at my worst this past year. Even though my circumstances haven't changed and the future is still unclear, you taught me to change my mindset — how to navigate my way through in the darkest of times — and I will forever be grateful for that. I will always remember your kindness and support, and hold your advice very close to my heart.
Young adult client
“

Thank you so much for the counselling, it has really helped me and I think you are an amazing counsellor.

Young adult client
“

I would like to continue my support this year as it helped considerably in my college life last year.

Young adult client
“

She has come into the lesson feeling so positive and complimentary to you — so thank you.

College lecturer
Training Feedback

What participants say about training

Feedback from staff who have completed Adult Mental Health First Aid training.

“

A superb learning experience. Our lead instructor, Fathima, was passionate about the topic, extremely well-informed and delivered with energy, care, compassion and enthusiasm.

Training participant
“

Fathima was an excellent instructor!! The training had a variety of activities to help us implement the knowledge learnt throughout the course. It was well structured and paced with important information while giving us the opportunity to learn from each other! I feel that I now have the knowledge and skills needed to support students and staff with their mental health at my college.

Training participant
“

Fathima was very professional, compassionate and informative towards the content. She was able to link the training to our provision and situations to bring the training into perspective. I learnt so much and this was because of the extensive examples that Fathima gave. I also liked working in groups and sharing experiences.

Training participant
“

Fathima's delivery was excellent. She gave really clear examples throughout the course that helped to make you understand how to do something. She was very supportive and approachable.

Training participant
Recognition

2024 workplace staff awards

Nominated by colleagues across three categories.

🏅 Innovation

"Implementation and success of the student mental health hub has been key for students to access services and support."

🏅 Caring

"Fathima is a knowledgeable, compassionate and trusted colleague who engages fully with learners to support them through complex and challenging personal issues — she is an inspirational colleague!"

🏅 EDI Champion

"Fathima goes above and beyond to ensure students from all backgrounds receive the support they need, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at our college... Her passion for inclusivity and her tireless efforts to improve our college community make her a deserving candidate for this award."

Lavender beds before a historic stone garden in summer light
“
You're not the only one who feels this way. Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to carry it alone.
The Process

What to expect

Step One

Reach Out

Send me a message and tell me a little about what's brought you here. You don't need to know exactly what to say — a few sentences is enough.

Step Two

Free Introductory Call

We'll have a relaxed 20-minute conversation about what's been happening, what you're hoping for, and whether we feel like a good fit.

There's no pressure and no obligation to continue.

Step Three

Begin Therapy

If we decide to work together, we'll create an approach that feels right for you.

Together, we'll explore what's happening in your life and work towards the changes that matter most to you.

Fees & Availability

Transparent & accessible

Therapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy

£50 per 50-minute session

Before booking your first session, you're welcome to arrange a free 20-minute introductory call. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and decide whether working together feels right.

Training & Consultancy

Tailored to your organisation

For Mental Health First Aid training or consultancy support, please get in touch to discuss your organisation's needs and a tailored quote.

Discuss your needs →

Availability

Fridays

Face-to-face counselling and psychotherapy sessions are available at Tri Wellness Club, Earlswood, Solihull (B94 5LS). Online sessions are delivered via a secure platform.

This reflects my general availability. Please get in touch for current appointment availability.

Get in Touch

Taking The First Step

Whether you're looking for counselling or psychotherapy for yourself, enquiring on behalf of a teenager, or seeking consultancy or training for your organisation, you're welcome to get in touch.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don't need to have everything worked out before making contact.

Simply tell me a little about what has prompted your enquiry, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

I aim to respond during my working hours.

Follow

Counselling and Psychotherapy Enquiries

If you're enquiring about therapy for yourself, or you're a parent or carer enquiring on behalf of a teenager, it helps if you can include:

  • The person's age
  • A brief outline of what support is being sought

You don't need to go into lots of detail — a few lines is plenty.

Education and Training Enquiries

If enquiring on behalf of a school, college or university, please include your organisation, your role, and the type of support or training you are looking for.

Connect with me on LinkedIn →

Urgent Support

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent mental health support, please contact your GP, local crisis service, NHS 111, or emergency services.

Please note that I am unable to provide crisis support or respond to urgent enquiries.

Wherever you are right now, pause. Notice your feet on the floor. Take one full breath.