Fathima Ashraff-Ali

FathimaAshraff-Ali

Integrative Psychotherapist | Ages 16+

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

You may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, self-doubt, trauma, or a sense that something isn't quite right.

Perhaps you've been carrying things on your own for a long time. Therapy offers a space to slow down, talk openly, and begin to understand what's happening beneath the surface.

Whatever brings you here, we'll start where you are.

Book a Free Introductory Call → Explore Services →
Welcome

You don't have to have it all figured out

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 simply feeling unlike yourself.

You don't need a crisis to seek support.

Therapy provides a dedicated space where you can talk honestly about what's going on, without pressure, judgement, or expectations. Together, we'll explore your experiences, understand what may be contributing to your difficulties, and work towards the changes that matter to you.

I won't tell you what to do or how to live your life. Instead, I'll offer a warm, thoughtful space where you can feel understood and supported as you find your own way 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, integrative psychotherapist
About Me

Hi, I'm Fathima

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

I'm an integrative psychotherapist, mental health specialist, and member of both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). I work with people aged 16 and over, offering therapy online and in person in Solihull.

For more than 15 years, I've worked in specialist mental health settings across the NHS, education, and the voluntary sector, supporting people through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. For the past eight years, I've led student mental health services within a college and university environment, helping hundreds of adolescents, young adults, and adults access support during some of the most difficult 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 shape our experiences, relationships, and mental health. 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 tailor therapy to you rather than expecting you 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 unique experiences.

People often describe me as warm, calm, and easy to talk to. Starting therapy can feel daunting, but many clients tell me they quickly feel able to talk more openly than they expected.

Above all, I offer a genuine, compassionate relationship where you can explore whatever is on your mind at a pace that feels right for you.

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 support you

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

i.

Integrative Psychotherapy (Ages 16+)

Therapy offers a confidential space to explore what's happening in your life, understand yourself more deeply, and make sense of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may feel difficult to carry alone.

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 all the answers before starting therapy. We can begin wherever you are.

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 looking 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 a space that feels safe, supportive, and tailored to your needs.

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

Take the First Step → Read the FAQs
Fees & Availability

Transparent & accessible

Therapy

Individual Therapy (Ages 16+)

£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: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Online sessions are delivered via a secure platform.

Face-to-face sessions are also available at Tri Wellness Club, Earlswood, Solihull (B94 5LS).

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

Get in Touch

Taking The First Step

Whether you're looking for support for yourself, enquiring on behalf of a young person aged 16 or over, 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's prompted your enquiry, and we'll take it from there.

I aim to respond during my working hours and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Follow

Therapy Enquiries (Ages 16+)

If you're enquiring about therapy for yourself, or you're a parent or carer enquiring on behalf of a young person aged 16 or over, 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 →

The entrance to Tri Wellness Club in Solihull
The therapy room, with exposed beams and a brick fireplace
Soft seating and natural light in the therapy room

Room to breathe

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.