Questions we get asked.

If you're experiencing persistent feelings of distress, anxiety, depression, or if your usual coping strategies aren't working, counselling could be beneficial. You don't need to be in crisis to seek support. Many people find therapy helpful for everyday pressures, personal growth, or simply having a safe space to talk.

We can help with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, identity, and spiritual distress. If you're unsure whether we can help with something specific, get in touch and we'll let you know.

You can book online through our Fresha booking system. Just click 'Book Now' anywhere on the site. If you'd prefer to speak to someone first, call us on +44 1702 419983 or fill in the contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

The free 15-minute consultation is an introductory call, no commitment, no payment required. It's a chance for you to ask questions, explain a little about what you're going through, and for us to suggest the right counsellor for your needs.

After your free consultation, we take into account your presenting issues, your preferences around gender, cultural background, and therapeutic style, and the availability of our counsellors. We aim to match you with someone who is well-suited to your specific situation.

Yes. If you have browsed our team and feel drawn to a particular counsellor, you're welcome to request them directly when booking. Subject to availability, we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Simply click 'Book Now' anywhere on our site to book your free 15-minute consultation through Fresha. Alternatively, call us on +44 1702 419983 or fill in our contact form and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to help you get started.

The free 15-minute consultation is a relaxed introductory call. We'll ask a little about what's brought you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and suggest a counsellor who we think would be a good fit. There's no pressure and no commitment required.

The first session is often about getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. Your counsellor will ask about your background, what you're struggling with, and what you're hoping to get from the process. There is no pressure to share more than you're ready to.

We offer both. Most sessions are conducted online via a secure video platform, which is convenient and fully confidential. In-person sessions may be available depending on your location. Please enquire when booking.

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. The initial free consultation is 15 minutes. We don't offer shorter or longer sessions as standard, but if you have specific needs, please get in touch and we'll do what we can.

Most clients attend weekly, especially at the beginning of their journey. This regularity helps build momentum and trust with your counsellor. As you progress, sessions can be spaced to fortnightly or monthly. This is something you'll work out with your counsellor.

We require a minimum of six sessions. This gives the therapeutic process enough time to be meaningful. Beyond that, it depends on your goals and how you're progressing. You and your counsellor will review this together regularly.

This varies based on individual needs and the complexity of what you're working through. Some people notice improvements after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. There's no single timeline. Your counsellor will work at your pace.

You don't have to talk about anything you're not ready for. Counselling sessions are conducted entirely at your pace and about topics you choose. If at any time you want to change direction, just say so. Your comfort comes first.

Individual sessions are one-to-one by nature. If you'd like to have a family member or partner involved, we'd suggest booking a couples or family session instead. Speak to us and we can point you in the right direction.

Not at all. Counselling can help with a wide range of concerns, from everyday stress, relationship difficulties, and life transitions, to more complex mental health conditions. You don't need to be at crisis point to benefit from talking to someone.

Our services are open to everyone. While we specialise in faith-informed therapy for Muslim clients, our counsellors are trained to work with people of all backgrounds and beliefs. If you're not Muslim but are looking for culturally sensitive care, you are very welcome.

We integrate your faith and belief system into therapy as much or as little as you'd like. Our counsellors understand the lived experience of being Muslim and will ensure your values are respected and considered throughout, never treated as a complication.

Only as much as you want it to. Some clients find it deeply meaningful to explore their struggles through an Islamic lens. Concepts like the nafs, sabr, and tawakkul can be powerful therapeutic frameworks. For others, faith is not a central part of their therapy, and that is equally valid. You lead, we follow.

Yes, absolutely. We understand that for many Muslim clients, particularly around topics of marriage, intimacy, or trauma, having a counsellor of the same gender matters. Please indicate your preference when booking and we will do our best to accommodate it.

Some of our counsellors do offer sessions in other languages including Urdu and Bengali. Please enquire when booking if this is important to you and we will check availability.

Session fees vary depending on the counsellor and the type of support you need. You can find full pricing on our Pricing page. We also offer supported-rate spaces for those who need them.

We offer a limited number of supported-rate spaces for people who cannot afford the full fee. These are income-assessed and reviewed regularly. Please contact us with a brief note about your situation and we will do our best to help.

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice may be charged in full. We understand that emergencies happen. If something unexpected arises, please get in touch as soon as possible and we will handle it with understanding.

Yes. Confidentiality is foundational to therapy. Nothing you share is passed on to anyone without your explicit consent, except in very rare circumstances where we have a legal or ethical duty to act, for example, if there is a risk to your life or the safety of others. Your counsellor will explain this fully in your first session.

Yes. Every counsellor at Ibn Sina Sanctuary holds current BACP registration and professional indemnity insurance. We verify this annually.

Yes. Therapeutic fit matters enormously. If after a few sessions you feel the relationship isn't right, please let us know and we will find you someone better suited. This is not unusual and there is no judgement attached to it.

Yes, we offer marriage and couples counselling. Please see our Marriage Counselling page for more information. Family therapy enquiries can be directed to our contact page.