Areej Asif — Clinical Psychologist| Psychotherapist

Hello — I'm Areej.

It's 11:50 pm. You're laying in bed, replaying a conversation from three days ago, composing the perfect reply you should have given. It's also three days late.

If that sounds familiar, you are far from alone. It's a right place to begin.

I'm a Clinical Psychologist drawn to the stories behind people's experiences: the beliefs they carry, the relationship that shape them, and the patterns that persist despite their best efforts. Anxiety, relationship distress and trouble with boundaries rarely exist in isolation. They often connect to self-worth, attachment and deep rooted fears. You are far more than a diagnosis or a list of symptoms.

You don't need the right words or a complete understanding of what's happening. We can begin wherever you are.

Client-centered Approach

Therapy with me is built around you: your experiences, your perspective and what matters most to you. You can say what's on your mind, in whatever order it comes out, without fear of being judged, dismissed or handed a to-do list mid sentence. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, and over time you may feel more self-aware and confident in your own decisions.

Trauma Informed Approach

A trauma Informed approach recognises how overwhelming or painful experiences can shape our sense of safety, self-worth, emotional response and relationships. I prioritise safety and collaboration in order to process your difficult experiences.

Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

How we interpret a situation shapes how we feel and what we do next (Thoughts➡️ Emotions ➡️ Behaviors). I use this as a structured, skill based approach with evidence for Anxiety disorders, mood symptoms, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias, Insomnia, Depression and PTSD. You leave each session with practical tools to use between sessions, and overtime you become independent in your own healing.

The methods I bring to the room.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviors, identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing more balanced ways of responding to everyday challenges.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Working on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness, particularly when emotions feel difficult to manage or relationships become overwhelming.

Supportive Psychotherapy

Creating a therapeutic alliance grounded in empathy, acceptance and genuiness.

What I can help with

Anxiety and Emotional WellbeingIf your mind runs worst case scenarios on a loop, or stress and low mood have left you drained and unmotivated, therapy can help.

Relationship and Interpersonal DifficultiesIf you keep landing in the same relationship dynamic, struggle to say no, or feel disconnected from the people closest to you, therapy offers a place to look at what is happening beneath the surface.

Depression and Low MoodWhen everything feels heavy and flat, lack of pleasure in daily life activities starts to begin, I help you make sense of what is keeping you stuck in depressive state and intensifying depression-procrastination loop, then help you rebuild your energy with manageable steps at a time, until life begins to feel worth showing up for again.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)When intrusive thoughts and urges take over your day. I help you understand how the cycle of obsessions and compulsions works, and gradually loosen its hold. Using evidence based approaches such as ERP, we work together to face uncertainty with more confidence.

Stress and BurnoutWhen you are running on empty, exhausted, irritable energy and become unable to switch off, I help you identify what is draining you and where your limits have been pushed. Together, we build realistic boundaries, healthier coping strategies and restorative routines, so you can recover your energy and meet your responsibilities without losing yourself in them.

Loneliness and IsolationFeeling lonely, misunderstood or disconnected, even when surrounded by people. Therapy can help you understand barriers to emotional connection, work through fears of rejection, and build more meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

Personal GrowthFeeling stuck, uncertain about your direction or disconnected from the person you want to become. Therapy can help you develop self-awareness, recognising limiting beliefs, and make intentional choices that align with your values and personal growth.