“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” – Haruki Murakami
My passion lies in helping clients navigate emotional challenges by understanding their own patterns and limitations, ultimately creating new possibilities in their lives. I am particularly interested in the complexity of the human experience and how integrating mind, context, nervous system, and body can support transformation.
Having transitioned from a 20-year corporate career into mental health practice, with an interest in breathwork, I bring both therapeutic skills and personal understanding to my work. This background, combined with my personal journey, gives me insight into the complex challenges and pressures many clients face. Thus, offering deeper compassion and understanding which many clients find valuable in feeling truly heard.
My practice is trauma-informed using modalities like CBT, IFS, EMDR, breathwork, and hypnotherapy to create personalized approaches for each client. My overall aim is to support clients in achieving greater self-awareness and the freedom to make new choices. My approach is relational, curious, and playful, creating ease in the therapeutic space while exploring profound transformation.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy | Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis
- Certificate in Fundamentals of Cognitive Therapy with Depression | Cleveland Centre for Cognitive Therapy (USA)
- Certificate in Cognitive Therapy with Stress and Anxiety Disorders | Cleveland Centre for Cognitive Therapy (USA)
- Compassionate Inquiry | with Dr. Gabor Mate | Compassionate Inquiry Institute
- Internal Family System (IFS) Informed | IFS ONLINE Circle with Toni Herbine-Blank and Pamela Krause | IFS Institute
- Internal Family Systems: Anxiety, Depression and Shame | with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Mike Elkin | IFS Institute
- Complex Trauma Certification Training (CCTP/CCTP-II) | with Dr. Janina Fisher (Level 1 & 2) | PESI
- Certificate in Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy for Individuals, Couples & Families (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) | With Patricia Bragg, Satir Institute of the Yukon (Canada)
- Certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) | With Eman Nooruddin, Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis (UK)
- EMDR from Start to Finish: The Complete Foundational Training for Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma | with Dr. Arielle Schwartz & Megan Salar | PESI
- Specialized EMDR Techniques: Advanced Skills for Trauma, Attachment Wounds | with Rebecca Kase & Dr. Sandra Paulsen | PESI
- Masterclass in Attachment Focused EMDR | With Dr. Laurel Parnell | PESI
- Certificate in Somatic EMDR Therapy | The Embody Lab
- Polyvagal Skills and Supervision | with Deb Dana | PESI
- Masterclass in Working with Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse | with Dr. Ramani Durvasula
- Gottman Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) | The Gottman Institute
- Certificate in The Art of Dying | With Eman Nooruddin, Capital Knowledge and Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis (Bahrain | UK)
- Certificate in Breathwork for Transformation | With Shaima Aseeri, Capital Knowledge and Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis (Bahrain | UK)
- Certificate in Understanding Love and Relationships | With Eman Nooruddin, Capital Knowledge and Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis (Bahrain | UK)
- Certificate in Attachment Informed Psychotherapy | With Linda Cundy, Capital Knowledge (UK | Bahrain)
- Certificate in Understanding Sex, Sexuality, and Sexless Marriages | With Eman Nooruddin, Capital Knowledge and Royal Berkshire College of Clinical Hypnosis (Bahrain | UK)
- Certificate in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Trauma in the Body | With Esther Perez, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (USA)
- Oxygen Advantage Instructor
- 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training (RYT 200) | Namaste, Bahrain
- 50 Hours Dhyana Meditation Teacher Training
- 20 Hours Max Strom Inner Axis Teacher Training
- 20 hours Pranayama Course with Yoga Alliance
- Certificate in Life Awareness Breathwork Instructor
- Access Bar Facilitator | with Jyoti Bablani | Insights Therapy Centre
- Root to Rise Chakra healing workshop | with Seven Senses
Testimonials
My journey with Shaima has been transformative, and I am very blessed that I found a therapist who I connect with. On my first day of therapy, I was anxious and didn’t know what to expect. However, Shaima’s warm presence and amazing energy put me at ease. She created a safe space for me to share my feelings at my own pace and comfort level.
I’ve been seeing Shaima for the past (almost) two years and taking a moment to reflect on the changes that I’ve made with the help of Shaima over those two years has been tremendous. The revelations I’ve made about myself which led to growth and change through different avenues of my life have improved my quality of life significantly. Thanks to Shaima’s help, I’ve been able to identify reactive patterns and work towards changing them. I’d highly recommend her if you’re looking to improve your life!