Iqra Humayyon:

Trainee Integrative Psychotherapist (BACP & UKCP student member)

Hi, my name is Iqra Humayyon and I am a trainee integrative psychotherapist in the low-cost therapy and counselling service at HQ Therapy Rooms in Haggerston and Dalston, Hackney, London E8.

I have an undergraduate degree in psychology (BSc) from the University of Westminster. I am currently completing a postgraduate degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regents University London (MA).

Therapy can be a very daunting process for most, at times proving to be difficult to face one’s own thought process. I commend anyone who seeks help, as it can be overwhelming when done alone.

I think it’s important to have access to adequate mental health care in these uncertain times. I’ve made it my life’s mission to care for my clients’ mental health regardless of their background, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

I take great pride in my work and ensure that the client’s comfort and safety come first before I practise any interventions.

I am committed to providing a safe space for my client in therapy, and this will also help my client delve deeper into any inner conflicts that they may be experiencing.

Being open and accepting of anything that is being discussed is something I prioritise. To be all-inclusive is my goal, and as such, I will make sure to provide an environment that is free-flowing for any thoughts and feelings.

I believe rather than repressing our own thoughts to overcome issues, by becoming transparent and vulnerable, true progress is made.

The type of society that is being brought up breeds anxiety, stress, depression and much more. Having some form of practice and outlet that grounds oneself is crucial in today’s world.

I feel inner work in combination with an understanding of the range of approaches dealing with human minds and behaviour can help overcome many obstacles in clients’ lives, whether they be internal or external.

I work with integrative as it allows me more room and flexibility. I believe it can be tailored according to the needs of the client. I have extracted the essence from a wide range of therapy modalities that I want to incorporate into my practice, such as congruence and empathy from the humanistic approach.

I am an empathic listener. For me, empathy means “walking through the dark tunnel together’ and really understanding the client’s pain.

I believe one of the ways in which the client’s ability to overcome a lack of self-worth may be enhanced by the counsellor’s congruence. From my experience, genuine care, understanding, openness, and support from the therapist go a long way toward making the client feel appreciated and safe.

These factors benefit the individual’s sense of self-worth and moral judgement.

One approach I am fond of is the gestalt and existential approaches, which allow a person to pay close attention to their own body and mind. The more focused attention toward one’s self is, the higher the likelihood of overall mental well-being and success is.

Bringing the client to the “here and now” moment can make them realise the true potential of their own control over their mental capacity and provide them with the tools for their own inner transformation.

“To get what you really want, you have to first give it away” Raymond Cloosterman.

I previously experienced offering emotional support, companionship, and empathy toward people suffering from loneliness or life-threatening illness at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Most of these patients had no visits from family members, which impacted their mental health adversely.

I also worked remotely with Intern HQ in psychology, located within Spain. In the role that consisted of the translation of Serenmind psychological therapy programs, I learned about autogenic relaxation techniques in-depth.

The target of autogenic training is to relax the body and mind. Most importantly, I learned that the mind and body work together to become calm.

I look forward to working with clients on their inner journey to peace and joy. I am available for face-to-face sessions.