Anxiety & overwhelm
When everyday tasks feel like too much, or worry keeps you stuck in loops of overthinking.
BACP-accredited · Loughton, Essex & online UK
IFS & somatic trauma therapy, at your pace
I'm Shaz. I bring together Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic trauma therapy, so we can meet the parts of you that carry pain and listen to what your body is holding, gently and safely, until you find a way through.
- £80 per 50-minute session
- Aviva, AXA Health, WPA & BUPA
- IFS Level 2 trained
- Neuro-affirming
BACP AccreditedRegistered member 403682
IFS InstituteLevel 2 trained
Insurer recognisedAviva · AXA Health · WPA · BUPA
Reply within 48 hoursFree, no-pressure first call
About me
Hi, I'm Shahnaz, known as Shaz
You don't need the right words here. You don't need a diagnosis. You just need to feel that something has to change.
I have always been drawn to people and their experiences. As an IFS and somatic therapist, I hold two things at once: the different parts of you, and what your nervous system is doing, not only what you are saying.
Trauma doesn't disappear. It shows up in your body, your relationships and your reactions, often when you least want it to. Healing isn't about removing it. It's about understanding it, meeting each part of you that carries it, and noticing where it lives in your body, so you can find a way through.
I have a particular interest in working with people managing autoimmune conditions and with neurodivergent clients, where the relationship between body and mind often holds what talking alone can't reach.
I'm on my own journey of healing and self-discovery, and that shapes how I sit with you.
- I go at your pace.
- I start with safety.
- I take you seriously.
Who I help
You don't need to be in crisis to start therapy
Sometimes the quieter struggles are the hardest to name. I work with adults across Loughton, Epping Forest, East London and online throughout the UK.
Low mood & disconnection
Feeling numb, flat or cut off from yourself and the things that used to bring you joy.
Burnout & exhaustion
Running on empty, struggling to rest, or feeling lost in everything you do for others.
Trauma & past experiences
Experiences that still live in your body and in parts of you, shaping how you feel, relate and move through the world.
Feeling stuck
When one part of you wants change and another holds back, and you can't find where to start.
Chronic illness & autoimmune conditions
Chronic illness, autoimmune conditions and trauma are deeply connected. Therapy can help you navigate both.
You're not "too much", and you're not "not struggling enough". Whatever brings you here is valid.
How I work
IFS and somatic trauma therapy, side by side
Internal Family Systems helps you meet the parts of you that protect, worry or carry old pain. Somatic trauma therapy listens to how those parts live in your body. Sessions are trauma-focused, neuro-affirming and paced to suit you, and you stay in control of what we explore.
Parts and body, working together
A part of you often shows up in your body before it has words: a tight chest, a clenched jaw, a sudden urge to shut down. Somatic work helps us notice and settle it. IFS helps us get curious about the part behind it and what it needs.
Around that I weave in integrative counselling, ADHD-informed coaching, breathwork and DBT-informed skills, like a regulation tool shaped to how your brain works.
You sit at the centre. What we draw on, and when, follows what you need in that moment.
Getting started
Three gentle steps
Book a free call
A relaxed 20-minute chat to talk about what's bringing you here and ask anything you like.
See if it feels right
There's no pressure. If we're a good fit, we'll agree a rhythm, weekly or fortnightly, in person or online.
Begin at your pace
We start with safety, getting to know your system, both your parts and your body. You decide what we explore, and when.
What changes
You're not broken, so this isn't about fixing you
It's about creating the conditions for you to heal, grow and reconnect with yourself.
Less overwhelm
Learn to pause, ground yourself and respond to life rather than react from stress.
A steadier nervous system
Understand your body's signals, with practical tools for working with them.
A kinder inner world
Meet the critical or anxious parts of you with understanding, rather than fighting them.
Clearer boundaries
Communicate your needs with confidence and protect your energy without guilt.
Fees & practical details
Clear, simple pricing
Making space for your wellbeing matters. I want the process to feel clear and straightforward.
In person in LoughtonA calm, private therapy room in Loughton, Essex
Online, UK-wideSecure video sessions from your own space
50-minute sessionsTime to explore without feeling rushed
Weekly or fortnightlyA rhythm that fits your life
Free introductory call
£0
20 minutes · phone or video
A chance to connect, ask questions and see if we're a good fit before you commit to anything.
Book free call
Most popular
Individual session
£80
50 minutes · in person or online
IFS and somatic trauma work, with integrative and coaching approaches woven in as suits you.
Book a sessionIFS deeper dive
£100
75 minutes · in person or online
Extended space for IFS parts work and somatic trauma processing, with time to go deeper and settle before you leave.
Ask about IFSUsing health insurance?I'm recognised by Aviva, AXA Health, WPA and BUPA. Get in touch to check availability for insurer-funded sessions.
Sliding scale availableIf cost is a barrier, please ask. I want therapy to be accessible.
PaymentBy bank transfer before each session. Card payment via Stripe on request. 48 hours' notice for cancellations.
Client words
What clients say
I felt understood and cared for in every session. Shaz helped me feel better about myself and gave me tools I still use today.
By far the best therapy I've had. I always felt safe to explore difficult things at my own pace.
Kind and supportive without ever making me feel uncomfortable. She has a way of helping you see yourself differently.
Training & credentials
Qualified, accredited and always learning
- MBACP (Accred)Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, no. 403682
- IFS Institute Level 2Trained in Internal Family Systems, a compassionate model for healing through parts work
- Somatic trauma therapistTrained in gentle body-based approaches to trauma, alongside integrative talking therapy
- Degree in PsychologyAn academic grounding in behaviour, emotion and mental health
- ILM Level 5 CoachingCoaching approaches that support practical change and goal-setting
FAQs
Questions people often ask
Do you offer therapy in person or online?
Both. I see clients in person in a private therapy room in Loughton, Essex, which is easy to reach from Epping, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford and the Central line. I also work online with clients anywhere in the UK by secure video call.
What is IFS therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) sees the mind as made up of different parts, like the part that worries, the part that criticises, or the part that still carries old hurt. In IFS therapy you get to know these parts with curiosity rather than judgement, so the ones carrying pain can begin to heal.
How do IFS and somatic therapy work together?
Parts often show up in the body before they have words, as a tight chest, a knot in the stomach or a sudden urge to shut down. Somatic therapy helps you notice and settle what's happening in your body, and IFS helps you get to know the part behind it. Together they make trauma work feel safer, more paced and more whole.
What's the difference between somatic exercises and somatic therapy?
Somatic exercises, like grounding or breath awareness, are useful self-support tools. Somatic therapy is psychotherapy within a trained relationship, where the body is worked with alongside emotions, thoughts and memory, and the pace and safety are held by a qualified therapist.
How much does therapy cost?
Individual sessions are £80 for 50 minutes and IFS deeper dive sessions are £100 for 75 minutes. Your first 20-minute call is free, and a sliding scale is available if cost is a barrier.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. I'm recognised by Aviva, AXA Health, WPA and BUPA. Please get in touch to check availability for insurer-funded sessions.
Is this counselling or coaching?
Both are available. Many clients blend therapy, for depth and healing, with coaching, for day-to-day momentum. We'll tailor it to you.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Around six sessions often brings some traction and clear next steps, while deeper change usually benefits from 12 or more. We'll review together as we go.
Do you diagnose ADHD or autism?
No, but I'm neuro-affirming and can help you navigate routes to assessment and support.
Is this suitable if I'm in crisis?
This isn't a crisis service. If you're in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 or contact your GP. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time.
Ready when you are
Taking the first step is often the hardest part
You don't need to have everything figured out. Book a free call or drop me an email, and we'll take it from there, gently and at your pace.
I reply within 48 hours. If you haven't heard back, please check your junk or spam folder.
Not a crisis service. In an emergency call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent support call NHS 111, or Samaritans on 116 123.
Get in touch
- 07886 882557
- hello@healingrivertherapy.com
- Loughton, Essex & online across the UK
Booking is secure through my Zanda client portal.
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