Frequently Asked Questions

The free consultation is a relaxed, informal conversation — not a clinical assessment. It's a chance for you to ask any questions, tell me a little about what's been going on, and for us both to get a sense of whether working together feels right. There's no pressure and no obligation to continue. Most people find it reassuring to simply have that first conversation.

You don't need to be in crisis to start therapy — and you don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out. If you've been struggling with your mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or something you can't quite name, that's enough of a reason. Many clients tell me they wish they hadn't waited so long. Starting is the hardest part.

Absolutely. While Noor Psychology has a particular specialism in supporting Muslim and South Asian communities — where culturally informed care has historically been harder to access — I work with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and understood, and that the approach is right for you. If you'd like therapy that is culturally sensitive but not community-specific, that works perfectly well. We can discuss what feels most useful in your free consultation.

No. As a private therapist, you can refer yourself directly. Simply book a free consultation and we'll take it from there. No waiting lists, no GP involvement required unless you choose to inform your GP yourself.

NHS therapy is wonderful but often comes with long waiting times, limited session numbers, and less flexibility around timing and approach. Private therapy means you begin when you're ready, sessions are tailored entirely to you, and you have continuity with one therapist throughout. With Noor Psychology, you also benefit from a culturally informed approach that NHS services may not always offer.

Standard sessions are 50 minutes and typically take place weekly, especially at the beginning of therapy. Extended 90-minute sessions are available for trauma work and ERP (exposure and response prevention for OCD). As you progress, we may move to fortnightly sessions. We'll always discuss the pace together and adjust as needed.

Sessions are available both online via a secure video platform and in person in Lancashire. Online therapy works just as effectively as face-to-face — and for many clients, particularly those in the UAE or further afield, it's the most practical option. You'll always receive a secure link ahead of your session.

I currently offer evening appointments, which works well for clients who are working during the day. I also accommodate clients across different time zones, including the UAE and other international locations. Availability is discussed at the consultation stage.

CBT is typically a short-to-medium term therapy. Many clients see meaningful change within 8–12 sessions, though this varies depending on the presenting difficulty and its complexity. OCD, trauma, and longstanding patterns may require more time. We'll regularly review progress together and you're always in control of how long we continue.

Full fee details are available on the Services & Fees page. The free 20-minute consultation costs nothing. Standard sessions, extended sessions, block bookings, and specialist assessments are all listed there with transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees.

I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged in full. This policy is in place to protect your therapy time and mine — and I apply it consistently and fairly for everyone.

Yes — block bookings of 6 or 8 sessions are available at a reduced rate. These work well if you'd like to commit to a course of therapy and appreciate the consistency. Full details are on the Services & Fees page.

Yes. Everything shared in therapy is held in complete confidence. I am bound by GDPR, professional ethics, and the BABCP code of conduct. There are rare circumstances where confidentiality may need to be carefully considered — specifically where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, or where required by law. I would always aim to discuss this with you first where possible.

This is something many clients raise — and it's completely understandable. Seeking therapy does not mean you are weak, faithless, or unable to cope. It means you are taking your wellbeing seriously. Everything at Noor Psychology is entirely private and confidential. No one in your family, community, or workplace will know you are attending unless you choose to tell them.

Absolutely. While I specialise in culturally sensitive and faith-integrated therapy for Muslim and South Asian clients, I welcome people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures. What matters is that you feel understood and that therapy is tailored to your lived experience — whatever that looks like. You do not need to share my background or community to benefit from working together.

Yes, completely. Faith integration is entirely optional — it is offered only where a client wishes it and where it is clinically helpful. If faith or religion plays no part in your life, therapy will simply focus on evidence-based CBT tailored to you. There is no religious element unless you want one. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of belief or background.

Yes, if that's important to you. Faith-integrated CBT draws on Islamic values and concepts where clinically appropriate and where the client wishes this. This might include exploring how your faith relates to your sense of self, working with religious intrusive thoughts (waswas), or simply having a space where your beliefs are respected rather than treated as incidental. Your faith will never be imposed or dismissed — it will be honoured.

Many clients come to me after experiences where a therapist didn't understand their cultural background, family dynamics, or faith. That experience of not being seen is valid — and it matters. At Noor Psychology, your cultural context is not an afterthought. It's central to how we work. I bring both clinical training and lived understanding of the communities I serve.