Supporting you to discover your own path in life
Counselling empowers people to take control of their lives and thrive, instead of merely survive.
Photo credit: The University of Sunderland. Read full article here.
Hello! I’m Dima Jafar, the therapist behind Pathways Therapy.
Life can be tough, and sometimes trying to handle it alone feels overwhelming. When the challenges we face start to wear us down, having even a little support can make a world of difference when navigating our lives.
Recognizing when we need help isn’t always easy, but it’s a huge step towards healing and growth. I’m here to help you work through what you’re facing, support you in your journey of personal growth, and offer you a space to share your story. To find out more about myself and how I work click here.
My practice currently offers online video sessions and is open to clients aged 18 and above of any gender. English is my first language, I also speak Kuwaiti Arabic but feel more comfortable offering therapy in English.
As long as you're comfortable with us communicating mainly in English, I am happy to work with you. We can speak in Arabic during sessions, but we may need to switch to English at times to avoid confusion. I’m not judgmental and I hope you’ll feel comfortable speaking with me even if you’re not confident in your English speaking.
Registered Member of the BACP (MBACP)
I am a Registered Counsellor and an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a professional body that outlines ethics, sets standards for therapeutic practice, and more. Find out more here.
BA (Hons) Counselling,
University of Sunderland
First Class Honours degree grounded in contemporary, inclusive, and evidence-informed counselling training.
Client Information Securely Stored
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, ensuring GDPR compliant handling of client information.
Culturally Informed Practice
I work with cultural awareness and sensitivity, respecting each client’s background and lived experience.
Committed to Professional Standards
I maintain ethical, competent practice by regularly updating my skills with training and ongoing professional development.
BA (Hons) Counselling,
University of Sunderland
First Class Honours degree grounded in contemporary, inclusive, and evidence-informed counselling training.
Client Information Securely Stored
Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office, ensuring GDPR compliant handling of client information.
Culturally Informed Practice
I work with cultural awareness and sensitivity, respecting each client’s background and lived experience.
Committed to Professional Standards
I maintain ethical, competent practice by regularly updating my skills with training and ongoing professional development.
Our Philosophy
The grounding principles of Pathways Therapy is for mental health care to be accessible, transparent, and empowering to clients. I don’t see clients as a list of diagnoses or symptoms, but as whole individuals — each with their own story, strengths, and struggles.
My aim as a therapist is to support my clients explore and discover their own path in life, all while considering and respecting their unique lived experiences. I do this with a down-to-earth approach, influenced by an ethos of openness and transparency.
I offer a space that feels:
Compassionate
Inclusive
Welcoming
Down to earth
Non-judgmental
Benefits of Therapy
Therapy can help you:
Gain more self-understanding
Form helpful coping strategies
Develop emotional resilience
Experience personal growth
Improve communication skills
Therapy is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. While it can feel challenging at times, working with a compatible therapist can help you navigate difficult experiences, make positive changes in your life, and give you the space to explore thoughts, feelings, experiences, and share your story.
Our mental health affects how we live, influencing physical health, relationships with family and friends, and our ability to engage in work, study, and self-care. By improving our mental well-being, we can experience a positive effect on our overall quality of life.
Services We Offer
Integrative Approach
An approach which combines techniques and insights from a range of therapeutic models to offer clients a unique and personalised therapeutic way of working.
Humanistic Model
A therapy model rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for psychological growth, and values looking at each client as a whole individual instead of a list of symptoms.
Person Centred
A therapeutic approach which emphasizes that the counsellor works with empathy, acceptance, and honesty, and that the therapeutic work is led by the client.
Play Therapy
A form of therapy which uses elements such as creativity, story-telling, and playing to explore experiences and emotions as part of the therapeutic process.
Book A Session
Please note that I currently only offer online video sessions. You will need a private space for our sessions and either a computer, laptop, tablet, or phone with an internet connection.
20 Minutes
This consultation comes with no obligation or pressure, and gives you a chance to decide if you feel I'm a good fit for you, as I appreciate choosing a therapist can be a big decision.
50 Minutes
I appreciate therapy comes at a financial cost which can be difficult for some to manage. If this is a barrier, I can offer sessions at a lower rate in certain circumstances and am happy to discuss this further.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions or concerns - big or small - please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help, however I can.
I work with clients who experience a wide range of mental health concerns. While a diagnosis can be helpful and informative, people with the same diagnosis may experience it very differently. Everyone’s backgrounds, needs, and goals are unique, which is why I take a personalised approach with each client, focusing on them as a whole person rather than on a condition in isolation.
Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist. I cannot prescribe medication, as this is outside my scope of practice.
I currently only offer online video sessions, if preferred I can provide face-to-face sessions in Sunderland, UK. Face-to-face sessions may become available periodically in Kuwait in the future.
Most likely, yes.
I am insured to work online internationally, and as I am based in the UK, I fall within UK jurisdiction and so must abide by their laws. Regarding payment, I accept most currencies.When you contact me please include the country you live in, so I can check the laws there to ensure I am legally allowed to practice in your country of residence.
Sessions usually take place once a week, especially at the beginning of counselling as it is important to build a therapeutic relationship. As therapy progresses, session frequency may change depending on your needs and goals. We can regularly review what works best for you.
The first session is an assessment for me to better understand you, your background, key relationships, and what your needs are. I’ll ask about what brings you to therapy, and what you hope to get out of it. I understand the first session can feel daunting, there’s no expectation for you to share everything from the start or dive deep into difficult topics. We’ll go at your pace, and if there’s anything you don’t feel comfortable discussing, you’re welcome to bring it up whenever you feel ready.
I currently offer counselling to individual clients. Any work with more than one person is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in working together in a relationship or family context, we can arrange a conversation to talk through your situation and consider whether this would be a good fit.
Due to the nature of my practice, I can’t be available to provide crisis support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, it is safest for you to contact local emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department.
Contact Me
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Reach out today to book a free consultation, and let’s take the next step together.
Learn more about me and how I work here.
If you have any other questions or concerns - big or small - please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help, however I can.