ASIYAH FERNANDEZ

MA INTEGRATIVE COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY, UNIVERSITY OF ROEHAMPTON 

My previous studies and clinical experience in acute mental health and primary care have revealed the challenging societal milieu that has led to a drastic increase in mental health diagnoses among our youngest British Muslims.

For many, self-harm has become their new coping mechanism, and suicidal attempts their new best escape. With long-standing taboos against mental health, our Muslim community has left them with little to nothing to offer in return.

My hope is that by pursuing my qualification as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist for Children, Adolescents and Families, I will be able to address the realities and issues faced by young Muslims and their families to facilitate wholeness in the affective, cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual systems