Ammar Terence Al-Ghabban (he/him)

I am a psychotherapist and counsellor based in Deptford, London. As you can tell from my name, I am of mixed heritage. I’ve spent most of my life in London. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a teacher for twenty years. Then, I visited over 45 schools nationwide as a mental health consultant, promoting well-being. I was awarded an MA and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at The Minster Centre, ‘one of Europe’s leading integrative psychotherapy and counselling training institutes’. I am a member of the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and BAATN (Black, African and Asian Therapy Network). I worked as a counsellor at a university counselling service for two years. I provided therapeutic support at both the UK Covid-19 and Post Office inquiries. Currently, I offer psychotherapy / counselling to adults either online or in-person at my private practice in Deptford.

My approach is informed by

• a belief that the relationship or ‘alliance’ that we build together is often the key to healing and growth; things may happen in our relationship that resonate with your wider experiences in life.
• an understanding that the past - in particular, our childhood - impacts our lives in ways we are sometimes unaware of and can hold us back from living more fulfilling lives.
• a recognition that the way that society oppresses and marginalises people due to gender, race, social class, sexuality, religion, disability and other dynamics of power has a significant impact on our psychological well-being.
• an awareness of the role of our bodies in getting in touch with our feelings; how our relationship to our body is impacted by our life experiences.

In therapy, different things work for different people. I draw upon various theories and perspectives. I have a flexible approach and endeavour to tailor the therapy I offer to each person I work with. Some of us are used to talking about our feelings; some of us are not; others like to use images, music, objects and creative ways to help us capture an experience and connect with deeper feelings. I welcome all of these elements in our work together.

I have received specialist training in various areas, including

• Gender, Sexual & Relationship Diversity
• Trauma
• Childhood Sexual Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Suicide & Self-harm
• Death & Bereavement
• Eating Disorders
• Psychiatric Assessments & Severe Presentations
• Working with Adolescents
• Family & Belonging

I have a personal interest in the following areas

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Work-related stress
• Cultural Issues
• Race & Racism
• Mixed heritage identity
• Polyamory / Non-Monogamy
• Self-Compassion
• Inner-Judge
• Parenting
• Young People
• ADHD
• Social media use
• Mental distress associated with having unconventional beliefs & experiences
• Political activism

Registration bodies