In the beginning I was scared of sharing my past with him; I was afraid of being judged. But the response that he gave was very compassionate; he understood me, supported me and respected me.

The starting time of my therapy was very tough indeed because I was in complete obedience of my own evil even unconsciously. There was so much of a mess that he had to deal with. I was repeatedly going in self-victimisation, but he helped me identify it and come out of it. My understanding about relationships was parasitic, he taught me the real definition of relationships. Also, how to deal with my anxiety attacks and depression.

He helped me identify the goodness inside me, my inner potentials and taught me that my life is way more than my past experiences and those incidents don’t define me and that all of those incidents had a meaning, my life has a meaning.

He made me realise that sufferings are blessings that allow you to become a better version of yourself. I am progressing. Becoming better bit by bit. I got admission in a university and I’m developing academically. I’m making amends in my relationships and taking responsibility. There was a time when I couldn’t imagine any of this.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the uncountable therapy sessions by Dr. Yousuf. Had I dwelled in despair, I wouldn’t have been able to look after my kids. Raising psychologically healthy kids is not possible without being emotionally strong yourself. I truly believe he played a vital role in saving the lives of my kids.

Being a doctor myself, I never thought that psychiatrists could save lives but my first-hand experience says they do as much as an Emergency Room Consultant does.

We decided to proceed through sessions first and if need arises then augment them with antidepressants. What he did in those sessions was he tried to make me understand my emotions and where they were coming from. He untangled different problems, and convinced me to solve them one by one.

When you seek professional help for the first time you don’t know exactly what’s wrong with you, let alone know how to fix it. Your thinking is blurred. Your vision is blurred for that matter. These sessions clear your vision. The more clear you are able to think, the more you become capable of identifying hidden pitfalls, deficiencies, cracks, wounds, bruises, dried pus in your psyche.

It’s a painstaking process. But what is important is that there is a person who is willing to lead this painstaking journey without getting annoyed or judgmental. He will offer you help according to your needs. He will give you an opportunity to decide the direction of progression of your sessions.

I have learnt to solve daily issues of my life with my conscience, and I am able to help others, who are passing through such difficulties. My relationships are more fulfilling and my career is moving on ahead.

He helped me develop a better understanding of many things in life such that I can find divine in even something bad. He showed me that there are both negative and positive aspects of things to think about. He assisted me in identifying the source of my pain and how it was holding me back to move on in life.

With his guidance, I am learning to identify and arrest addictive behaviors, replace negative thought patterns with positive self-talk and eliminate unhealthy behaviors from my life. I am practicing self-love and becoming my better self to do meaningful things in life.

He has given me the tools I need to check and make my actions better and to grow in life. I’m married now. There was a time I thought this wouldn’t ever happen. My relationship with my family is improving. I have an exceptional GPA. Spiritual, I’m in a better place than ever before.

These sessions helped me regain the motivation, strength and confidence I had gradually lost over the past couple of years, allowing me to embark on a new chapter in my life.

Before my sessions I had physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, including a few panic attacks here and there. Through Dr Zarnab’s help I learned a lot, about the process of healing, allowing ourselves to grieve, understanding trauma, managing post traumatic aftermath, bereavement and on top of everything elimination of this pesky false guilt.

First came an email, then came my first therapy session with Dr Omer Murtaza. As it was a preliminary session so it only lasted for around 20-25 minutes. Those 25 minutes literally saved me. Why? Because when we speak to our friends or family members about the tragedy that’s been causing us mental health issues, we are just venting to them! But when we speak to psychiatrists we actually learn how to process it.

I never saw a psychiatrist in my life, according to a common perception I was expecting to be asked to pop pills to calm my antsy nerves. But Dr Omar Murtaza asked me if I was ever comfortable with medication to treat the symptoms. Which I said no to. And down the road not only did they respect my decision, they also showed an unconventional approach to treating my anxiety prone self.

You’ve [Mental Health Coach] helped me understand how self sympathy can be turned to empathy. How every negative/ bad situation that bothers us has a tint of good in it. How my shattered dreams and hopes helped me grow and don’t define my life. You’ve made me feel valued, heard and important.

You know for sure your therapist is good when your own family acknowledges a positive change in you.

I have learned that there’s a strong correlation between thoughts and actions, and thoughts that are negative or unreasonable often lead to unfavorable outcomes. I now have a much better eye for any progress I make, no matter how small. Each small achievement reaffirms my belief that I am on a path of improvement.

I never felt judged. My struggles were never belittled. I felt acknowledged which made me want to open up more. I felt like I was working with someone who is knowledgeable about his field and passionate about what we were doing.

I was in guilt, shame, a deep, dark pit of sadness after I realised that what I did was wrong… kept repenting, crying, isolated myself from my family but nothing worked. That’s when I decided to seek help. In those days Telepsychiatry was launched and I opted for email sessions. Dr Samiya Iqbal was appointed as my therapist and I told her everything that happened, something which I was unable to discuss with anyone… She made me realise my self-worth, making me re-engage in the activities which brought me peace, the reality of that relationship.

The first few sessions were hard, I was brought face to face with all the pain I was hiding and running away from. I did think of backing away at that point, the thought did cross my mind but I knew it was necessary inconvenience.

She is like my guide, my mentor, my coach who is helping me achieve my goals, and fulfil my purpose… it feels like now I have someone I can ask every question that comes into my mind, everything that bothers me and without the fear of being judged, she makes me feel that having all these negative thoughts is the most human thing ever, that its okay.