Hope.
NURTURING WELLNESS,
EMPOWERING LIVES
Empathy.
About me
Supporting Mental Wellness Across All Ages
Meet Zara! Supporting Individuals, Parents & Families Across Different Stages of Life.
My professional journey has been shaped by education, special education, child and family support, brain training, and counselling. Over the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, parents and families across different cultures and educational settings. These experiences have taught me to look beyond a diagnosis or behaviour and understand the person, family and environment around it. In the world of counselling, experience is the foundation upon which trust is built, and I am an experienced professional who has navigated the globe and established connections with diverse cultures and individuals. With an extensive background in addressing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, my expertise extends to a variety of areas including ADHD, autism, learning challenges, anxiety, stress, family adjustments, depression, executive dysfunction & adults, seniors & children mental health issues. I bring a unique blend of knowledge & empathy to counselling.
A Space to Understand, Reflect & Move Forward
You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support. Counselling can provide a space to understand what you are experiencing, explore your strengths, and identify practical steps that fit your life, relationships, and goals.
My Approach
Your concerns do not exist in isolation. Family relationships, culture, developmental history, school or work, strengths and current circumstances all matter. I take time to understand the bigger picture and work collaboratively with you to identify practical, meaningful steps.
How I Can Support You
- Children & Adolescents- emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, behaviour, school concerns, ADHD, autism and learning challenges.
- Parents & Parenting- understanding your child, parenting challenges, family adjustment, and strengthening parent-child relationships.
- Adults- anxiety, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth.
- Families & Relationships- communication, family conflict, relationship challenges and building healthier connections.
ADHD
Counselling
Depression Counselling
Family Conflict Counselling
Why Work With Me?
Supporting Your Well-Being
- Professional Experience- A background in education, special education, learning support, brain training and counselling.
- Family Perspective- Experience supporting children while also recognizing the needs of parents, siblings and the wider family.
- Multicultural Perspective- Lived and professional experience across different countries and cultures.
- Individualized Support- Support is shaped around the person rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Personalized Care
Every session is designed around your needs. You receive focused, one-on-one support that respects your journey and goals.
Professional Expertise
VitalZ counselling is led by a qualified and certified counsellor. You receive trusted, evidence-based guidance every step of the way
Safe & Supportive Space
A calm, non-judgmental environment helps you feel heard and understood. You are empowered to grow with confidence.
Supporting the Whole Family , Not Just the Child
When a child is struggling, the impact is often felt by the whole family. I work with parents to better understand their child, and when appropriate, support children, siblings, and family relationships together.
My goal is not to tell parents how to parent, but to work collaboratively to understand what is happening and find approaches that fit the family.
Supporting Neurotypical & Neurodivergent Individuals and Families
My experience includes supporting both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, adolescents, adults, and families. My background in special education has helped me understand ADHD, autism, learning challenges, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and individual learning needs. I aim to support the person rather than reduce them to a diagnosis or label.
Parenting Has Shaped the Way I Understand Families
I am a parent of three adults and one younger daughter. Parenting has given me personal experience of different stages, joys, worries, uncertainty, mistakes, and learning. I have learned from my own experiences and regrets, and those experiences have deepened my empathy for parents who are trying to support their children while navigating their own emotions and responsibilities.
I do not believe in perfect parenting. I believe in understanding, learning, repairing, and growing together.
My lived experience does not replace professional knowledge; rather, it helps me bring greater empathy and perspective to my work with children and families.
Clients Testimonials
What my clients say about their journey with me.
Noha Abado
As a single mother, I faced the unique difficulties of supporting a young adult with autism and learning challenges. Making the transition to adulthood appeared overwhelming, and I was concerned about how to help him grow independently while managing my stress and concerns. Zara's specialized approach to my son's individual needs and problems has not only enhanced his development but has also given me the expertise to help me navigate this difficult journey. My son is thriving under Zara's supervision. Her kindness, empathy, and experience working with people on the autistic spectrum have created an environment in which my son can flourish and overcome obstacles with renewed confidence.
Zara has also provided tremendous support to me as a mother. The stress and difficulties were addressed with understanding, empathy, and practical advice. She guides me through the emotional obstacles, providing not only guidance for my son but also a source of support for my family.
Shelley Robinson Hawkes
I had the privilege of working with Zara at international school in Malaysia. Students loved working with her since she always demonstrated consistency, compassion, and calmness. She has great intuition when it comes to children’s needs.
Maria Anzar
I have known Zara for almost 10 years now. The best thing about her is how easy she is to talk to. Whenever I’ve had a conversation with her around emotional management, anxiety or a cluttered mind, she has made it sound so simple and easy to manage. She will always help you organise your thoughts first, then break them down for your better understanding and lastly - guide you in simple ways to shift from unhelpful thinking/behavioural patterns to something which would be more valuable and useful to you. I cannot thank her enough for always helping me strengthen my coping strategies whenever I have wanted to unknot a situation that would make me anxious in life.
Salman Jabri
Zara focuses on listening and using a non-judgmental approach, which creates a safe space for me to explore and vent my thoughts and emotions.She is an excellent motivator and tailored her coaching approach to suit my unique needs. She is a true professional with integrity, compassion and a genuine commitment to my success and well-being.I am so grateful for the positive influence she has on my life; my anxiety has decreased; the pressure of expectations has lifted and self-worth has grown within me.Working with her has been a transformative experience!
Karla Martalova
Zara made a huge impact on our team and the families we supported. She demonstrates a strong commitment, consistent care and concern for the people under her guidance. Her ability to cultivate strong relationships and keep open communication with her clients is outstanding. She brings a unique blend of passion and sensitivity to counselling, building a supportive environment in which individuals and families can grow.
Wajeeha Zaidi
Through Zara’s compassionate guidance, I've discovered that 'The only way out is through,' and I'm forever appreciative for her unwavering support since last 20 years……
Charelle Matheny
Zara was always my rock….she held me together. After getting to know her, I am fascinated by her adaptable and successful approach. Drawing on a diverse skillset that includes interpersonal skills, multicultural knowledge, and culturally sensitive insight, she provides a supportive environment. Her commitment to understanding and using these multiple approaches demonstrates her willingness to provide holistic and personalized care.
Maryam Asim
I have known Zara for over six years and I find her to be a thorough professional and a compassionate human being.
Zara stands out for her unique skill in supporting parents facing difficulties in developing positive relationships in this challenging era. Her assistance is based on identifying the behavioural issues and developing need-based coping skills in different parenting settings. Using acceptance and commitment therapy, Zara provides a healthy and highly effective style that establishes an in-depth understanding of children, giving parents vital tools for managing the complexity of parenthood
