Counsellor profile
Sarvin Afarinesh, BACP
Counsellor - Anxiety and trauma
See online counselling options- Client-centred work
- Psychodynamic focus
- Creative methods
About Sarvin
Sarvin Afarinesh is a counsellor and a BACP member with 11 years' experience working in the United Kingdom. She works with issues such as stress, anxiety, addiction, relationships, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, grief and depression. Sessions are offered in English and Persian and she accepts international clients.
Sarvin uses a mix of approaches to help people understand what keeps them stuck. She draws on client-centred listening, psychodynamic thinking, existential questions and somatic awareness. In practical terms this means talking about thoughts and feelings, noticing bodily responses, and looking at patterns in relationships and behaviour.
She offers a flexible, creative way of working. That can include drawing, writing, using small objects or imagination in sessions when it seems helpful. Sessions can also follow a more traditional talking format when that suits the person better.
Her background includes counselling and psychotherapy diplomas and training in arts-based methods. Sarvin has a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy from the Minster Centre and other certificates in counselling skills, art therapy and integrative arts. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
People consult her for a wide range of concerns, including identity and cultural difference. She helps clients map patterns, name needs and consider practical steps they can try between meetings. The emphasis is on working together to find clearer ways forward.
How her approaches work in online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what the person says. It helps people feel heard, clarify their thoughts, and make choices about next steps. Psychodynamic work looks at patterns from past relationships and how these show up now, which can help explain repeated difficulties and emotional reactions.Somatic-oriented work brings attention to bodily sensations and how they relate to feelings and behaviour. It can be useful for trauma, chronic stress and issues where the body holds tension or reactivity. Each approach aims to give different ways to understand a problem rather than a single solution.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs and then try methods that fit. Sessions can shift over time if something else seems more helpful.
Confirm the exact session formats before you book. The profile notes that online sessions are offered, so check whether video or voice calls are available when you arrange your first meeting. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into work or family life, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and let people take part from wherever they are located.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Persian
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
Sarvin works with stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, grief, depression and related concerns. Her wider focus includes parenting, career, ADHD and body image among others.
What therapeutic style does she use?
She blends client-centred listening with psychodynamic and existential ideas and somatic awareness. The work can be talking-based or include creative, body-focused exercises.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 11 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and presenting issues.
Which professional body is she a member of and where does she practise?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works in the United Kingdom.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and Persian.
Does she work with clients outside the UK?
She accepts international clients.
What are the session arrangements and cost model?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Confirm exact session formats and fees before booking.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.