About

Dr. Soha Daru

Counselling Psychologist &
University Lecturer

My approach

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, with particular experience supporting high-performing professionals navigating chronic stress, burnout, and emotional overload. Many of the people I work with appear successful on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck internally.

My clients often come to therapy because they are functioning well in their careers but struggling privately — with persistent anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, or the impact of past experiences that continue to affect their emotional wellbeing. I offer a calm, confidential space where these patterns can be explored safely and without judgement.

My approach is trauma-informed and integrative, combining EMDR with relational and evidence-based psychological therapies such as CBT and Compassion focused therapy. This means we work not only with your current symptoms, but also with the underlying experiences and nervous system patterns that maintain them. I utilise mind body healing and somatic approaches for wellbeing. Therapy is tailored to you as an individual, rather than following a rigid protocol or formula.

I have a particular interest in working with people in high-responsibility roles who are accustomed to managing pressure, making difficult decisions, and supporting others — yet find it hard to prioritise their own emotional needs. In this context, therapy often focuses on burnout, perfectionism, emotional exhaustion, imposter syndrome, and the long-term psychological effects of sustained stress.

Alongside professional pressures, I also work extensively with trauma, including childhood experiences, attachment difficulties, and relational trauma. Many people find that once these deeper layers are addressed, symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, or emotional reactivity begin to shift more naturally and sustainably.

I aim to offer therapy that feels thoughtful, grounded, and psychologically meaningful — not rushed, overly clinical, or superficial. My style is warm, reflective, and collaborative, while remaining clinically rigorous and ethically sound.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (University of Manchester)
Masters degree in Counselling Psychology (SNDT University)
Bachelors degree in Psychology (Mithibai College)
Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (Leeds Beckett University)
Post-graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (University of Sheffield)
Advanced training in ADHD (UK Adult ADHD Network) & Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA) Training
EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) therapy training

Professional body Membership

Registered Member of the Health and Care Professions Council U.K. (HCPC, Reg. no. PYL040482). Click here to check the register. I work according to British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines.

Counselling experience

I currently work as a Psychologist at an NHS Trust counselling individuals with complex trauma and PTSD. I have also worked as a Lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy at the University of Leeds and University of Central Lancashire, training Masters level students to become qualified counsellors.

Over 17 years’ work experience counselling online and face-to-face in mental health organizations, charities, hospitals and the National Health service (NHS).

Specialist experience in low mood, stress, workplace issues, leadership and development, depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, trauma, PTSD, social anxiety, relationship issues, etc.

Multi-cultural experience: My clientele is from all over the globe including India, UK, Canada, US, Europe, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Australia and China. Having helped and supported hundreds of clients from different parts of the world, I am well aware of some of the psycho-social issues affecting people and the impact they can have.

Continual professional development: I regularly attend workshops and courses in Psychotherapy to remain up to date with the latest research and offer the very best to the people I work with. I am trained in providing ADHD assessments and have recently completed training in Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA).

My LinkedIn profile: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sohadaru

Insurance companies

I am a therapist registered with AXA, AVIVA, Cigna, BUPA, WPA, Healix and Vitality and accept insurance from these companies

Conference Presentations and Publications

Counselling for low self-esteem (SAGE Handbook of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Counselling for chronic physical health issues (SAGE Handbook of Counselling & Psychotherapy)