I was only going through the motions on a day to day, trying to pick up the pieces after my wife suddenly passed 5 years ago. I kept myself busy, not allowing myself to grieve. It got worse after COVID-19, trapped with happy memories of our past, difficult to move on. Talks with Atia enabled me to ofload some of my pain and share my feelings which was difficult to do with my family members. It was a relief! Atia helped me to gradually let go and start taking baby steps in rebuilding a new “normal” life, one without my wife. I am learning to “live” life again, no longer just trying to “survive”.

W.C (Entrepreneur, male, age 51) 

My talk sessions with Atia began 3 years agon through North London Welcome when I resettled in London when my family left the refugee camps in Lebanon for a new start in the U.K.. Rebuilding a life from nothing after leaving Syria seemed impossible but Atia helped to see that this was going to take time and patience. I appreciate the emotional and practical support Atia gave us, beyond just “listening” to me, such as putting me in touch with organisations and people who helped me to rebuild my life emotionally as well as professionally. Atia is knowledeable in my faith (Islam), which made it easier to talk to her because I am quite spiritual. Infact, she helped me to remember that many of the tools to recovery during the most difficult times lived within me through my faith.

S.H.  (Legal Professional, Syrian Refugee, female, age 45, translated from Arabic) 

Atia has helped me to see things from my ex-wife’s perspective and the impact of my own actions on our children, which helped me to manage my emotions better during our stressful divorce proceedings. Being more aware of how my own actions were impacting my children prevented me from making impulsive decisions which could have permanently damaged our relationship. I am grateful to have met Atia at one of the stressful periods of my life.

HMA (Financial Advisor/Consultant, male, age 57)

Over the years I’ve seen a many professionals for help with my anxiety, depression and stress due to pressures at work and being an abusive relationship abuse but I always felt to ashamed to open up to anyone. My ex partner finally walked out on our 2 children and I, 15 months ago. I feel fortunate to have met Atia shortly after he left, because I finally found someone I felt comfortable enough to speak to about my past, without feeling judged. I continued to talk to Atia during the pandemic when I felt myself spiralling again. Atia has a warmth and calmness about her which makes me feel safe. A key point which I took away from her is that “I am THE MOST important tool in overcoming my problems and I am much more resourceful than I believed myself to be”. Over last couple of years Atia worked with me to help me rebuild my self-confidence. I have finally started to feel contentment and peace in my life again. I am beginning to feel like the person I once was, before I met my ex partner.

H.A. (School Teacher, Female, age 47)