Zahra Kasseh 

​​A long time ago, I believed my value depended on what I could offer, whether at work or in my private life. I worked in the pharmaceutical sector for over a decade. Initially, I believed that financial stability was my salvation and that achieving total independence would define my success. Success and perfection were my ultimate goals.

However, I often faced obstacles I couldn't identify, which turned out to be internal blocks that hindered my progress. To address this, I embarked on a journey to discover what I believed would be 'fixing me.' I questioned why I found certain things challenging when they seemed easy for others. Why did anxiety overshadow my life? Why couldn't I trust easily? Why was I constantly tense, as if awaiting impending doom? These extensive blockages affected various areas of my life: friendships, opportunities, relationships, career advancement, and meaningful experiences.

The answers, fixes, and solutions I sought eluded my conscious mind; they lay much deeper in my subconscious. As someone who enjoys fact-finding missions, I found it relatively easy to research and identify what felt "wrong." Although the knowledge was scattered, I eventually learned to label my feelings. I realised that I was dealing with trauma, complex PTSD, workaholism, and functional depression. With this clarity came understanding. However, bridging the gap between knowledge and real change remained unattainable. I could articulate my thoughts, but creating actual change and a new trajectory was a separate journey.

 Since humans are intricate and unique, I considered it unrealistic and idealistic to expect a specialist to become the expert in my life. Talk therapy became redundant. I had gained self-awareness, and simply learning new words to describe emotions wouldn't remove the barriers I faced. I believe that no single solution fits everyone; waiting for a saviour to find the perfect match or path seemed unrealistic and self-critical. I chose to take control of my own journey. This realisation marked the beginning of my continuous exploration and growth. Through interactions with coaches, guides, tools, teachers, fellow learners, and clients, I embraced my role as a humble student of myself and life, which opened new opportunities and gave me the freedom to decide how I want to show up in life. 

I realised that 'fixed' and 'healed' did not exist. What I truly sought was 'balance' and the ability to restore myself to it. Since life keeps happening, the goal isn't to never experience pain or hurt, but to learn how to return to balance when it occurs.​Ultimately, I realised that the mind alone offers an incomplete picture. I must engage my whole being—emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. The neglected element is our spirit; beneath our life experience lies an indestructible light source, which has character, purpose, esteem, and knowledge that we can access if we choose.

​

​Here are the diplomas and education I have gathered along my journey, tools I will continue to build upon:

​

Psychodynamic Counselling (CertHE), Birkbeck University of London, 2020-2022.

 Certificate in Systemic Practice with Families and Couples, 2022-2023. 

Transformational Breath Facilitator, 2024-2026

Transformation Breath Group Leader,2025-2026​