Sahara counselling sessions work on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns, responses and behaviours and provides psycho-education focusing on educating clients about their mental health issues and ways of coping. Sahara counselling is delivered in both group settings and as 1 to 1 support.  All sessions are delivered in the client’s spoken language with special consideration to religious and cultural needs. The setting is accessible and supportive and is a safe space for clients to openly share and discuss their issues. The group therapy sessions have also helped clients receive support and encouragement from other members of the group. Participants have told us that these groups have allowed them to see that others are also going through similar experiences, and this has helped them feel ‘less alone’. Feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive and they have reported that they have learnt appropriate coping strategies to help manage their mental health and have found the sessions beneficial to their wellbeing.

The provision of both one-to-one counselling and group therapy ensures that clients have access to a range of therapeutic interventions that can cater to their individual cultural and language preferences and needs. The client-centred approach adopted in the delivery of group therapy sessions further emphasises the importance of empowering individuals to actively participate in their healing process.

The topics covered in the group therapy sessions, such as bereavement, grief and loss, learned helplessness, and behaviour change, indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse range of issues faced by clients. By addressing these topics within a culturally sensitive framework, Roshni Ghar acknowledges the unique cultural and social contexts that may influence the experiences of its clients.

In response to the vast number of referrals we have received from men and boys in the community, we have opened our Sahara counselling service to men and boys; thus reducing gender barriers to seeking mental health support. The Sahara Culturally Sensitive Counselling Support Service is a valuable resource for the South Asian community, providing accessible and effective mental health support tailored to the specific needs of its clients.

You can refer yourself directly to the Sahara Counselling service so there is no need to go through your GP or health car practitioner. The self-referral is direct and discreet.