Let’s get the formalities out of the way?

I’m Shabnum Popat, a NCPS-accredited counsellor based in Leicestershire, UK, with specialised training in trauma, attachment, abuse recovery, and couples counselling.

My qualifications include:

Accredited – National Counselling Psychotherapy Society
BACP Registered
Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Level 6 Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision
Level 7 PGCE in Education
Level 4 Hypnotherapy Diploma
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Certification Accredited by the EMDR Association

Beyond the certifications, I bring real-life experience and deep cultural awareness as a South Asian counsellor who understands the challenges of navigating between cultures.

I specialise in trauma, attachment, addiction, abuse (physical, emotional or sexual) recovery, and couples counselling, and I also offer short-term counselling for employees. Whether you’re an adult, teenager, or professional seeking support, my approach is holistic, person-centred, and tailored to you.

To make counselling as accessible as possible, I offer video, telephone and chat sessions – so whether you telephone conversations or the convenience of online support, you have the freedom to choose what works best. No travel, no stress – just a safe, supportive space from wherever you feel most comfortable. This is especially helpful for those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or who simply want more flexibility in finding the right therapist.

Hi! I’m Shabnum

A fully accredited counsellor, psychotherapist & hypnotherapist. Offering affordable counselling and hypnotherapy to men, women and children.

Book my free consultation

Shabnum Popat, founder of Resilience Counselling Network. Counsellor

About me

I’m an NCPS-Accredited Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Lecturer, and more!

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent a decade in the fashion industry, designing and selling motifs for UK high-street stores. From the outside, it was exciting – fast-paced, creative, dynamic. But deep down, I felt something was missing.

Fashion is outward-focused, and I longed for real, human connection. So, I started volunteering with victim support, sitting with women who had experienced domestic abuse – listening, holding space, witnessing their strength. And something clicked.

I had found my calling.

It wasn’t a quick switch; I spent years training, studying, and slowly building my practice. But I’ve never looked back. The privilege of sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments, of watching them rediscover themselves, is something I cherish every day.

My approach? It’s not about fixing you – because you’re not broken. Therapy is about giving you the space to understand yourself, your patterns, and your inner voice. It’s about realising that you matter, that your story matters.

And because I believe therapy should be accessible to everyone, I keep my fees affordable and always have a few discounted slots available.

If you’re feeling hesitant, I get it. Starting therapy can feel scary. That’s why I offer a free 20-30 minute consultation – no pressure, no commitment – just a chat to see if we click.

Therapy isn’t just for “big” problems. It’s for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs. Here’s what my clients say:

“I came to Resilience Counselling Network completely broken. I had been bullied at work and left with no job, no self-esteem, I was completely lost. Even the smallest of tasks seemed impossible. Shabnum helped me explore what had really happened, it wasn’t easy but step by step I got my strength back. Now when I see corporate jealousy, I know what it is and can spot it, I wear my emotions less, I look after myself emotionally. I still have pangs of anxiety but nothing like it was. Don’t think twice, if life has given you lemons, and you don’t know which way to turn, get help from Resilience Counselling Network, It works.”

“I was very happy to receive counselling from my therapist. In the first half hour I felt so much of my experience had been validated! She talked about having a point of reference when there is so much chaos around you and it is difficult to make sense of things and relationships! We discussed faith and interpretations of text that are taken out of context to manipulate a situation! She helped bring clarity to this! We talked about managing difficult relationships and how to respond to these challenges, understanding when a relationship can become toxic and unhelpful! I would recommend Resilience Counselling Network. It is confidential and gentle!”

“My counsellor has been amazing and has really helped me to understand my issues. I will recommend the service to anyone who may need something like it”

“I reached out to resilience counselling because I was at an all time low in my life. I had recently need diagnosed with depression which was hard to deal with, had also been involved in a car crash and this made me exceptionally frustrated. I found the counsellor to be very helpful, professional and felt like she was there at any time I needed to make contact. It was reassuring to have somebody at the other end of an email to hear my worries. Thank You so so much.”

“Over the years, I’ve suffered terrible anxiety, the episodes would stem from days to weeks and sometimes months. I decided I needed to do something about ‘it’. After talking to my therapist, she instantly put me at ease, she was professional thorough and immensely knowledgeable. The therapy sessions were over FaceTime, this was personal and worked wonderfully. The hypnotherapy recording was fantastic, not only relaxing, I felt free of anxiety. Thanks to Resilience Counselling Network.”

Over two decades of experience!

Counsellor

A fully accredited psychotherapist & hypnotherapist. Offering affordable counselling and hypnotherapy to men, women and children.

Lecturer & Trainer

Teaching Person Centred Counselling and Cultural Competency at Tresham College, Bedford College Group.

Clinical Lead at Quetzal

Supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Responsible for service delivery, staff and counsellor training and placement coordinator and Safeguarding Lead.

Clinical Advisor & Supervisor at Suicide & Co.

Providing guidance on clinical policies and procedures, and providing clinical supervision to Suicide and Co therapists supporting clients affected by bereavement by suicide.