CAT Therapist · London

Understanding
yourself is the
first step to change.

I offer a warm, person-centred space in which to explore the patterns, relationships, and experiences that shape your life and to find a more fulfilling path forward.

My Approach About Femida
Femida Hirji, CAT Therapist

About Me

A whole-person approach
to lasting change

I am an accredited and qualified practitioner with many years of experience working in psychiatric and mental health settings across private healthcare and the NHS. I hold an ACAT-accredited qualification as a Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Practitioner and am a registered Occupational Therapist and an associate instructor for Mental Health First Aid England. I have worked in mental health for over 25 years.

"My fundamental belief is that each person has the right to live a meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling life."

I work in a person-centred way and prefer to see the person as a 'whole'. I will support you in understanding the patterns in your thinking, feelings and behaviour and how these may have developed over time. I have worked cross-culturally throughout my career, including in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East, and am mindful and sensitive to the many cultural aspects that may show up in your relationships and in daily life. I am also available for consultations there if needed.

I speak English and Gujarati, and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

ACAT Accredited CAT Practitioner

Accredited by the Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT), the professional body overseeing the standard of CAT in the UK.

Many Years of Clinical Experience

Drawing on broad experience in NHS mental health services and leading private healthcare settings, including Nightingale Hospital and The Priory, Roehampton, London.

Cross Cultural Practice

Extensive experience working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, including in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East. Consultations are available there if needed, as well as in English and Gujarati.

Based at Two London Clinics

Consulting at Nightingale Hospital, 11-19 Lisson Grove, London NW1 6SH, and at The Soke in Wimbledon, London.

How I Work

My Therapeutic Approach

I draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, tailoring each to the individual. At the heart of everything is a collaborative, compassionate relationship, because therapy works best when you feel truly heard.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

My primary specialism. CAT is a collaborative, time-limited therapy that helps you recognise and understand recurring patterns in your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and behaviour so that meaningful change becomes possible.

Occupational Therapy

As a registered Occupational Therapist, I focus on the practical impact of mental health on daily life, helping you rebuild meaningful activity, routine, and a sense of purpose.

Person-Centred Counselling

Grounded in warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, this approach places your experience at the centre. I support you in developing greater self-understanding and self-acceptance at your own pace.

Well-being & Life Coaching

For those seeking a forward-focused, goals-orientated approach. Together we clarify what truly matters to you and build practical strategies to help you move toward a more fulfilling life.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Specialist support for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related difficulties — addressing the underlying emotional and relational factors alongside practical recovery work.

Areas I Can Help With

Specialisms

My work focuses on a number of key areas. If you are unsure whether your concerns fall within these areas of expertise, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Relationship Patterns Eating Disorders Women's Health Menopause

Training & Advocacy

Mental Health Training for Organisations

Alongside clinical work, I deliver practical mental health education and workplace wellbeing support for organisations.

I am a Mental Health First Aid England associate trainer and instructor, as well as a mental health advocate who works with organisations to support staff wellbeing and provide refreshers on mental health skills in the workplace.

I have delivered training and talks across financial services, independent schools, and other corporate environments, and I tailor each package to the needs of the organisation.

I believe that empowering and educating staff in mental health contributes to a healthier work environment, lower turnover, and a thriving workforce in which employees feel heard, seen, valued, and fulfilled.

30+

Workplace training sessions and talks delivered over the past 10 years.

Available for bespoke training packages, staff wellbeing sessions, and mental health skills refreshers.

Client Feedback

References

Feedback from participants who have attended Femida's workplace mental health training.

Femida was excellent. She was very patient, always engaging and willing to listen to all viewpoints in a professional manner. The course was structured and very informative. The culture and environment that was created through Femida allowed maximum learning and collaboration and discussions. Thank you for supplying this course.

I found the course content to be extremely informative, Femida very knowledgeable and supportive. I now have the tools and skillset to move forward to help others. An amazing course with amazing people. I have learned a lot and value the time taken by all involved to upskill us all.

Femida is a great instructor, very knowledgable, kind and supportive. It was one big pleasure to work with her.

I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend this course. Femida, our trainer was amazing. She approached us with compassion and checked in with us to make sure we are ok throughout the course, which I think was amazing. I was able to learn new techniques and acquire new tools to be able to help others. I would recommend this course to everyone.

I cannot thank Femida enough, the course was amazing. I feel sad it is over but so grateful that I completed it and met some wonderful people. I cannot wait to put into practice what I have learned and develop more as a MHFA.

Thank you very much, Femida was an excellent trainer and used her real life experience to bring a lot of the content to life. Thank you.

This course was absolutely brilliant. The content was really relevant and well thought out, but the main reason the course was so good was because of the trainer Femida Hirji. Femida was so engaging, knowledgeable and very inspiring. Not only will the things I have learned help me be a good MHFA, it is also going to now give me the tools to look after myself and my family. Thank you so much.

Professional Background

Qualifications & Credentials

Academic

BSc Hons Psychology & Sociology
Kingston University, UK

CAT Accreditation

ACAT-accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapy Practitioner — the UK's leading professional body for CAT.

Occupational Therapy

Qualified & registered Occupational Therapist
Registered with the HCPC and member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)

Counselling

Qualified in counselling
Westminster Pastoral Foundation, UK

Life Coaching

Qualified Life Coach
The Coaching Academy, UK

Languages

Consultations available in
English & Gujarati

Get In Touch

Contact

For therapy enquiries, consultations, or organisational training, please get in touch by email.

contact@femidahirji.com