Rima Alkadamani

A conversation with Rima Alkadamani

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  From a young age, I found myself drawn to people’s stories their struggles, their resilience, and their desire to be heard and understood. I have always been deeply empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others, and I often found myself offering support, even before I had the language or tools to do so formally.
  
  My journey into counselling was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. Working in the health and aged care sector, I witnessed the profound impact that compassionate, person-centred support can have on someone’s life especially those experiencing mental health challenges, disability, trauma, or emotional distress. I saw the gaps in the system and felt a strong calling to do more not just to manage cases, but to sit with people in their pain and help them make sense of it.
  
  I was especially moved by the experiences of children and families navigating complex emotional and behavioural challenges. Their voices are often overlooked, yet they carry deep wisdom and strength. I wanted to be someone they could trust someone who would listen without judgment, and empower them to find their voice.
  
  Counselling allows me to bring together my natural compassion, my belief in people’s ability to grow and heal, and my commitment to social justice. It’s more than a career it’s a calling. It’s a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they make sense of their experiences, rediscover their strengths, and begin to heal.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  Several philosophical approaches have deeply shaped my professional development as a counsellor, particularly those that honour the inherent worth, autonomy, and potential of each individual.
  
  Humanistic Philosophy At the core of my practice is the belief that people have an innate drive toward growth, healing, and self-actualisation. Influenced by Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach, I see the therapeutic relationship as a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences with empathy and unconditional positive regard. This philosophy aligns with my strengths-based and trauma-informed practice, especially when working with children and families navigating complex challenges.
  Phenomenology – This approach has taught me to value the client’s lived experience without imposing external interpretations. It has deepened my capacity for presence and curiosity, allowing me to enter the client’s world with openness, especially in child-centred and play therapy. I aim to see the world through the client’s eyes, understanding meaning from their perspective.
  Constructivism and Narrative Philosophy – These ideas influence my use of narrative therapy, where individuals are seen as the authors of their own lives. I believe people make meaning from their experiences, and therapy can support them in re-authoring stories that foster empowerment and hope especially for children and caregivers who have internalised deficit-based narratives due to disability, trauma, or behavioural struggles.
  Attachment Theory and Relational Ethics – While more psychological in origin, these approaches are grounded in philosophical ideas about human connection, trust, and moral responsibility. They have greatly informed my work with families, especially through co-regulation, emotional coaching, and the creation of secure, nurturing therapeutic environments.
  Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice – Rooted in social philosophy and disability justice, this approach honours the diversity of human minds and challenges pathologising models. It has profoundly influenced how I support children with autism, ADHD, and learning differences not by trying to “fix” them, but by affirming their uniqueness and adapting the environment to meet their needs.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I’m especially drawn to the emotional, relational, and developmental aspects of the human journey particularly how individuals navigate adversity, build resilience, and seek connection and meaning throughout different life stages.
  
  My deep interest lies in how early relationships, trauma, neurodiversity, and life experiences shape a person’s emotional development and sense of identity. I’m passionate about supporting children and families, especially those living with disability, behavioural challenges, and emotional dysregulation, as they work toward healing and connection. There’s something incredibly meaningful about walking alongside a child or caregiver as they discover new ways to understand each other, regulate emotions, and build stronger, safer relationships.
  
  I’m also interested in how mental and emotional health intersects with family systems, caregiving, and community support especially for individuals who may feel misunderstood or excluded, such as those with autism, ADHD, or trauma histories. Helping people reconnect with their inner strengths, and supporting caregivers in creating nurturing environments, is at the heart of my work.
  
  Ultimately, I’m inspired by the human capacity for growth, repair, and transformation, even in the face of significant challenges. Whether working with a child in symbolic play or guiding a parent through co-regulation strategies, I am continually moved by the small but powerful steps people take toward emotional harmony and self-understanding.

• What methods do you use?

  In my counselling practice, I take a client-centred, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, tailoring methods to suit each individual’s emotional, developmental, and social needs. My work is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in building safety, trust, and connection — especially for children, families, and individuals with disabilities or behavioural challenges.
  
  The key methods I use include, Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT):
  I provide a safe, non-directive space where children express themselves through play helping them process emotions, develop self-awareness, and build resilience in a developmentally appropriate way.
  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
  I support clients in identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. With children, I use playful, visual, and hands-on techniques to make CBT accessible and engaging.
  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills:
  I incorporate DBT techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation to support clients with emotional dysregulation or interpersonal challenges.
  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
  I help clients build emotional flexibility, connect with their values, and take meaningful steps forward particularly helpful for anxiety, grief, and life transitions.
  Narrative Therapy:
  I work with clients to explore and reshape their personal stories, especially those impacted by trauma, neurodiversity, or limiting beliefs.
  Mindfulness and Co-Regulation Strategies:
  I use calming, grounding tools to help both children and caregivers manage stress, strengthen emotional regulation, and deepen connection.
  Attachment-Based and Family-Inclusive Approaches:
  I work closely with caregivers to strengthen parent-child relationships, using emotional coaching, behavioural support, and practical strategies to build nurturing environments.
  Sensory and Symbolic Play-Based Activities:
  For younger or neurodivergent children, I use sensory play and symbolic expression to support emotional processing, communication, and engagement.
  
  My methods are flexible and integrated always guided by the client’s strengths, goals, and readiness. Whether through play, conversation, or structured tools, my aim is to support healing, connection, and growth in a safe and compassionate space.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  The experience of progress is different for every client, depending on their goals, readiness, and the challenges they’re working through. In my practice, I find that clients often begin to feel a sense of progress when they:
  
  Feel heard, understood, and safe in the therapeutic space especially children, who may start engaging more freely in play or begin expressing emotions more openly.
  Begin to notice small changes in how they respond to situations such as using a calming strategy, naming a feeling, or asking for help instead of withdrawing or acting out.
  Experience validation and relief from having their experiences and behaviours understood through a non-judgmental, neurodiversity-affirming lens.
  See improvements in relationships — like reduced tension at home, improved communication with caregivers, or stronger emotional connection.
  
  Build emotional language and regulation skills often noticed in both children and parents as they begin to co-regulate more successfully or shift away from reactive patterns.
  
  For some clients, these shifts can happen within a few sessions; for others, especially those with trauma histories or developmental challenges, it may take longer. But even small changes like feeling more hopeful, being less overwhelmed, or finding language for feelings are meaningful markers of progress.
  
  In my sessions, I make sure to highlight and reflect back these moments of growth, no matter how small. Recognising progress helps build confidence, motivation, and trust in the therapeutic process.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has deeply shaped the way I understand myself and others. It’s given me the tools to sit with difficult emotions rather than avoid them, and to respond to life with more clarity and compassion. Therapy taught me that healing isn’t about ‘fixing’ yourself it’s about acceptance, growth, and learning to be kinder to your inner world.
  
  Personally, it’s helped me build stronger relationships, set healthier boundaries, and live more in alignment with my values. Professionally, it reminds me every day of the courage it takes to be vulnerable and that healing looks different for everyone.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of walking alongside people on their healing journey — especially children and families facing complex challenges. There’s something profoundly meaningful about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and accepted without judgment.
  
  I cherish the moments when a child finds a way to express feelings they couldn’t put into words before, or when a caregiver gains new understanding and hope for supporting their loved one. Witnessing those small but powerful shifts the building of trust, resilience, and connection is deeply rewarding.
  
  Being a therapist allows me to combine my passion for empathy, listening, and strength-based support with practical tools that make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s inspiring to see the human spirit’s capacity for growth, transformation, and renewal, even in the face of adversity.
  
  Ultimately, what I love most is the shared humanity in this work the trust, the courage, and the hope that clients bring, and the opportunity to be part of their story in a meaningful way.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Yes of course I have bad hair days I am human.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  In my view, one of the most significant challenges we face globally is the widespread experience of disconnection both from ourselves, from each other, and from our environment. This disconnection often manifests as social isolation, mental health struggles, misunderstanding across cultures, and a growing divide fuelled by fear and misinformation.
  
  At its core, many global issues whether they be climate change, inequality, conflict, or mental health crises are linked to a breakdown in empathy and connection. When people don’t feel seen, heard, or valued, it’s difficult to build the cooperation and compassion necessary to address complex challenges.
  
  However, this problem also holds the seed of hope. Healing and transformation begin when we foster genuine connection—through listening deeply, embracing diversity, and nurturing community. As a counsellor, I witness daily how even small acts of empathy and understanding can ripple outward, creating stronger relationships and more resilient communities.
  
  So while disconnection is a significant problem, I believe in the power of human connection as a vital part of the solution.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  One book that has deeply inspired me is “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran. Its poetic reflections on love, joy, sorrow, and the human experience beautifully capture the complexities of life and the soul’s journey.
  
  Gibran’s wisdom about compassion, self-awareness, and connection resonates strongly with my counselling philosophy — reminding me of the importance of empathy, acceptance, and the delicate balance between pain and growth.
  
  His words continue to inspire me to approach each client with an open heart and to honour the depth and uniqueness of every individual’s story.