Counselling Psychologist York

Dr Zeina Bushnaq

HCPC-Registered Counselling Psychologist

Dr Bushnaq has recently joined the Verdure Psychology team . She has availability for new clients in York (for face-to-face appointments), or nationwide (via an online service).

Dr Zeina Bushnaq’s approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and curiosity. She provides a gentle and steady space where clients can bring what feels difficult and begin to make sense of their experiences at a pace that feels manageable. Therapy is often about exploring patterns that may once have been protective but now keep people feeling stuck, disconnected, or self-critical. With warmth and care, Zeina helps clients notice these patterns and experiment with new ways of responding, developing greater flexibility, self-understanding, and compassion along the way.

Zeina offers an online service, and face-to-face sessions in a tranquil setting in the centre of York (Miller’s Yard):

Zeina explains that, for some, the challenges of life transitions or uncertainty may intensify feelings of self-doubt or disconnection. Unspoken inner rules, such as the need to always achieve, be productive, or never appear vulnerable, can add a second layer of suffering on top of what is already painful. Zeina supports her clients in softening this inner critic and meeting their struggles with understanding rather than judgment. This work is not about “fixing” people, but about finding meaning in what they have been through, building resilience, and reconnecting with what matters most in their lives.

Chalk drawing of a head with swirling arrows represents mental activity and thought process.

Zeina’s therapeutic style is integrative and pluralistic, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), alongside relational and humanistic traditions. This blend allows therapy to shift between reflection and practical strategies, always guided by what is most relevant and useful for the client. For some, therapy may focus on building concrete skills to manage emotions or cope with stress; for others, it may be a space for deeper exploration of identity, relationships, or the impact of past experiences. In all cases, therapy is collaborative and responsive, adapting to the client’s needs as they evolve.

Identity, culture, and social context are central to Zeina’s work. Having lived in different parts of the world, she brings sensitivity to how background and environment shape people’s experiences, challenges, and strengths. She honours each person’s story as unique, recognising that therapy cannot be a one-size-fits-all process.

In the initial sessions, Zeina works with clients to clarify their goals and build a shared understanding of what feels most important to focus on. Ongoing sessions move fluidly between reflection, practical strategies, and compassionate exploration. Progress is regularly reviewed together, ensuring that the work remains meaningful and aligned with the client’s needs.

Zeina understands that motivation and energy fluctuate, particularly when life feels overwhelming. Therapy makes space for these natural ebbs and flows. What matters most is not perfection or progress in a straight line, but the intention to begin and to stay open to the process.

Whether you are facing anxiety, grief, uncertainty, or a major life transition, Zeina provides a compassionate and steady presence to help you feel supported and understood. Therapy with her is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and build a stronger connection with yourself and others. It is about finding resilience, authenticity, and a kinder way of being with yourself.

Zeina is accredited with the HCPC (the UK regulatory body for Practitioner Psychologists) and she is also a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). You may click the following links to confirm her accreditation:

Individual therapy for adults (18+)

£100 per 60-minute session
Clients can self-fund sessions or pay via an insurance policy (currently Aviva, AXA or WPA).
Concessionary rate available for students (please enquire)

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How can we help?

Please provide an overview of the difficulties you’re experiencing that you hope Zeina can help with (the more information you provide, the easier it will be for us to assess our ability to help).

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I am 16 years of age (or over) and I consent to this enquiry being processed in accordance with Verdure Psychology’s Privacy Policy.
I confirm I am not experiencing significant risk issues, such as suicidal ideation (if you’re submitting this form on behalf of your child, please tick this box to confirm they are not in need of urgent crisis support, to the best of your knowledge).

Verfication:

Dr Zeina Bushnaq offers psychological therapy to people experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, bereavement and loss, as well as those adjusting to life transitions or living with the emotional impact of long-term health conditions. She also has experience supporting individuals exploring identity-related concerns, including the influence of cultural background and intersectionality on mental wellbeing. Zeina works with a wide range of difficulties and draws on an integrative approach tailored to each person’s individual needs and lived experiences.

She offers both online therapy across the UK and face-to-face sessions from a clinic in York (Gillygate).