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Counselling in Kuala Lumpur for adults.

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About Zuraya Rafique

Registered and Licensed Counsellor in Kuala Lumpur providing structured, evidence-based therapy for adults

I am Zuraya Rafique, a Registered and Licensed Counsellor with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (KB02724, PA01916),providing counselling services in Kuala Lumpur, and online for clients locally and internationally.

ZR Counselling is a solo private practice, which means you will work directly with me throughout your counselling journey. There is no therapist switching, and continuity is maintained from the first session onward.

I provide structured, evidence-based counselling for adults experiencing anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, emotional distress, and relationship challenges.

Many of the clients I work with are capable individuals who are managing responsibilities well on the outside, but feel overwhelmed internally. Some have spent years trying to cope quietly on their own before reaching out for support. Often, they are not looking simply to “vent,” but to better understand what they are experiencing and find a clearer way forward.

Clinical Experience

With over 16 years of clinical experience in the field, I support individuals and couples in navigating emotional and psychological difficulties in a structured, compassionate, and grounded way.

My work focuses on helping clients:

  • Understand the patterns behind their emotional experiences
  • Work through distress in a safe and manageable way
  • Develop practical strategies for everyday life
  • Build healthier and more stable relationships
  • Move toward greater clarity and emotional stability

My Approach to Counselling

My approach is structured, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual. I integrate different therapeutic frameworks depending on your needs, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Compassion-focused therapy approaches
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Insight-oriented approaches (including Internal Family Systems concepts)
  • Positive psychology-based interventions (including Hope Therapy)
  • Islamic counselling approaches

I also work in a trauma-informed and paced manner, ensuring that the counselling process remains safe, grounded, and manageable.

My approach is holistic. I see the client as a whole person, exploring emotional, relational, social, cultural/spiritual, and physical factors that may promote or diminish their overall well-being.

Counselling with me is also:

  • Relational and reflective
  • Practical and focused on daily life application
  • Compassionate, with appropriate therapeutic challenge

Education and Professional Training

I have completed professional training in counselling, psychology, trauma, and clinical practice, including:

  • Master in Counselling (HELP University, Malaysia)
  • B.Sc. Psychology (Upper Iowa University, USA)
  • LLB (Hons) Business Law (University of Huddersfield, UK)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision (University of Derby, UK)
  • Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies (Trauma Research Foundation, USA)
  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) (University of Maryland, USA)
  • Islamic Psychology & Counselling (Levels 1 & 2) (Al-Balagh Academy, UK)

I am committed to ongoing training and professional development to ensure the support I provide remains thoughtful, relevant, and clinically grounded.

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Areas I Commonly Work With

Over the years, I have worked with adults from diverse backgrounds experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. In recent years, I have refined my therapeutic focus to support clients experiencing: 

I also support clients with:

Anger management
Depression and sadness
Grief and loss
Family and caregiving stress
Life transition & personal growth
Loneliness and isolation
Self-esteem difficulties
Spiritual concerns

Islamic Counselling Approach

My Islamic counselling approach is based on Islamic psychology, an evidence-based discipline that integrates traditional Islamic principles rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah with modern psychological approaches.

I am trained in REBT-Tazkiyah An-Nafs approach (Mohd Zaharen, 2019), which incorporates Imam Al-Ghazali’s model of personal and spiritual development.

This approach is suitable for Muslim clients who wish to integrate Islamic principles and values into the therapeutic process. I am also trained in Islamic marriage counselling.

Who I Work With

I work with adults in Kuala Lumpur and internationally, including:

  • Working professionals managing stress and emotional pressure
  • Individuals experiencing anxiety or trauma-related difficulties
  • Individuals and couples facing relationship or interpersonal challenges
  • Expats adjusting to life, work, and emotional demands in Malaysia
  • Individuals seeking structured and professional support
  • Individuals who wish to integrate Islamic principles into therapy

My Working Style

I work collaboratively with clients, creating a space that is supportive, reflective, and grounded. Sessions with me are:

  • Calm, safe and compassionate
  • Non-judgmental and confidential
  • Focused on building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship
  • Focused on understanding patterns and exploring practical changes
  • Consistent, whether short term or long-term work

During sessions we work together at a pace that is manageable, addressing your concerns and needs, especially when dealing with anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. Client safety, confidentiality, and ethical practice are always a priority.

Location and Session Options