Looking for a structured and consistent approach to counselling?
Counselling in Kuala Lumpur for working adults.
Looking for a structured and consistent approach to counselling?
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 professional 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 counselling and psychotherapy 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 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, grounded, and compassionate 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
Clients often share that they feel understood in sessions, while also appreciating the practical guidance and emotional clarity that emerge through the process.
My Approach to Counselling
My approach is tailored to each individual. I integrate different therapeutic frameworks depending on your needs, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion-focused 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 health, social, cultural/spiritual, physical well-being, and other areas that may promote or diminish their well-being or mental health.
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.
Areas I Commonly Work With
In my experience as a mental health profession, I have been honoured to work with a diversity of adults who have struggled with a variety of concerns. Over the years, I have refined my therapeutic skills to work with clients experiencing:
- Anxiety, overthinking, and chronic stress
- Emotional overwhelm or burnout
- Trauma-related emotional and relational difficulties
- Relationship conflict, distance, or communication issues
- Feeling stuck, emotionally flat, or unsure how to move forward
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 relational 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 have a strong collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients. 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
- Paced according to your emotional readiness
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
Sessions are available:
- In-person counselling in Kuala Lumpur (individual and couples)
- Online counselling for clients locally and internationally