Shabina Khalifa

About me

I have worked in health services for over 20 years and have a Master’s in Islamic Law. I am training in Islamic counselling and family mediation so I can help people talk through problems and find fair answers together. I care deeply about keeping people safe and supporting families. I have also completed training in safeguarding adults and children, domestic abuse, coercive control, and sexual violence awareness. This means I know how to spot risks and help people who are in difficult or unsafe situations.

I use a solution-focused approach, which means I help people look at what is working and build on their strengths instead of only thinking about problems. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is about finding practical steps that move people toward their goals. It focuses on what people want to achieve, not just what is wrong. For example, instead of asking ‘Why is this happening?’ I ask ‘What would life look like if things were better?’ and ‘What small steps can we take to get there?’ This helps people feel hopeful and in control.

Family mediation works well with this approach because it also focuses on cooperation and positive outcomes. Mediation helps people in families—parents, children, spouses—talk calmly and agree on solutions without arguments. By combining mediation with solution-focused thinking, I can support families to work together, reduce conflict, and find fair answers that meet everyone’s needs. When I help families, I follow the Islamic principle of “Shura,” which means talking together and listening to each other to make fair decisions. This way, everyone has a voice, and solutions are built on respect and understanding. My goal is to support people from all backgrounds with kindness, understanding, and practical steps that make life better.

Safeguarding Practices

I have training to keep people safe. This includes: Helping adults and children who are at risk; Understanding domestic abuse and controlling behaviour; Knowing how to respond to sexual violence; Helping people who face honour-based abuse or forced marriage; Supporting male victims of abuse. These skills help me make sure people are safe and supported in a caring way. I am also certified with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). Counselling sessions will be held within the strictest of confidence. 

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a trainee therapist who is coming to the end of her training as part of the Professional Islamic Counselling Skills programme. I have experience of working alongside clinical teams within Child and Adult Mental Health Services in Nuneaton. I am able to make referrals to mental health support services, safeguarding teams, and community based support services in Warwickshire so you get the help you need when you need it.

Availability

Monday to Thursday: 15:30 - 21:00

Fridays: 11:00 - 21:00

Saturday: 09:00 - 21:00

Sunday: 09:00 - 21:00

Outside of these hours, session times can be negotiated on request. 

Further information

I am also training to become a family mediator. This means I will help families solve problems in a fair and respectful way. I want to make sure everyone feels safe and listened to in a confidential space. If you are currently going through a separation and need support with financial or childcare arrangements, I can help you.