Counselling for Pakistanis Living Abroad

Moving abroad can bring a better life and a heavier one at the same time. Distance from family, a new culture, and expectations from both worlds can show up as anxiety, low mood, loneliness or constant tension. The Meeting Matters offers online counselling for Pakistanis and South Asians abroad, led by Ms. Alya Riaz, a Certified Humanistic Integrative Therapist.

Better Value, Without Compromising on Care

Session fees at The Meeting Matters are set in Pakistani Rupees (PKR 5,000โ€“15,000, with a 20% student discount) โ€” for clients paying in GBP, USD or CAD, that typically works out to a fraction of local therapy costs, without compromising on qualified, evidence-based psychologists who understand your cultural background firsthand.

๐Ÿ’ป Online Sessions Availableโฑ Reply within 30 minutes๐Ÿ”’ 100% Confidential

Common struggles when you live abroad

Feeling pulled between traditional values and modern life, handling family expectations from a distance, questions about identity and belonging, strain in marriages and relationships, and the stress of building a life from scratch. These are common, and they are well suited to therapy.

Grief and loss from a distance

Missing a funeral, a wedding or a parent's illness because you are far away can leave grief that is hard to put down. Grief and bereavement support is part of Ms. Alya Riaz's work, including for clients who could not be there when it mattered.

An integrative, client-centred approach

Ms. Alya Riaz draws on Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, CBT-informed techniques and mindfulness-based practices. Your sessions are shaped around you: in a safe, unhurried space to understand what you feel and decide what you want to change.

How to start

Send us a message on WhatsApp or use the booking form. Tell us your city, your preferred evening and what you would like help with. We confirm within 30 minutes.

Meet the Specialist

Alya Riaz

Alya Riaz

Humanistic Integrative Therapist โ€” Trauma, Grief & Life Abroad

Ms. Alya Riaz is a Certified Humanistic Integrative Therapist with over 15 years of experience and a CPCAB (UK) diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling. She works with clients mostly in the USA and Canada on trauma, grief and bereavement, life transitions, cultural adjustment and relationship challenges, using Person-Centred, Gestalt, CBT-informed and mindfulness-based approaches.

What Alya helps with:

Trauma & HealingGrief & BereavementAnxiety & StressEmotional Well-beingRelationship IssuesCultural IdentityCross-Cultural ChallengesLiving AbroadFamily & Societal ExpectationsLife TransitionsSelf-Esteem & Self-AwarenessPersonal DevelopmentMindfulness & Coping SkillsPerson-Centered TherapyGestalt TherapyCBT-Informed TechniquesMindfulness-Based Practices

Meet Therapists Who Can Help

Muhammad Naushad Anjum

Muhammad Naushad Anjum

Founder & Lead Psychologist โ€” Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling

CBTDBTCouples
Lamiah Munaf

Lamiah Munaf

Teenage Counselor & Educational Remedial Therapist

Self-Esteem & Confidence BuildingPeer Pressure & Healthy Decision-MakingBehavioral Modification
Kainat Ali

Kainat Ali

Clinical Psychologist โ€” Anxiety, Panic Disorder & BPD

AnxietyDepressionBorderline Personality Disorder

What Our Clients Say

โ€œI had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. Itโ€™s not easy to find a safe space for mental health, but yahan ka mahol bohat pur-sakoon aur welcoming hai. They genuinely listen to your problems without any judgment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for good counseling in Islamabad.โ€

Subhan A. ยท Google Review

โ€œI am truly grateful to Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and the team at Meeting Matters. I reached out during one of the most difficult periods of my life while dealing with grief and trying to be the best parent I could be for my children. Ms. Tasmiya's kindness, empathy, and guidance helped me navigate emotions that often felt overwhelming. She helped me understand my feelings, regain perspective, and think through practical ways of supporting my children and myself. I always felt respected, heard, and comfortable during our sessions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and Meeting Matters to anyone going through a challenging time and looking for professional support in a compassionate environment.โ€

Hashir K. ยท Google Review

โ€œHave noticed alot of changes within myself because of the sessions I've had. My therapist is extremely kind and helpful. I've never once felt uncomfortable feeling like I'm talking to a stranger. My Dr has made me feel as if she's my own and has helped me a lot.โ€

Shagufta K. ยท Google Review

15+ Years of Experience You Can Trust

The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 โ€” over fifteen years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Pakistan and around the world. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, delivered through confidential online counseling and online therapy as well as in-person sessions at our Islamabad clinic.

Key Benefits

  • Cultural identity and cross-cultural support
  • Grief, trauma and life-transition counselling
  • Relationship and family-expectation concerns
  • Anxiety, stress and emotional regulation
  • Online, confidential, evening availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.