Online Therapy and 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 (with student rates available) — 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.
Ready to talk to someone?
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 Online Therapy Works Across Time Zones
Sessions run by secure video, so you only need a private space, a stable connection and a device. Pakistan is 4 to 5 hours ahead of the UK, about 1 hour ahead of the UAE and 2 hours ahead of Saudi Arabia. It is 9 to 10 hours ahead of New York and Toronto, and 5 to 6 hours behind Sydney. The gap shifts by an hour when clocks change. We offer evenings and weekends where available, so tell us your city and the times that suit you, and we will work out a slot in your time zone.
Therapy in Urdu, Punjabi or English
You can speak in the language you think and feel in, and mix them freely. Many people find it easier to describe family pressure, shame or grief in Urdu or Punjabi than in English. Read more on why language matters in therapy or see our page on Urdu-speaking psychologists.
Where We Work With Pakistanis Abroad
We see clients online in the UK, the UAE and Gulf, the USA, Canada and Australia. Each country has its own page: Pakistani psychologist in the UK, Pakistani psychologist in the UAE and Gulf, Pakistani therapist in the USA and Canada, Muslim counselling in Australia and South Asian therapist online. Rules about practising across borders differ by country, so ask us before you book and we will tell you plainly what we can and cannot offer where you live.
Marriage, Parenting and Family From a Distance
Living abroad changes how couples, parents and children relate. A spouse may be working overseas while the family stays in Pakistan. Children may grow up between two cultures while parents hold on to the one they left. In-laws and relatives can still shape daily decisions from thousands of miles away. We work with these situations in individual and couple sessions. See our guide on marriage problems when your spouse is abroad, and our page on marriage counseling.
Homesickness, Loneliness and Starting Over
A new city can be exciting and lonely at the same time. Students, workers and new families often describe homesickness, a loss of status or identity, and a sense that no one around them really understands. These feelings are common and can improve with support. Our page on loneliness counseling explains how we help, and our guide on how online therapy works for overseas Pakistanis walks through a typical session.
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
Humanistic Integrative Therapist — 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:
Meet Therapists Who Can Help
Muhammad Naushad Anjum
Founder & Lead Psychologist (HCPC Registered) — Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling
Lamiah Munaf
Teenage Counselor & Educational Remedial Therapist
Kainat Ali
Clinical Psychologist — Anxiety, Panic Disorder & BPD
What Our Clients Say
“I had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. It’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.”
Subhan A. · Google Review
“I 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.”
Hashir K. · Google Review
“Have 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.”
Shagufta K. · Google Review
15+ Years of Experience You Can Trust
The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 — 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.
Explore Our Full Range of Services
Alongside specialist support for this concern, you have access to our full range of services — the same experienced team, available online or in person:
Individual Therapy
One-to-one online counseling and therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and personal growth.
Couples Counseling
Online relationship counseling for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust.
Marriage Counseling
Online marriage counseling for couples working through distress or disconnection.
Premarital Counseling
Guided conversations before marriage, available online.
Family Therapy
Family counseling for communication, parenting and conflict resolution.
Child Psychology
Child and adolescent therapy with parent guidance.
Online Therapy
Secure online therapy sessions from anywhere.
Corporate Mental Health Workshops
Workplace wellbeing programs for organisations.
Career Counseling
Support for career transitions and workplace stress.
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
Related Services
Pakistani Psychologist in the UK (HCPC Registered)
Muslim Marriage Counselling UK
Pakistani Psychologist in the UAE and Gulf
Pakistani Psychologist in Saudi Arabia
Muslim Therapist Online
Islamic Counselling Online
Muslim Therapist in the UK
Muslim Therapist in the USA and Canada
South Asian Therapist Online
South Asian Couples Therapy Online
Islamic Marriage Counselling USA and Canada
Muslim Counselling in Australia
Online Therapist for Pakistanis in USA & Canada
Psychotherapist in Toronto
Couple Counselling in Toronto
Psychotherapist in Mississauga
Relationship Therapist in Mississauga
Psychologist in Calgary
Psychologist in Brampton
Marriage Counseling in Brampton
Psychologist in Manchester
Psychologist in Leeds
Psychologist in London
Psychologist in Luton
Psychologist in Bradford
Psychologist in Birmingham
Online Psychologist Worldwide
Psychologist in Dubai
Psychologist in Abu Dhabi
Psychologist in Qatar
Psychologist in Kuwait
Psychologist in Bahrain
Psychologist in India
Psychologist in Houston, TX
Couple Counselling in Houston
Psychologist in Chicago
Couples Counselling in Chicago
Psychologist in New Jersey
Marriage Counseling in New Jersey
Psychotherapy in NYC
Psychologist in Virginia
Marriage Counseling in Virginia
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.