Me and My Practice

My name is Zorack Shahzad Aziz and with a background in education I’ve always seen myself as a helper. My experience of secondary school and college teaching spanning over 20 years has equipped me with the skills to connect with a diverse array of people, understand human behaviours, and approach others with insight, empathy, humour, and non- judgmental acceptance.

My journey into therapy began with three years of post graduate study at Leeds Beckett University, along with two years of clinical training at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, where I provided bereavement support to families.

Since starting my private practice : Chapel Allerton Therapy in 2020, I have been committed to helping individuals navigate life’s struggles and challenges. I have successfully guided clients through various life events and issues, including anxiety, trauma, depression, work- related stress, low self -esteem, emotional regulation, burnout, bullying, and relationship issues.

I provide a relaxed, safe environment where my clients feel heard, understood, and respected. My approach is down- to- earth and accessible, and combines knowledge, intuition, and analytical thinking. This ensures a balance between empathy, compassion, and clinical objectivity. I value establishing a sound therapeutic working alliance, in the belief that open, honest dialogue is key to effective healing.

Two black armchairs with light wooden frames and patterned pillows facing each other, a small wooden table with a potted plant in the center, a window with curtains, a floor lamp, and a green rug in a cozy living room.
Certification badge for BACB, featuring purple and pink design elements, accrediting a professional with a registered member number 383567, and emphasizing standards authority and accreditation.

A Personal Journey into Therapy

My decision to become a therapist was driven by a desire to support others in overcoming psychological and emotional difficulties. I’ve also always been fascinated by human behaviour and how we communicate, and the ways in which life experiences shape us. Therapy allows me to work one-on-one with clients, helping them navigate their own unique life challenges, and guiding them towards a place of self -knowledge, autonomy, and resilience. I also believe it’s important to provide them with a skillset and resources they can use to help manage their difficulties on completing therapy.

A man with dark hair, a goatee, and wearing a black polo shirt, taking a selfie indoors. In the background, there is a plant with broad green leaves and a painting of cherry blossoms on a blue background.

Diverse Skills and Clinical Expertise

Successful counselling and psychotherapy depends on clear and open communication. So, given that I speak several languages : English, Arabic, French, Urdu and Punjabi, this means I can help break down any potential barriers to communication,and can put you at ease when seeking help and make you feel more comfortable and understood.

To maintain and enhance my clinical skills, I regularly attend clinical supervision with other accredited psychotherapists and engage in ongoing professional development ( CPD) to keep up to date with research and best practice.

Chapel Allerton Therapy logo with decorative pattern and text in black and gold.

Being Honest and Genuine

In my experience, being honest with myself and my clients establishes trust. As a client you need to feel safe when opening up, and be listened to with genuine compassion, understanding, and empathy

Being fully present for my clients is crucial and serves as a model for how they can then relate to themselves and others in new improved ways in their own lives outside of the therapy space.

I am a Registered Accredited Member of the BACP which means my practice has been throughly assessed and approved by the BACP as meeting their high standards for safe, ethical, and competent therapy. I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling an Psychotherapy- Leeds Beckett University

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Interpersonal and Counselling Skills- Leeds Beckett University

  • BACP Accredited Registered Member (MBACP, Accred.)

  • Masters in English-Arabic-English Translation- University of Leeds

  • PGCE in Secondary Modern Foreign Languages- University of Bradford

  • Arabic Studies BA (hons) University of Leeds

Qualifications

Recent professional development (CPD)

As a registered and Accredited member of the BACP I am required to keep up to date with research and professional development. Here are some recent examples:

  • Addiction, Attachment, Trauma and Recovery Oliver J Morgan

  • Attachment in Psychotherapy by David J. Wallin

  • Mindful Compassion by Paul Gilbert and Choden

  • Working at Relational Depth in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Dave Mearns, Mick Cooper

  • Retrain Your Brain CBT in 7 weeks Seth J Gillihan

  • Doing Psychotherapy A Trauma and Attachment - informed Approach

  • Managing chronic anxiety with mindfulness Ron Siegel

  • CBT working with guilt SDS seminar

  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Dr Bessel van de Kolk

  • CBT+ DBT+ ACT by Emily Torres