mental health and recovery after coercive control
Learn to thrive somewhere new.
Let me guess…
You are forging a new path, and looking backwards is painful
My doctoral research explored the recovery experiences of survivors of coercive control. I was interested in what promoted growth and the challenges people faced during the healing process. Survivors may be struggling with tremendous grief, questioning their views of the world, or feeling full of anxiety and fear about the future.
Managing relationships during and after this time – including post-separation abuse and parenting – can be especially re-triggering, making it feel impossible to build a life with joy and ease. We look to becoming beacons of hope for our loved ones.
I’m here to support you through this change.
Psychological support after coercive control can help you find yourself again.
As part of my private practice, advocacy is an integral part of my role in improving responses for survivors. I worked as part of the Domestic Violence & Abuse Working Group for the British Psychological Society from 2021 to 2023, where we focused on improving the sector, including drafting guidelines for enhanced psychological practice (currently in development). I am part of research and advocacy groups that endeavour to build the academic research in this area. While my interest in the research base remains, the heart of my work lies in clinical practice. I have trained in multiple evidence-based therapies from psychological science and integrate the best of these approaches to help tailor my approach to each individual and what they are trying to overcome, with a trauma and intersectional lens.
Finding out what your current difficulties are, and signposting you to recommended providers or services
Conducting a psychological assessment to help guide you to build emotional well-being for yourself and your family
understanding where your difficulties stem from and with this awareness we can discover how to address them
Learning practical tools and strategies tailored to what you are managing to integrate them so you feel engaged in life again
Exploring your concerns and hearing what other survivors found helpful in a supportive, validating, and non-judgemental space
rebuilding your identity and self-esteem so you feel confident again (or maybe for the first time!)
Discovering your boundaries, and how to place your needs in relationships so you can trust others and build intimacy
What we’ll work on
The Journey
Endorsements
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![Beach and waves]()
Dr Saira Khan is a compassionate and committed professional. I saw her working in the front-line of domestic abuse facilitating support groups and one-to-one sessions with survivors . She is one of the few mental health professionals I came across with a deep knowledge of coercion and controlling behaviour in perpetrators of abuse.
Marcela Benedetti, VAWG specialist and activist
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![Starfish]()
It was my pleasure to be Dr Saira Khan's doctoral external examiner, a role which required me to read and critically assess Dr Khan's doctoral thesis. Her thesis was about recovery from intimate partner violence and abuse, and I was very impressed with Dr Khan's deep and accurate knowledge of intimate partner violence and abuse If you are looking for someone who understands what it takes to recover psychologically from intimate partner violence, abuse and coercive control, I highly recommend Dr Saira Khan.
Dr Emma Katz, academic and global expert on Coercive Control
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![Fish]()
Saira is a highly experienced and skilled practitioner with exceptional interests in social justice, ethical practise an research. She is also an empathic person with an immense ability to hold safe, warm, non-judgmental space for those who need it most. Within the professional field she is highly regarded and appreciated for her dedication for work as she exceeds expectation, often goes beyond the call of duties to support the team and remains approachable and dependable.
Dr Mou Sultana, Lead of DVA Working Group at British Psychological Society, 2023
FAQS
What others have wondered about therapy around coercive control
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As a social enterprise, I provide some reduced-fee consultation sessions. I also provide one-off consultations around possible support options. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
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Although I have clinical experience supporting children and families, I only work with adults 18+. However, I often work with adults on how to support their children and their well-being.
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Unfortunately, I do not at the moment. My work is mainly clinical and academic.
More questions? Check out my FAQs page.
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