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Counsellor & Psychotherapist (BA Hons, MBACP)
rumena@rumenapervin.com +44 (0)207 1013249 E15, Stratford, East London
Use the filters below to narrow the list of testimonials on this page to those cases that most closely match your situation.
Don't be concerned if you don't see your situation reflected here; this page lists all of the issues that I am qualified to help with.
Guidance
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Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Relationship
"Rumena has a warm and welcoming demeanor that made me feel comfortable from the very first session. Her astute insights have been invaluable in helping me set healthy boundaries.
I sought her help for a specific issue that I was dealing with in my relationship, but I left feeling like I had the tools and techniques to advocate for myself in all aspects of my life."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Body Image, Childhood Trauma, Confidence, Motivation, Personal Growth, Relationship, Stress
"I started therapy with Rumena during a period of extreme stress, when I felt like I could not navigate through my daily life and felt stuck in many aspects.
Rumena helped me navigate through this and beyond in a very careful, thoughtful and supportive way, guiding me to see the things I had been stuck on for years in a completely different perspective.
I now feel that I have the right tools to deal with stressful situations better and my loved ones have noticed a positive, calm change in me. I am very thankful to Rumena for guiding me through a difficult period and highly recommend her as a therapist. Thank you Rumena for being an excellent therapist and supporting me through the hundreds of open tabs that were in my head!"
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Confidence, Childhood, Relationship, Self-esteem
"I have had therapy twice with Rumena and have found each round of sessions to be invaluable.
Rumena listens deeply and has helped me to make sense of my past, feelings and behaviours in my relationships. She was not afraid to softly challenge and I felt I was in safe hands.
I experienced real shifts in my anxiety and feel better equipped to look after my mental health and relationships, so that I do not spiral.
I highly recommend Rumena for anyone considering therapy, she is a real expert."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Childhood Trauma, Motherhood, Stress, Work
"Rumena is an incredible therapist who holds space, made me feel heard and completely understood. From our very first session I felt a sense of relief from being able to speak with her. She was able to respond to whatever I needed whether that was acute problems happening at work, deep rooted impact of childhood traumas, to struggles with parenting and being a new mum.
I wish I found Rumena sooner but am hugely grateful for the time we worked together. I would highly recommend Rumena to anyone considering therapy."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Bullying, Family, Trauma
"I have loved working with Rumena, it was my first experience of counselling and she did not disappoint.
We have been working together for more than 2 years and it has changed my perception on myself and how I view myself. I have always felt seen and heard with her and understood. I have unlearned so many unhealthy behaviours and self-beliefs after working with Rumena and feel like I am the best version of myself.
I would recommend Rumena to anyone she is a great counsellor!"
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Catastrophising, Perfectionism, Stress, Work
"I worked with Rumena for several months during one of the most challenging periods of my life and she was by far the best therapist I have ever seen.
Her empathy, warmth and genuine understanding made me feel truly supported—as if she was always on my side. The environment she created was relaxed and welcoming, and she was incredibly easy to talk to. I was consistently impressed by how she remembered every detail from our previous sessions. Each time we met, we explored new ways of understanding the difficulties I was facing, often uncovering practical solutions to help me move forward.
My confidence has grown enormously, my perspective on life has shifted for the better and I am finally beginning to make real progress with my health.
I would highly recommend Rumena as a therapist."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Cultural identity, Depression, Family, Stress
"It was important to me to find a therapist who understood the nuances of South Asian culture and Rumena was just that and then some!
In our sessions, she created a space where I felt truly understood and safe enough to explore the deeper layers of the issues I had. She was able to guide me through difficult topics and helped me uncover patterns/behaviours I had never fully recognised.
I am so grateful for this support and the clarity she helped me to build and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else. She really does make you feel seen."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Male
Addiction, Cultural identity, Depression, Hopelessness, Infidelity, Spirituality
"I worked with Rumena for 1 year. A timeframe set by myself. Rumena always took time in my sessions to listen, support and ask questions to get me thinking on the best way to better my situations. Rumena is very non-judgmental and understanding towards the life of her client and situations they face.
I learnt a lot about myself from the time working with Rumena and was able to make decisions to better my life situation.
I would recommend Rumena as a counsellor, not just for her skills and knowledge but because you will have someone who genuinely cares, has a kind heart and truly wants the best for her clients.
You cannot ask for more in a counsellor."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Childhood Trauma, Confidence, Depression, Family, Relationship
"I completed a year of sessions with Rumena to address recent and longer-term challenges in my life.
Rumena worked with me from the beginning to set goals for what I wanted to achieve in our sessions. Rumena created space for me to unpack patterns of behaviour and thinking in a supportive atmosphere. I appreciated that Rumena understood the cultural context of my issues and listened without judgement."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxious attachment, Confidence, Family
"Rumena offers a soothing, calm space - you feel safe and at ease during your time with her.
I had a transformative experience during my sessions with her. I can map the positive changes within me from the first session we had together to the last.
I would recommend Rumena as a therapist and would be happy to use her services again in the future."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Abuse, Confidence, Family
"I was carrying a lot of pain from a difficult mother-daughter relationship.
My sessions with Rumena have helped me unpack years of feeling unheard, controlled and emotionally overwhelmed. She helped me understand that one of the critical voices in my head was shaped by that relationship. Through our sessions, I have been learning how to separate myself from that voice and rebuild my confidence. Rumena creates a calm and safe space to talk through my experiences and I never feel judged.
Therapy with Rumena has made me feel more in control of my emotions and more connected to who I really am, not just who I was made to feel like I had to be."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Childhood Trauma, Cultural Identity, Family
"I am so glad I found Rumena when looking for a new therapist. As a woman of colour, I am half Indian and half white English, I felt a disconnect with previous therapists who were unable to explore cultural aspects and nuances in my life.
Rumena was really thoughtful, sensitive and extremely supportive. She approached things at my pace and understood the balance of respecting my culture and family ties whilst also being validating, empowering and balanced.
I have become far more self-assured, confident in my relationships and in setting boundaries in different aspects of my life. She has helped me to understand myself and know my worth. No topic felt off-limits and things I have previously felt afraid to discuss in therapy I was able to talk about freely without worrying about being judged.
I would recommend Rumena to anyone wanting to explore therapy and to have a deeper understanding and connection with themselves, especially women of colour. Again, I cannot reiterate enough how thankful I am for her support."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Cultural Identity, Family, Relationship, Stress, Work
"Working with Rumena has truly been a pleasure. From the very beginning, she created a space where I felt safe, understood and genuinely cared for. Her kindness and empathy have helped me navigate some of the most difficult moments in my life. What stands out most is how present and supportive Rumena always is, with her guidance on the everyday life as well. I am grateful for the support and understanding she has shown me.
I fully recommend her to anyone seeking a therapist who is both professional and kind-hearted."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Bereavement, Infidelity, Trauma
"Rumena helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life. I experienced near divorce, trauma and the death of a loved one in a very short span of time. It was extremely important that I was able to speak to someone who understood my cultural and religious background without judgement. As someone living between two cultures it is not always easy to find someone who understands this and for myself personally, this is a big part of my identity.
Rumena made me feel comfortable as I was able to express myself on my terms and when I was ready. She took extreme care and time speaking to me about the things that were on my mind. She always made sure I had her trust and that I was ready. After our talks, I always reflected on the questions she asked me - these really helped to lift the dark cloud and the heaviness I felt I was carrying. Carefully, she picked up on things that I would tuck away and would not pay attention to; slowly I started to pay attention.
I have come a long way since I first spoke to Rumena 13 months ago. I am happier, healthier in my mind and body, but most importantly, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I cannot recommend Rumena enough.
Please do not have a second thought if you need a person to speak to. She is an incredible therapist and I will forever be grateful to her."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Confidence, Family, Illness
"I want to thank Rumena for the past year and a bit, she has been a tremendous help to me and I can gladly say that I definitely feel better-equipped to manage my anxiety, as well as the unexpected things that life may throw at me.
Rumena was always very empathetic and helped me to open up by providing a comfortable, non-judgemental and therefore safe space in which I was able to express myself fully without being afraid. Our sessions left me feeling hopeful and stronger than before.
Therapy with Rumena has allowed me to work through problems in a way that makes them less overwhelming. She has helped me to learn how to validate the way I feel about my problems, put myself first and to not take responsibility for the emotions of other people. She also helped me to be proud of myself and everything that I have achieved which I usually would have overlooked. Our sessions together have really allowed me to grow and trust that even if things do not always go my way, I will be able to cope with the changes and that I am actually stronger than I think.
I will always be grateful to her."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Childhood Trauma, Family, Relationship
"It took me 2 years to come to the realisation that I needed therapy and another year to build up the courage to contact a therapist. I chose Rumena specifically for the fact that she is South Asian, Muslim and female as I wanted to ensure I did not have to over-explain certain cultural and religious aspects of my life.
I came into therapy not knowing exactly how it would help me but I have not regretted a single second. I have genuinely loved every session that we have had regardless of whether it was face-to-face or over Zoom. I have felt a wide range of emotions while going through this journey and Rumena has helped me to unpack my past and look forward to my future. As time has gone on, I finally feel a sense of closure, clarity and the calmness that I had been craving.
I would highly recommend Rumena to anyone looking for a therapist who truly listens and understands."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Relationship
"Rumena is an empathetic and compassionate individual who helped me through an extremely difficult time in my marriage.
After each session, I would feel empowered and invincible.
The result of my therapy was a positive attitude towards life and a fulfilling marriage. I will forever be grateful to Rumena for enabling a safe space to be myself, whilst being completely non-judgemental.
Highly recommended."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Confidence, Depression
"I have been seeing Rumena for over six months and I can honestly say she has been life-changing for me. Her unique, mixed approach to therapy was unlike anything I had experienced before. Together, we explored areas of my life I had never thought to look at and this gave me incredible clarity and understanding around the root causes of my depression, anxiety and confidence struggles.
Rather than simply treating surface-level symptoms, she helped me get to the core of long-standing issues I had carried for most of my life. Through our sessions, I gained a fresh perspective that has empowered me to move forward with a greater sense of self-awareness and resilience.
Thanks to her support, I am now in a much better headspace and have been able to return to work feeling stronger, more positive and more equipped to manage the challenges of life."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Family, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship
"When I first began my sessions with Rumena, I was in one of the most difficult and painful seasons of my life. I was carrying the heavy weight of my trauma, unsure how I would ever begin to heal. From the very beginning, Rumena created a safe, compassionate space where I felt truly seen and heard. She never judged me. Instead, she listened with patience, understanding and genuine care.
Through her guidance, I was able to face parts of my story I thought I would never be strong enough to revisit. She gave me the tools to rebuild my confidence, to set healthy boundaries, and to believe in my own worth again. Her unwavering support reminded me that healing is not only possible, but something I am capable of achieving.
Looking back now, I see just how far I have come. I am stronger, more self-aware and more at peace with myself than I ever imagined I could be. My journey is still ongoing, but thanks to the kindness, wisdom and encouragement of Rumena, I am walking it with hope instead of fear.
I am deeply grateful to Rumena for being by my side during my darkest days and helping me grow into the person I am today. She is more than a therapist, she is a light for those finding their way out of the dark."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma
"I worked with Rumena for a year. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where I felt genuinely heard and understood. Her approach is both compassionate and insightful, helping me work through challenges at my own pace.
I have come away from sessions feeling lighter, more self-aware and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. Whether it is anxiety, past trauma, relationship issues or just needing clarity, she has consistently supported me with professionalism and warmth."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Family, Illness, Work
"I decided to seek therapy to try to help process my thoughts and feelings after supporting my partner through his cancer diagnosis. I was really keen to find a therapist who understood my cultural background so I could speak freely without having to explain or qualify things - I found this in Rumena.
Rumena has helped and supported me in so many ways, providing a completely non-judgemental space where I am comfortable to share anything. She has really taught me how to practice self-compassion and to not bottle up thoughts and feelings or to dismiss things as irrelevant.
With her support I have been able to process and move forward with life, which was exactly what I was seeking. Thank you Rumena!"
Type:
Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Cultural Identity, Family, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship
"I started therapy because I was going through some relationship issues and felt overwhelmed. My thoughts were all over the place and it was really hard for me to process and manage my emotions.
Working with Rumena gave me a calm space where I could talk about all these things without judgement. It helped me feel more grounded and over time, it became easier to understand and process what I was feeling myself. As the sessions went on, we discussed things that I did not originally start therapy for, but I am glad that we did. Everything was taken at my own pace and it really helped me to begin healing from things that have happened in the past that I was avoiding. What I found most helpful was having consistent support in a place where I did not have to filter what I was feeling or thinking and where I always felt like I would be met with understanding and no judgement. Also, it was never awkward when going to a session after a long time of not doing so. Rumena always made me feel welcome no matter how much time had passed.
After our sessions, I left feeling a bit lighter and much more centered and calm."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Addiction, Anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Relationship, Work
"My time with Rumena has been invaluable. I have felt myself change, grow, progress and come on leaps and bounds throughout our sessions together. Rumena is kind, welcoming, warm and professional. I feel safe and authentic in her presence. Rumena has a style of therapy that, for me, has had a family-like supportive nature that has really benefitted me in terms of my willingness to attend regularly and my commitment to working toward what I want to achieve. "
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship
"Having Rumena to help me through a very tumultuous and difficult time has been nothing short of life changing.
I was, with her help, able to gain the confidence I needed to make difficult decisions that ultimately led to a much happier state of being. I left a very unhealthy relationship, set boundaries with family where needed and was able to better understand how to deal with anxiety.
She is kind, compassionate, patient and insightful. I would recommend her to anyone who is seeking therapy."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Confidence, Relationship, Stress
"Reaching out to Rumena marked a pivotal moment in my journey towards mental health recovery. At a time when I was experiencing a low, Rumena provided a space of understanding and care.
Her ability to connect, partly due to our shared cultural background, allowed me to feel immediately seen and valued. Throughout our sessions, Rumena has maintained an unwavering stance of non-judgment and empathy, creating a safe space where I could openly share any issue without fear of criticism.
The growth I have observed in myself this year is a testament to the effectiveness of the techniques we have explored together. Under guidance from Rumena, I have embarked on a healing journey that has brought me closer to my true self and a newfound sense of peace.
I am grateful for the support of Rumena. Her professionalism and genuine care has made all the difference."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Confidence
"I started therapy having negative thoughts about myself and feeling very low. This had caused me to feel anxiety particularly during social interactions.
Rumena has helped me to recognise negative thinking patterns and think about productive ways to challenge those. In the sessions, we were able to unpick some of the causes for those thoughts and feelings which have helped me to be able to separate myself from those negative thoughts. I have been able to develop an increased awareness about my thoughts and challenge them.
I feel a lot more positive about myself and I have learned a lot of useful tools to support myself in these sessions."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Bereavement
"Rumena has been absolutely fantastic throughout all my therapy sessions. She has enabled me to open up in ways that I could not imagine doing just a few months ago.
Since taking up therapy sessions with Rumena, I have become a more confident and happier person. She has helped me come to terms with my feelings and has provided me with coping mechanisms.
Rumena is amazing and I could not be more thankful."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Female
Anxiety, Depression, Relationship
"I have found Rumena to be a very kind and understanding therapist and she helped me a lot during a difficult period of time. She is able to truly empathise with her clients and make them feel heard.
I would recommend her to any new clients as a brilliant therapist. She makes you feel comfortable and not judged regardless of your circumstances. "
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Male
Addiction, Anxiety, Childhood Trauma, Confidence, Cultural Identity, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationship
"I had come across Rumena during a very difficult time in my life. I was experiencing PTSD from my childhood trauma, which was made much more complex by my cultural heritage. For this reason, I was not able to connect with my previous therapist, whom I had been seeing for about 4 years. When my previous therapist had to suddenly cancel our sessions due to their illness, my life became even more challenging.
Rumena and I had a trial phone call session and I immediately felt understood in a way that I had not been before. Sixteen sessions later and I could not be more glad that I met her.
My traumas were embedded in my entire childhood and were rooted in alcoholism. My South Asian heritage made me often feel misunderstood by others - both peers and therapists alike. Rumena has helped me immensely in navigating these complex traumas and finding a path forward. She has also helped me reach a place where I can once again love my heritage instead of it being a source of resentment.
Rumena is kind, insightful and wise and I am extremely grateful to have found her."
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Gender:
Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Male
Childhood Trauma, Relationship
"I reached out to Rumena at one of the most difficult and lowest points of my life. I was engulfed by a deep and overwhelming state of unhappiness, hopelessness and confusion about my marriage and about life in general. I knew that I needed help, but I did not know where to turn. Thankfully, I found Rumena.
Rumena patiently listened to my confused ramblings and made me feel understood. She would offer her invaluable insights just at the right times and challenge some of the unconscious assumptions I held about myself.
Slowly, but surely, with guidance from Rumena, I started to gain clarity on my feelings and understand myself better. Rumena helped me to learn to take responsibility for my role in the deterioration of my relationship, but also to give myself grace and recognise that I was not solely responsible for the state of affairs. Thanks to Rumena, I have gained the confidence to start addressing some of the deep-rooted childhood traumas which influenced how I showed up in relationships. I am still a work in progress, but I can already feel the transformative power of healing.
I will forever be grateful to Rumena for holding my hand when I was in a dark and lonely place and for guiding me towards light and healing."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Male
Infidelity
"Rumena has helped me tremendously through our weekly face-to-face therapy sessions. She has helped me manage my emotions, process complex thoughts and come up with consistent solutions. She is a great listener and has no doubt helped others in the same way."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Individual
Male
Depression
"Really glad to have worked with Rumena, I was new to therapy but she is very versatile, very easy to talk to and it never felt like a chore. I felt she was particularly strong with helping me understand relationships, something I did not have much experience with, and she helped me to begin breaking cycles of depression."
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Issue(s):
Testimonial:
Couple
Male + Female (Couple)
Relationship
"I wanted to thank you for the incredible impact you have had on our lives. While it has taken some time, we are finally working as a team thanks to the tools you provided.
I have recommended you to many family members and friends and I trust they will benefit just as much as we did."
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