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Some Stories Need a Season of Rest: A Reflection on Therapist Wellbeing
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Saiyna Reflections on Therapist Wellbeing
30/07/2026
Uruj Anjum, MBACP(Accred), Msc
One of the ideas I often return to in therapy is that growth doesn’t only happen through doing. It also happens through pausing. As I prepare to take my annual break from social media, I’ve been reflecting on my own relationship with rest—and how it has been shaped by being a child of immigrants.
In many immigrant households, the unspoken message is often: keep going, work harder, don’t waste time, be grateful. Over time, rest can start to feel like something to be earned rather than something we are allowed to need.
I notice how easily this story follows us into adulthood, and into our clinical and supervisory work.
We encourage clients to slow down, to notice, to reflect. We hold that space in supervision too, yet we can struggle to offer the same permission to ourselves.
The nervous system also needs time for integration. And supervision, too, asks us to pause, to metabolise, and to be human. As summer moves towards autumn, perhaps this is your invitation too. Before the new academic year begins, before diaries fill and training resumes, take a moment to ask yourself:
What part of me—therapist, supervisor, human—needs tending before I return to holding space for others? What does my own therapist wellbeing look like?
What’s new at Saiyna Therapy
As we head into a new season, there are a few things I’m looking forward to sharing with you.
BACP Insights Podcast
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining the BACP Insights podcast to talk about a topic I'm deeply passionate about: the emotional impact of genetics, inherited uncertainty, and why these conversations belong in every therapy room—not just specialist services.
If you haven't listened yet, I hope you'll find it a thoughtful introduction to the work I'm trying to bring into our profession.
CPCAB Level 7 Applications
Applications are now open for the CPCAB Level 7 Diploma in Attachment-Focused Psychotherapeutic Pathway to Clinical Mastery. If you have 3 years post-qualifying experience and want to take the next step in your professional journey to incorporate clinical supervision, attachment-informed couples therapy, trauma, and clinical research, I’d love to welcome you.
I'll be teaching online on Thursdays 9:30-13:30 term-time, starting September 24th 2026.
Autumn CPD with Onlinevents
These workshops are designed to offer practical ideas you can take straight into the therapy room.
Ambiguous Loss & Anticipatory Grief- 03/09/2026 13:00-14:00
Genetic Uncertainty- 02/10/2026 13:00-14:00
Drawing Genograms in Clinical Practice-17/11/2026 10:00-12:00
Saiyna Circle Book Club
I’m delighted to be launching the first Saiyna Circle Book Club with Donna-Maria Dodson this autumn—a relaxed space for therapists to come together, think deeply, and connect through shared reading in Kent.
Thank you for taking the time to read this reflection and for being part of the Saiyna Therapy community.
Over the coming weeks, I'll be taking a step back from social media while enjoying a short clinical break. I'll still be responding to enquiries and look forward to returning to client work, teaching, and supervision refreshed for the autumn.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. What has this summer been teaching you? Feel free to get in touch or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram to continue the conversation.
If this reflection resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a colleague, supervisee, or friend who you think might find it meaningful. Saiyna continues to grow through thoughtful people sharing ideas, and I'm always grateful when these conversations reach someone new.
Warmly,
Uruj
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