Leila Zaki Chakravarti is a mature trainee-counsellor with 20 years of professional background in social anthropology (the study of the different ways in which people live in various social and cultural settings) with a specific interest in the Middle East region. She is currently undertaking an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling at Goldsmiths – a career development motivated by understanding how isolating mental pain and emotional chaos can be without appropriate counselling/therapy. Undergoing therapy is a powerful experience that commands its own pace and time. Her goal throughout is to make a practical difference in clients' lives by listening and understanding, finding out as we go along.