Therapy Service for Muslims

This service provides online psychological intervention to individuals impacted by 
the March 2019 Mosque attacks in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It aims to take an 
Islamic perspective on wellbeing. 

What does this service offer?

Up to six free online therapy sessions with a registered psychologist (therapist).
Download/print information about this service

How to access this service:

Individuals need to be referred via one of the following services:
 • Christchurch Resettlement Services
 • Purapura Whetu
 • General Practitioner (GP)

I've been referred to this service - what's next?

Once you have been referred, you can choose a therapist from the list below and contact them directly to
arrange your first session or to discuss your needs. 

Therapists

Waheeda Goga Registered Clinical Psychologist Assalamu Alaikum, My name is Waheeda Goga. I am a NZ registered Muslim Clinical Psychologist originally from South Africa. I have experience in women's health psychology, trauma, depression and anxiety and working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. I also have experience in offering online services and am fluent in English. I look forward to offering safe, confidential and tailored services to members of the Christchurch Muslim community. Please contact me if you would like to arrange a session. Available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call 027 317 3467 or click here to email me

Areej Arif  Registered Psychologist Kia Ora and AlSalam Alaikum, My name is Areej Arif and I am a registered psychologist in NZ. I am Iraqi-Syrian and had a transient upbringing between the Emirates and NZ. I speak fluent Arabic and English. I have experience working with children, adolescents, migrants and refugees. I enjoy working face to face, however, post-Covid I have become comfortable supporting people virtually.  Please contact me if you would like to arrange a session. Available Wednesday and Friday. Call 021 140 8155 or click here to email me

Asma Shah Registered Psychologist Alsalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah, I am Asma Shah, a mother and a registered Psychologist. I am originally from Afghanistan and came to New Zealand when I was 12 years old. I am fluent in Dari/Farsi, English and Urdu. I work with children, youth and adults, and have experience working in the migrant and refugee sector and the education sector. As an Afghan-Kiwi refugee, I have lived experience of balancing life in two different worlds and understand the courage it takes to seek support. I value confidentiality, compassion and a non-judgemental way of working with people.  Please contact me if you would like to arrange a session. Available Tuesday and Wednesday. Call 022 404 2956 or click here to email me

Interpreters

Our therapists are fluent in a variety of languages including English, Arabic, Dari/Farsi and Urda.

This service offers interpreters for those who require them free of charge (given an interpreter with the required
language is available). If an interpreter is required, please ask your referrer to contact MHERC (email or 0800 424 399)
to advise what language is needed. MHERC will arrange an appropriate interpreter and provide their details to the referrer.

Data Privacy

All clients details and information will remain private and confidential. Therapists will provide anonymous data to
MHERC for statistical purposes and to report on service uptake.

Urgent Mental Health Care

Please note this is not a crisis service. For urgent or crisis mental health care please contact Single Point of 
Entry/Crisis Resolution services at Te Whatu Ora - 0800 920 092 (24 hours, 7 days).