>My name is Linda Hafez, and I am a BACP-accredited psychotherapist and family practitioner with 14 years of experience. I launched this specialised wedding service inspired by my own wedding experience. We offer a six-week workshop, led by trained therapists, for any member of a wedding party to explore and address the overwhelming feelings of anxiety surrounding the wedding day. We provide a safe space to explore these feelings and practical tools to help you feel your best on your special day. We also offer support to other family members; for example, if a parent of the bridal party is struggling with the prospect of seeing ex-partners or facing other concerns. If you are a bride or groom unable to manage the stress of family dynamics, rest assured that we are here to support you professionally. You are about to celebrate the next step of your life—do not let anxieties or family dynamics overshadow this joy. We are here to help.
As part of my practice as a therapist, I had undergone personal therapy before, but I never realised the stress that planning a wedding would bring. I would describe it as knowing something great is coming but feeling unable to share the stress because you do not want to seem doubtful or ungrateful. This event amplifies every family dynamic, from separated parents to guests who drink too much. Being the center of attention, remembering speeches and dances, and managing family dynamics like seating arrangements was intense. Finding make-up artists and choosing colours was easier because there were so many options, but navigating my feelings was far more complicated. My husband-to-be attended public speaking classes because the fear of his speech was overwhelming.
I found an abundance of practical resources for orchestrating the perfect day, but there was a glaring absence of emotional and therapeutic support to navigate the anxieties that go with wedding events—from pre-wedding parties to complex family dynamics and cultural expectations, not to mention the fear of being the center of attention. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and sharing these feelings with those closest to me was not always possible. To fill this gap, I developed a counselling service, and bespoke couples’ workshops specifically designed to understand and address these needs. Through therapy, I learned to set boundaries and manage my anxieties. Now, I have assembled a team of therapists committed to doing the same for you, ensuring you can cherish every moment of your journey to the altar.
>We have a team of BACP-registered counsellors, each with a long history of experience across various theoretical approaches. All of our counsellors have received additional training in addressing wedding-related challenges. Depending on the presenting issues identified during the assessment, you will be matched with a counsellor who not only has theoretical knowledge of the subject but also further training in wedding-related issues relevant to the subject. The team has experience working with a wide range of traditions and cultural expectations, bringing a broad understanding of various social practices and norms. This diversity enables us to offer a more personalised and sensitive service that caters to your needs
