Therapy in Saraiki: finding a Saraiki-speaking therapist
You speak Saraiki, and some things land differently in your mother tongue. This page explains why therapy in Saraiki can help, what a session is like, and how to find a therapist who speaks it.
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Why therapy in Saraiki can matter
When you talk about something hard, the words that come first are often the ones you grew up with. In Saraiki, feelings have their own weight. Words like *dard* (pain) or *pyaar* (love) carry a warmth and depth that English versions sometimes miss. Family roles too, *amma*, *abba*, *bhai*, *bhen*, are not just labels; they hold expectations, history, and a sense of duty that is hard to translate.
If you are living far from where you grew up, in the UK, the Gulf, Canada or Europe, you might find yourself switching between Saraiki and English all day. At work or with friends you speak English. At home or when you are upset, your mind goes back to Saraiki. That is normal. And it is one reason therapy in your own language can feel more direct, more honest.
Therapy is about finding the right words for what is going on inside you. When those words are in Saraiki, you do not have to pause to translate. You do not have to wonder if the therapist really understands what *gham* (grief) or *sharm* (shame, embarrassment, honour) means to you. The meaning is already there.
Words for feelings and family
Some Saraiki words do not have a single English equivalent. That is not a problem, it is a sign that the feeling itself is rich and specific. Here are a few common ones that come up in therapy:
- *Dard*, pain, but also the ache of missing someone or carrying a long hurt.
- *Gham*, grief, sorrow, the heaviness that stays after a loss.
- *Sharm*, shame, but also a sense of modesty or what is proper in front of others.
- *Pyaar*, love, affection, the kind you feel for family without having to explain it.
- *Fikar*, worry, concern, the kind that keeps you awake at night about your children or parents.
- *Umeed*, hope, the quiet kind that keeps you going even when things are hard.
Family words matter too. In therapy, you might talk about your *amma* or *abba*, your *bhai* or *bhen*, or your *bahu* (daughter-in-law) or *sasural* (in-laws). These relationships come with roles and expectations that a Saraiki-speaking therapist will understand without you having to explain the whole family structure from scratch.
What a session is like
A therapy session with a Saraiki-speaking therapist is not very different from any other therapy session. You sit (or walk, if you prefer a video call where you move around) and you talk. The therapist listens, asks questions, and helps you make sense of what is happening.
The first session is usually about getting to know each other. The therapist will ask what brought you to therapy and what you hope to get from it. You do not have to have a clear answer. Many people start with "I just feel heavy" or "I cannot sleep" or "I am worried about my son". That is enough.
You can speak Saraiki the whole time. Or you can mix in English when a word comes easier. Therapists who work with multilingual people are used to this. They might say something in Saraiki and then repeat a key idea in English, just to make sure it is clear.
A session is not a lecture. It is not advice from an elder or a religious leader. It is a space where you can say things you might not say to your family, about how you really feel, about doubts or anger or sadness, without anyone being hurt or offended.
Mixing Saraiki and English
Many Saraiki speakers use both languages in everyday life. In therapy, that mix is fine. You might describe a feeling in Saraiki because it is more accurate, then switch to English to explain a situation at work. The therapist will follow you.
Some people worry that mixing languages means they are not doing therapy properly. That is not true. The point is to communicate, not to stick to one language. If a Saraiki word comes out, use it. If an English phrase is clearer, use that. Over time, you may find that some topics feel more natural in one language than the other.
The therapist might also use both languages. They might explain a concept in English and then check in Saraiki: *"Samajh aa gaya?"* (Did you understand?). That back-and-forth is part of what makes therapy in your own language feel easier.
Privacy in close communities
This is a real concern. If you come from a Saraiki-speaking community, especially a tight-knit one abroad, you might worry about someone recognising you or your family. You might wonder if the therapist knows someone you know. You might fear that what you say could get back to your *biraderi* (community or clan).
These worries are valid. Therapy is built on confidentiality. A registered therapist is legally and ethically bound to keep what you say private. They cannot tell anyone, not your family, not your friends, not anyone in the community, without your written permission. In the UK, that is the law. In other countries, similar rules apply.
You can also choose to see a therapist who lives far from your area. With online therapy, you can find a Saraiki-speaking therapist in another city or even another country. That reduces the chance of a connection to your local community. Many people find this helps them speak more freely.
Is therapy confidential? Privacy explained goes into more detail about what therapists can and cannot share.
Faith and therapy
Saraiki-speaking communities often have strong religious roots, whether Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Sikh. You might wonder if therapy conflicts with your faith. It does not have to. Many therapists respect and work with a person's faith. They will not push you to abandon your beliefs. Instead, they might help you find ways to use your faith as a source of strength, while also dealing with the human struggles that everyone faces.
If faith is important to you, you can bring it into sessions. You can mention prayer, your relationship with God, or the teachings that guide you. A good therapist will listen and work with that, not against it.
For more on this, see Faith and therapy: can a religious person see a therapist?
How to find a Saraiki-speaking therapist online
Finding a therapist who speaks Saraiki takes a little looking, but it is possible. The Therapy O'Clock professionals directory lets you filter by language. You can see who is listed today. Some therapists speak Saraiki alongside Urdu, Punjabi or English. Read their profiles to see if they mention Saraiki specifically.
If you do not find someone right away, try searching for therapists who speak Urdu or Punjabi. Many Saraiki speakers also speak these languages, and the therapist may understand Saraiki even if it is not listed. You can also contact a therapist and ask if they work with Saraiki-speaking clients.
Another option is to ask your GP or family doctor. In the UK, the NHS has some talking therapy services that offer interpreters, though availability varies. Private therapists, like those on Therapy O'Clock, are another route.
How online therapy works, step by step explains the practical side, booking, video calls, payment, if you are new to it.
When therapy can help
People come to therapy for many reasons. A pharmacist who moved from Cairo to Riyadh might feel lonely and disconnected from his family back home. A temple committee member in Leicester might carry the stress of community expectations and not know where to put it. A gurdwara volunteer in Surrey, British Columbia might be grieving a parent and find that no one in her family wants to talk about it.
Therapy is a place for those things. It is not only for crisis. It is for the quiet struggles that go on for months or years. If you have been feeling heavy, worried, angry or stuck, and you think talking might help, that is enough reason to try.
A last note
Therapy in Saraiki is not a special or unusual thing. It is simply therapy that fits your language. If you have been thinking about it, you can start by looking at the directory or reading more about how online therapy works. You can also talk to your GP or someone you trust. The important thing is to take the step that feels right for you.
Questions people ask
Can I have therapy in Saraiki if I live in a country where Saraiki is not common?
Yes. Many therapists offer online sessions, so you can connect with a Saraiki-speaking therapist from anywhere in the world. The directory shows who is listed today, and you can search by language to find someone who fits.
What if the therapist does not speak my exact dialect of Saraiki?
Most Saraiki-speaking therapists understand the main dialects, such as Multani, Riasti or Derawali. You can ask them before booking to make sure you can communicate comfortably.
Will my family find out I am seeing a therapist?
No. Therapists keep sessions confidential by law and professional ethics. They cannot tell anyone without your permission. Online therapy also lets you choose a therapist far from your area, which adds another layer of privacy.
Is it okay to cry in a session?
Yes. Many people cry during therapy, and it is a normal way to release feelings that have been building up. The therapist will not be surprised or uncomfortable, and they will not make you feel embarrassed about it.
Can I bring my spouse or parent into the session with me?
You can, but it is usually better to have your own session first so you can speak freely. Family sessions work differently and are best planned with the therapist after you have established a foundation.
What if I do not know why I feel bad? Can I still come?
Yes. Many people start therapy without a clear reason, simply feeling that something is off. The therapist can help you explore what is going on and put words to it over time.
Do I have to talk about religion if I am not religious?
No. You only talk about what you want to talk about. You can leave faith out of sessions completely, and the therapist will respect that choice.
How long does therapy usually last?
It varies from person to person. Some people come for a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others continue for months or longer. You can stop whenever you feel ready.
Is therapy expensive?
Costs vary by therapist and country. Some offer sliding scale fees based on your income, so it is worth asking before you book, once booking opens. Many people find it more affordable than they expected.
Can I switch therapists if I do not feel comfortable?
Yes. It is important to find someone you trust, and you can try another therapist at any time. You do not have to explain why you want to switch.
What if I need help between sessions?
Your therapist may suggest things to try at home, like journaling or breathing exercises. For urgent help, crisis lines are available on the page footer, and you can also use Find A Helpline for numbers in your country.
Do I need to prepare anything before the first session?
No. Just come as you are. If you want, you can think about what you would like to talk about, but it is not required. The therapist will guide the conversation.