Counselling in Reading and Online
A space for Forward-Thinking, Solution-Oriented, confidential and non-judgemental counselling for boys and men
Welcome to Male
Minds Counselling
My name is Cassim Kaweesa
I am a pluralistic counsellor providing short- and long-term therapy for boys and men. Located in Reading, we serve Tilehurst, Caversham, Earley, Wokingham, and beyond, offering both in-person and online sessions. I combine CBT, Humanistic approaches and psychodynamic approaches.
My Unexpected Path to Counselling
Believe it or not, becoming a counsellor wasn’t something I ever planned. But something important happened along the way that changed everything. I realised that people who aren’t your family can care just as much—sometimes even more—than those who are. And that inspired me. I wanted to be one of those people who offers support and understanding when it's needed most. I wanted to create a space where both men and women could talk freely, explore what’s on their minds, and not feel judged.
Creating a Safe Space for Expression
In my therapy room, no topic is off-limits. It doesn’t matter how unusual or difficult your thoughts or experiences might seem. I wanted to build a place where you can express yourself, be heard, and start to figure things out. Whether you're trying to understand yourself better, work through tough situations, or find some answers, I’m here to help you explore those things in a safe space.
Breaking the Stigma Around Asking for Help
Even though my practice focuses on working with boys and men, I welcome anyone who feels they need support. I know from experience that boys and men can often find it harder to ask for help or talk about their feelings. It’s not always easy to open up about what’s going on inside, and that’s part of the reason I set up this practice—to create a space where men can feel comfortable doing just that.
A Confidential, Non-Judgmental Approach
The practice I’ve created is all about being confidential, non-judgmental, and solution-focused. I want to help people feel understood, no matter their background or what they’ve been through. I also get that there are many different things that affect people, whether it’s family issues, school, work, money problems, or even spiritual or religious pressures. It’s important to recognise how all of these things can shape who we are.
Inclusive Support for All Individuals
I also wanted my practice to be open to all kinds of people. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADD or autism, have a disability, or come from a unique cultural background, like being from a traveller community or having strong roots in a culture like Nepalese Gurkhas or Peru, I want you to feel welcome. I understand that everyone’s life is influenced by different factors, and I’m here to listen, understand, and support you through it all.
No Matter Who You Are, I’m Here for You
No matter who you are, where you come from, or what’s on your mind, I’m here to listen, support you, and help you find the way forward. If you have specific needs or requirements, I’ll do everything I can to make sure you feel at ease. For example, if you’re autistic, I’ve got fidget toys available in sessions to help you feel more comfortable.
My Way of Working
I am a pluralistic psychotherapist, which means I draw from multiple approaches to tailor therapy to your specific needs. The three main approaches I integrate are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Focused on solutions, strategies, and practical techniques to help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. This is highly evidence-based and goal-oriented.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Helps us explore how your past, particularly your childhood, shapes who you are today. Sometimes, unresolved experiences influence your present struggles in ways you may not even realise.
Humanistic
Therapy
Focuses on who you are at your core, what your needs are, and how to reconnect with yourself in an authentic and meaningful way.
How I Work with You
When working together, I won’t force you into a specific framework. Instead, I adapt to what you need. Some sessions might involve looking at your past to uncover patterns, while others might focus on setting goals for your future. We might work on deep emotional healing, or we might focus on practical solutions—it all depends on what you need at the time.
I work flexibly and in a person-centred way, which means I meet you where you are. I don’t try to fit you into a model—I work with you as an individual, walking alongside you as you figure things out for yourself.
My Role in Therapy
I’m not here to give you the answers. My job isn’t to tell you what to do, but to help you uncover your own answers. No one knows you better than you do. I can offer theories, insights, and research, but ultimately, you are the expert on your own life.
You’ve probably spent a lot of your life listening to other people’s advice, looking outside yourself for direction. Therapy is about turning inward—getting clear on what you need, what you believe, and what you truly want.
My goal is to help you reach a place of integrity—where your body, mind, emotions, and motivations are all aligned. When that happens, you stop malfunctioning and start functioning at your highest capacity as a person.
My Approach to Sessions
I am quite direct. If you try to bullshit me, I will call you out. I don’t want to waste your time. Therapy is an investment—financially, emotionally, and in terms of your time. If you’re coming to see me, let’s do the work. Let’s dig deep, break family cycles, and actually get to the answers you’ve been searching for.
I am not your teacher, mentor, boss, or family member. Therapy is a unique space where we are equals. You are in control of what you talk about, and if you want to change direction halfway through therapy, that’s completely fine.
My Only Rules
Aside from that, you are welcome to express yourself however you need to, as long as it remains ethical and within the boundaries of therapy.
This is your space. Your journey. Your choice. Let’s get to work.
My Areas of Special Interest
Click on each interest to read more.
Spiritual and Religious Abuse
Navigating the damage caused by harmful spiritual or religious environments and reclaiming a sense of self and faith.
Non-Offending Minor-Attracted Persons
Providing a safe space for those navigating this deeply stigmatised topic, offering support to build self-awareness and manage internal conflicts.
False Rape, Sexual Assault Allegations
Supporting individuals grappling with the emotional, social, and psychological impacts of being falsely accused, helping them rebuild trust, confidence, and stability.
Bereavement and Loss
Helping individuals process loss, particularly when it feels overwhelming or unresolved
Male Postnatal Depression
Supporting men who feel lost or isolated in the transition to fatherhood.
Gang Members and Offenders
Working with individuals to explore their choices, uncover the root causes of their behaviours, and build a future that aligns with their values.
Other Issues I Work With
In addition to these specialised areas, I work with a broad spectrum of challenges boys and men might face, including:
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Stress
- Loss and Bereavement
- Trauma
- Self-Esteem, Confidence
- Sexual Abuse and Rape
- Family Conflict
- Work-Related Issues
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Life Transitions
I also understand the specific challenges that men and boys often bring into therapy, such as struggles with identity, emotional expression, managing anger or rage, or feeling disconnected in relationships. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as I work with a wide range of individuals facing various struggles. Please note that while I focus on supporting boys and men, I welcome anyone who doesn’t identify with these labels. My practice is open to all who seek support, regardless of gender identity.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +44 78528 98135 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.