My Early Life
I was born in Kampala, Uganda. My biological father abandoned my mother when he found out she was pregnant, and he died when I was seven. I was raised by my stepdad, a white man, in a family of practising Muslims. I am also a bisexual man.
Growing up in the UK, I experienced severe bullying. Kids would eat bananas in front of me during break times, throwing the peels at me while calling me names like monkey and gorilla lips. The shame and isolation I felt during those years stayed with me for a long time.
I’ve been arrested multiple times, including twice for drink driving. At one point, I tried to punch a police officer. I was an alcoholic. I was addicted to pornography and paid-for sex. In my early 20s, I worked as a prostitute, sleeping with men, women, and couples. I used to lie and steal constantly—lying to my parents, friends, workplaces—living much of my life in a state of shame.
I spiralled into thousands of pounds of debt. I failed miserably in school, placed in bottom sets for everything. I’ve had over 28 jobs. I was arrested for driving without insurance or tax. And I survived two suicide attempts.
A New Beginning
But my story doesn’t end there. I’ve since gone on to write multiple books, earn a counselling diploma, buy a house, get out of debt, overcome my alcohol addiction, and do a deep level of internal healing—especially around shame.
I share this with you not to shock or impress but to show you that change is possible. Redemption is real. Transformation and miracles happen. And they can happen for you, too. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we can change direction simply by choice.
I’m not here to say your life is like mine or that you should follow my path. But I do know that you have your own journey, your own struggles, and your own possibilities. Isn’t it worth exploring what those possibilities could be?
Qualifications and CPD
- NSPCC Designated Safeguarding Lead for Schools and Colleges Training
- Russ Bridge Level 3: Award in Education & Training (AET) Course
- IPMA Universal Safeguarding Training
- Prince’s Trust Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Introduction to Counselling Skills
- Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (PROF. DIP PSY C.)
- CPD Certified NSPCC Certificate Child Protection in Secondary School
- CPD Certified NSPCC Certificate Keeping 16- to 25-year-olds Safe from Abuse
- CPD SORTS Supportive Response to Self-harm
You have nothing to lose. You already know what life looks like as it is. But if you’re even slightly curious about how it could be different, then maybe now is the time to reach out. Let’s explore together.
Book a Workplace Mental Health Workshop
Whether you're looking to support employee wellbeing, reduce workplace stress or create a psychologically safer culture, I'd be happy to discuss how these workshops can support your organisation.
Or please fill out the form with what you are looking for and when.
Email: malemindscounselling@gmail.com
Phone: 07807 344813
Website: www.malemindscounselling.com