Live Spirited, founded by Adam Nanayakkara, supports UK minority communities by addressing mental health inequalities with culturally informed, inclusive care.
-- Mental health inequalities among ethnic minority groups in the UK continue to draw growing attention, as studies show that individuals from minority backgrounds experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the White population, even when socioeconomic factors are accounted for. Live Spirited, founded by psychotherapist Adam Nanayakkara, aims to respond to these challenges by offering culturally attuned psychotherapy which addresses the factors that shape emotional wellbeing.
Stigma around mental health remains one of the main barriers to seeking help. Within some communities, emotional distress is still perceived as a sign of weakness or overthinking, leading to avoidance of professional support. This reluctance can be even stronger when dealing with deeply personal concerns, such as sex or relationship therapy, where cultural norms and fears of judgement often discourage open discussion.
Research also shows that people from South Asian backgrounds and other minority ethnic groups are less likely to access psychological therapies and are often under-represented within psychotherapy services. Those who do seek help are statistically more likely to experience poor outcomes, partly due to the limitations of conventional, Eurocentric models of care that may overlook the importance of cultural context.
As awareness of these disparities grows, culturally attuned psychotherapy is increasingly recognised as a necessary step toward more equitable mental health care. This approach acknowledges how culture shapes emotional expression, coping styles, and personal identity. It also recognises culturally specific idioms of distress, where psychological struggles may be communicated through physical symptoms or somatic experiences rather than direct emotional language.
Psychotherapist Adam Nanayakkara, a UK-trained therapist of South Asian origin, exemplifies this approach through his work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Drawing on his understanding of cultural pressures such as family dynamics, marriage expectations, and intergenerational conflict, he helps clients navigate these experiences while respecting their cultural and spiritual values.
Through online sessions, Adam offers a confidential space for reflection and growth, particularly for individuals who may feel hesitant about seeking help in traditional settings. His practice integrates culturally competent methods with established therapeutic techniques, incorporating elements such as spirituality and collective family identity to create a more comprehensive and inclusive healing process. This approach supports clients in improving self-esteem, developing emotional resilience, and reconnecting with their sense of purpose.
As conversations about mental health become more open across the UK, the focus on cultural competence is likely to become central to effective care. Recognising that emotional wellbeing is deeply intertwined with cultural experience can help close the mental health gap and encourage more people to seek support when they need it most.
About Live Spirited
Founded by psychotherapist Adam Nanayakkara, Live Spirited offers inclusive, culturally attuned counselling and sex therapy online and in Brighton, supporting diverse clients with empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
For more information, please refer to the contact details below.
Contact Info:
Name: Adam Nanayakkara
Email: Send Email
Organization: Live Spirited
Address: Brighton
Website: https://livespirited.co.uk/
Release ID: 89172039
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