Akhtar Counselling | Affordable individual, couple, and family counselling and psychological services.
All appointments are exclusively booked online.
Open 7 days per week, including public holidays.
Counselling Services
Counselling as an individual provides a safe and supportive space to explore personal challenges and emotions. It offers an opportunity to gain deeper self-awareness, helping you understand your thoughts, behaviours, and patterns. Through counselling, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience against life's stressors. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues, therapy allows you to process these experiences in a non-judgmental environment.
Individual counselling also encourages personal growth by helping you set goals, enhance self-esteem, and gain clarity about your life’s direction. It empowers you to navigate complex decisions, overcome obstacles, and break free from negative cycles. By collaborating with a skilled therapist, you can develop a stronger sense of self and achieve emotional balance, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life. Seeking therapy is an investment in your mental and emotional well-being.
Psychologist Services
Seeking therapy with a psychologist as an individual offers a profound opportunity for personal exploration and growth. Psychologists are trained to help you understand and navigate a variety of emotional and psychological challenges, from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship issues. Therapy with a psychologist provides a non-judgmental space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings, fostering greater self-awareness and insight.
Working with a psychologist can help you uncover the underlying causes of your difficulties, allowing you to develop healthier thought patterns and more effective coping strategies. Whether you're facing mental health issues, dealing with stress, or seeking personal development, a psychologist can guide you toward positive change. They utilise evidence-based techniques to support you in building emotional resilience, enhancing your well-being, and achieving a greater sense of life satisfaction. Seeking psychological support is a decisive step toward attaining mental clarity and emotional balance.
Supervision Services
Counselling supervision is a vital component of professional development for counsellors, providing a structured environment for guidance, reflection, and growth. Supervision assists counsellors in navigating complex client cases, ensuring they deliver the highest standard of care while upholding ethical practices. It provides a confidential space where counsellors can share their challenges, emotions, and experiences, receiving constructive feedback and support.
Through counselling supervision, professionals can deepen their understanding of therapeutic techniques, refine their skills, and mitigate burnout by processing their own emotions. It also aids counsellors in enhancing their self-awareness and emotional resilience, ultimately benefiting both the counsellor and their clients. Supervision ensures that counsellors remain reflective, competent, and confident in their practice, helping them maintain boundaries and avoid any detrimental impacts on their clients.
Overall, counselling supervision is a vital process that promotes personal and professional growth and ensures counsellors deliver adequate, ethical, and compassionate support to those in need.
Child Counselling Services
Child counselling for ages 11-18 creates a safe and supportive space for young individuals to explore their emotions, behaviours, and challenges. It is specifically tailored to address the unique needs of children and teenagers, helping them navigate a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, family dynamics, academic pressure, and self-esteem concerns.
Counsellors employ talk therapy to help children express themselves in comfortable and natural ways. Child counselling also helps develop healthier coping mechanisms, enhance emotional regulation, and foster social skills, all of which are essential for maintaining mental well-being.
This type of therapy enables children and adolescents to better understand their thoughts and feelings, equipping them with tools to manage stress, improve communication, and build confidence. Ultimately, child counselling supports the emotional and psychological development of young individuals, enabling them to grow into resilient, well-adjusted adults.
Couples Counselling Services
Couples counselling offers a supportive environment where partners can address relationship challenges and strengthen their bond. It provides a safe, neutral space for open communication, helping couples work through issues such as communication problems, trust issues, conflicts, or emotional distance. A skilled counsellor facilitates discussions, guiding couples in understanding each other's perspectives, improving conflict resolution skills, and rebuilding emotional connections.
Through couples counselling, partners can learn to express their needs and emotions more effectively, fostering deeper intimacy and mutual understanding. It also helps couples identify unhealthy patterns, develop healthier ways of interacting, and rebuild trust after betrayal or conflict.
Whether facing a specific issue or seeking to enhance a relationship, couples counselling empowers partners to reconnect and improve their relationship dynamics. It supports couples in navigating life's challenges together, building a stronger, more resilient partnership, and ultimately fostering long-term happiness and satisfaction.
Family Counselling Services
Family counselling provides a supportive environment for families to work through challenges and improve communication and relationships. It helps family members address issues such as conflict, parenting struggles, blended family dynamics, grief, or communication breakdowns. By engaging in family therapy, each member has the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and structured space.
Family counselling helps families understand the underlying causes of their problems and identify unhealthy patterns of behaviour. It promotes active listening, empathy, and mutual respect, allowing family members to develop more positive ways of interacting. This therapy can also guide families through significant life changes, such as divorce, illness, or trauma, by strengthening emotional bonds and providing coping strategies.
Overall, family counselling fosters healthier, more supportive relationships. It enables families to navigate challenges together and build a stronger, more connected family unit. It helps families create a harmonious and nurturing environment for everyone involved.
Why Women Should Seek Male Counselling Therapists: Embracing Emotional Well-Being
Seeking male counselling therapists can offer women unique benefits, enhancing their emotional well-being and fostering a deeper understanding of their feelings. While many women feel comfortable with female therapists, collaborating with a male therapist can introduce fresh perspectives and approaches that enrich the therapeutic experience. Men often bring a different communication style and problem-solving approach that may offer new insights for women, particularly when exploring gender dynamics, societal expectations, or relationship challenges.
One key advantage of working with a male therapist is the opportunity to explore relationships with men in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Women can process feelings related to family dynamics, romantic relationships, or work-life balance without the potential biases that may arise from working with a male therapist. Male counsellors may also possess a unique understanding of male behaviours, enabling them to offer valuable insights into communication or emotional challenges with male counterparts. Furthermore, working with a male therapist can help women challenge traditional gender roles and biases in therapy. It provides the opportunity to develop trust, understanding, and empathy in a cross-gender setting. This dynamic can foster emotional growth, self-awareness, and empowerment, especially in situations where women may struggle to express vulnerability or have difficulty understanding male perspectives.
In essence, seeking male counselling therapists allows women to expand their emotional toolkit, gain a broader understanding of relationships, and enhance their emotional well-being through a diverse and balanced therapeutic experience.
Why Men Should Seek Male Counselling Therapists: Embracing Emotional Well-Being
Men should seek a male counselling therapist for several important reasons. First, a male therapist can offer a sense of comfort and relatability, especially for those who may feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive issues with a female therapist. Many men may feel societal pressure to suppress emotions and not seek help, often due to cultural stereotypes about masculinity. Having a male therapist can create a space where they feel understood without fear of judgment.
Additionally, male therapists may better understand the unique challenges that men face, such as issues related to masculinity, fatherhood, career pressures, and emotional expression. A male therapist may be able to relate more directly to these challenges, providing relevant advice and guidance.
Counselling is beneficial for men because it offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore emotional and mental health issues. Men often face high rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, but they are less likely than women to seek help due to stigma. Therapy can help men develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve communication skills, and address underlying emotional issues. It can also support men in processing past trauma or navigating life transitions.
Counselling empowers men to better understand their emotions, improve their mental well-being, and foster more meaningful relationships. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards self-improvement and resilience.
Why Choose Counselling and Psychology: Healing, Growth, and Finding Your Strength
Counselling and psychology offer invaluable support for navigating life’s challenges, fostering self-awareness, and promoting emotional well-being. Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether due to stress, loss, relationship struggles, or unresolved trauma. Counselling provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore these difficulties, helping individuals process emotions, gain clarity, and develop healthier coping strategies. Psychology, on the other hand, offers insights into patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, empowering individuals to understand themselves more deeply and make meaningful changes.
Both counselling and psychology emphasise empowerment, helping individuals rediscover their strengths and resilience. They provide tools to manage anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, while also fostering personal growth and self-compassion. Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing and self-improvement. Whether facing a specific issue or seeking greater self-understanding, counselling and psychology can guide you toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. Ultimately, they remind us that we don’t have to face our struggles alone—help and hope are always within reach.
How Counselling and Psychology Can Help You Heal, Grow, and Thrive
Counselling and psychology can support mental and emotional well-being, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience. They offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, making it easier to process difficult emotions like anxiety, depression, or grief. Through techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic approaches, individuals can uncover and address underlying issues, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and break unhelpful patterns.
Counselling and psychology also promote self-awareness and personal growth, empowering individuals to understand themselves better and make positive changes. They can improve relationships, build self-esteem, and foster a sense of purpose. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue like trauma or stress, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, these practices provide tools and insights to help you thrive. Ultimately, counselling and psychology remind us that we don’t have to face struggles alone—support, healing, and growth are always within reach.
Five key methods used in my approach to counselling are:
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Using unconditional positive regard – Unconditional acceptance.
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Having empathic understanding – From the client’s perspective.
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Expressing congruence – Honest and genuine approach.
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Raising questions – Challenges the client to express themselves.
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Coaching – Helping individuals overcome challenges, set goals, and grow.
Akhtar offers assistance for the following:
- Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, and Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anger and Aggression Management
- Relationship Breakdowns
- Children and Family Counselling
- Issues with Low Confidence or Self-Esteem
- Grief, Loss, or Bereavement of Loved Ones
- Employment and Workplace Issues
Telephone Therapy: Click here for supporting evidence.
Telephone therapy is an essential factor for crisis support. It now caters to busy individuals who need counselling and often to those who are nervous or fearful and want to remain anonymous. This service is accessible to people from all groups, regardless of location, which adds extra security for therapy provided out of town.
“Telephone counselling provides a sense of confidentiality, anonymity, and reassurance if you feel nervous, embarrassed, or fearful about talking." Counselling Directory.
Online Therapy: Click here for supporting evidence.
Online therapy is the most resourceful tool, allowing remote access, especially for those with physical limitations or a demanding career. Being behind the screen enables more anonymity, allowing us to separate our actions from the real world and our identities. We feel less vulnerable about opening up and are intimidated to speak our minds to people in person because of their status, gender, or race. However, this is less visible online, making us feel freer to express ourselves authentically.
“Online counselling offers a sense of calm, making it easier for clients to discuss their issues." UK Therapy Guide.
Psychology Services: Click here for more information.
Please refer to the blog page to better understand the difference between psychology and counselling.
Supervision: Please get in touch with the therapist for more information
Providing clinical supervision to students and professional therapists.
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How to Book a Therapy Session – Quick & FlexibleScheduling a session is easy and tailored for your convenience: Online Booking: Visit my website and use the 24/7 scheduling platform to select a time that suits your schedule – no phone calls necessary. Flexible Options: Choose between secure Zoom video sessions or telephone consultations based on your preference. Extended Availability: I’m available 7 days a week, including late evenings and public holidays, to accommodate busy schedules. Concession Rates: Limited discounted slots are offered for those with financial constraints – please inquire during booking. Once booked, you’ll receive instant confirmation and session reminders. Need assistance? A contact form is available for questions. Therapy should be accessible – I prioritise ease and flexibility for your journey.
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How to Schedule Your Therapy Sessions and Determine Their FrequencyAkhtar offers a self-booking system, enabling you to reserve only what you need. However, the therapist may suggest the number of sessions you might need, including their frequency, to ensure you do not experience a relapse in your well-being. To accommodate the needs and requirements of all service users, we offer sessions online and via telephone. Akhtar Counselling is available until late evenings and on public holidays. How Often Should You Attend Counselling? A Guide to Session Frequency. The frequency of counselling sessions refers to how often a client schedules or attends them. This can vary based on several factors, including: Common Frequencies: 1. Weekly – Most common for intensive therapies, such as CBT or trauma therapy. 2. Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) – For moderate support or maintenance. 3. Monthly – For check-ins or long-term progress tracking. 4. As needed (ad hoc) – For crisis support or flexible scheduling. Factors Influencing Frequency: 1. Severity of Concerns (e.g., acute distress vs. general well-being). 2. Therapeutic Approach (some therapies require weekly sessions). 3. Client Availability and Budget (cost and time constraints). 4. Therapist Recommendation (based on progress and goals). Would you like advice on determining the optimal frequency for a specific situation? This is best discussed at the end of your initial session and may likely change later in therapy.
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Akhtar Counselling Therapeutic Approach: Tailored Support for Your NeedsI provide a compassionate, client-centred approach that adapts to your unique goals and challenges. By drawing on evidence-based modalities, I offer: Professional Therapeutic Counselling: A safe, non-judgmental space for exploring emotions and fostering resilience. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Practical tools to reframe negative thoughts and behaviours. Couples/Family Therapy: Enhancing communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. Child Counselling & Challenging Behaviour Support: Play-based, age-appropriate interventions for young clients. Anger Management: Healthy emotional expression and coping strategies. Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized support for PTSD and trauma recovery. Stress Reduction: Techniques to restore balance and prevent burnout. I also incorporate Transactional Analysis (TA) to understand relationship dynamics and offer online or phone sessions for added flexibility. My practice adheres to GDPR compliance, ensuring confidentiality and providing ethical care. Whether addressing acute issues or personal growth, my sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented. Let’s work together to foster healing and empowerment.
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How Do I Know If I Need Therapy? Key Signs to ConsiderTherapy can be beneficial if you’re experiencing: Persistent sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness that disrupts daily life Relationship conflicts (frequent arguments, emotional distance, or trust issues) Overwhelming stress or burnout affecting work, sleep, or health Trauma or grief that feels unmanageable Low self-esteem or negative self-talk Unhealthy coping mechanisms (such as substance use, emotional eating, or isolation) Major life changes (like divorce, career shifts, or loss) that leave you feeling stuck Physical symptoms (fatigue, headaches) without a medical cause You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit—therapy also fosters personal growth, self-discovery, and resilience. If these signs resonate with you, a consultation can help clarify your needs. Therapy is a source of strength, not just a means of coping with struggle.
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When Will I See Results from Counselling?Progress in therapy varies, but many clients notice positive shifts within 4-6 sessions. Factors influencing your timeline include: Your goals: Short-term issues (e.g., stress management) might improve more quickly than deep-seated patterns. Commitment: Practicing techniques between sessions speeds up progress. Therapy type: CBT often demonstrates effects within 6-12 weeks, whereas psychodynamic work may require more time. Typical Milestones: Weeks 1-3: Establishing trust and self-awareness. Weeks 4-8: Cultivating coping strategies and observing behavioural changes. Long-term: Promoting deeper transformation for complex issues, such as trauma. Therapy isn’t a quick fix; it's a collaborative journey. Most clients report feeling lighter, more empowered, and better equipped to handle challenges within the first month.
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How Counselling Strengthens Social Awareness and CommunicationCounselling enhances relationship skills by fostering self-awareness and teaching practical communication strategies. Through guided sessions, individuals learn to recognise emotional patterns, improve active listening, and express their needs clearly. Therapists provide tools, such as "I" statements, to replace blame with constructive dialogue, helping couples and families navigate conflicts more productively. A key benefit is developing empathy—counselling encourages perspective-taking, which deepens understanding of others' experiences. For those with social anxiety, therapy builds confidence through gradual exposure and cognitive techniques. Counsellors also address nonverbal communication, helping clients align their body language and tone with their intentions. By setting healthy boundaries and practicing assertive, rather than aggressive, expression, relationships become more balanced and respectful. Whether addressing workplace dynamics, family tensions, or romantic partnerships, counselling creates a safe space to refine these skills. The result is stronger connections built on mutual understanding and effective communication.
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Counselling vs. Psychology: Key DifferencesCounselling and psychology both support mental well-being but differ in focus and practice. Counselling is typically short-term, goal-oriented, and emphasises emotional support, addressing daily challenges (e.g., stress, relationships), and practical coping strategies. Counsellors often utilise talk therapy and work in settings such as private practices or community centres. Psychology explores mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, through assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments. Psychologists with advanced degrees may conduct research, provide clinical therapy, or work in hospitals, often tackling complex or chronic conditions. While counsellors guide clients through life adjustments, psychologists address clinical issues with structured interventions. However, overlap exists—some psychologists provide counselling, and counsellors may collaborate with psychologists for severe cases. Choosing Between Them? Choose counselling for situational struggles; seek psychology for diagnosed disorders or long-term therapy. Both aim to enhance mental health but cater to different needs.
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Who Can Benefit from Psychology? Understanding Its Therapeutic RolePsychology is a science-based discipline that assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health conditions using evidence-based approaches. While counselling addresses everyday challenges, psychology explores cognitive, emotional, and behavioural disorders in greater depth. Here’s who can benefit from psychological support: Individuals with Mental Health Disorders – Psychologists diagnose and treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia using clinical interventions. People with Trauma or PTSD – For severe trauma, psychologists employ specialised therapies like EMDR or prolonged exposure therapy. Those Requiring Psychological Assessments – Evaluations for ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities require a psychologist’s expertise. Chronic Stress or Burnout Sufferers – When stress leads to severe physical or emotional symptoms, psychologists address the root causes and develop long-term coping mechanisms. Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours – Substance abuse, eating disorders, and OCD often require structured, long-term psychological treatment. Children & Adolescents with Behavioural Issues – Psychologists work with developmental disorders, school refusal, or aggression using tailored therapies. Individuals with Neurological Conditions – Brain injuries, dementia, or stroke-related cognitive decline benefit from neuropsychological rehabilitation. People Seeking In-Depth Self-Exploration – For those interested in understanding deeply ingrained patterns, psychotherapy offers insight into unconscious influences. Psychologists work in clinics, hospitals, and research settings, utilizing approaches such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and behavioural modification. Their training equips them to manage complex cases that require medication (in collaboration with psychiatrists) or intensive therapy.
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Who Can Benefit from Counselling? Understanding Its Support ScopeCounselling is a versatile form of therapy that helps individuals navigate emotional, psychological, and life challenges. Unlike psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, counselling offers practical guidance and coping strategies for everyday struggles. Here’s who can benefit from it: Individuals Facing Stress or Anxiety – Work pressure, academic stress, or general anxiety can be managed through structured talk therapy. People Dealing with Grief or Loss – Counselling provides a safe space to process emotions following bereavement or significant life changes. Couples & Families – Relationship conflicts, communication breakdowns, or parenting challenges can be addressed and improved through professional mediation. Those Experiencing Low Self-Esteem – Counsellors assist clients in building confidence and self-worth through positive reinforcement. Workplace Challenges – Career transitions, burnout, or workplace bullying can be effectively addressed through therapy. Survivors of Trauma – While severe PTSD may necessitate psychological intervention, counselling helps with initial emotional processing. Young Adults & Teens – School pressure, identity issues, and social anxiety are common areas of concern. People Seeking Personal Growth – Even without a crisis, counselling can enhance self-awareness and life skills. Counselling is flexible, available in person, online, or by phone, making it accessible for a variety of needs. Whether for short-term support or ongoing growth, it empowers individuals to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
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Is Counselling or Psychology Right for You?Choosing between counselling and psychology depends on your needs: Counselling may be ideal if you: Seek support for life stressors, such as work, relationships, and grief. Desire short-term strategies to enhance daily functioning. Prefer conversational therapy that focuses on current challenges. Require flexible and affordable sessions for personal growth. Psychology may suit you better if you: Experience in diagnosing mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders. Require clinical assessments or diagnostic testing. Benefit from structured, evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT. Need long-term treatment for complex trauma or behavioural issues. Both support self-awareness and emotional well-being, but psychology explores mental health disorders more deeply through specialised interventions. Many individuals begin with counselling and may transition to psychology if necessary, or utilize both approaches complementarily. Consider your goals, symptoms, and budget. Mild to moderate concerns often respond well to counselling, while persistent or severe issues may require psychological care. An initial consultation with either professional can clarify the best way forward.
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Confidentiality in Counselling: What You Need to KnowYour privacy is my highest priority. All discussions during our sessions are kept strictly confidential in accordance with professional ethical guidelines. This means: Your personal information and conversations will never be shared without your explicit consent. Confidentiality is only breached in rare instances where there’s a serious risk of harm to you or others, or if required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns). I adhere to GDPR standards to protect your data securely. How It Works in Practice: Sessions take place in a private setting or through encrypted platforms like Zoom for online therapy. Brief anonymised notes are securely maintained and never shared. You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any time. Trust and safety are the foundation of effective therapy.
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What If I Don’t Feel Comfortable with My Therapist?Your comfort and trust in the therapeutic relationship are essential for effective counselling. If you feel uneasy: Express Your Concerns – Therapists encourage open dialogue about your experiences. Sharing your discomfort can often lead to constructive adjustments in approach. Evaluate the Fit – Reflect on whether this is a temporary adjustment phase or a deeper incompatibility in style and personality.. Explore Options – If issues persist after our discussion, I would be happy to assist you in transitioning to another qualified professional who is better suited to your needs. Trust the Process – Although some initial discomfort is normal when sharing vulnerably, you should never feel judged, pressured, or unsafe. Remember: You have the right to select a therapist with whom you feel a connection. Different approaches resonate with different individuals. Your healing journey is more important than loyalty to any single professional. Therapy is most effective when you feel heard, respected, and understood. Your comfort is always the priority.