Scheduling 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.

Akhtar 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: Weekly – Most common for intensive therapies, such as CBT or trauma therapy. Bi-weekly (every 2 weeks) – For moderate support or maintenance. Monthly – For check-ins or long-term progress tracking. As needed (ad hoc) – For crisis support or flexible scheduling. Factors Influencing Frequency: Severity of Concerns (e.g., acute distress vs. general well-being). Therapeutic Approach (some therapies require weekly sessions). Client Availability and Budget (cost and time constraints). 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.

I 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.

Therapy can be beneficial if you're experiencing: Persistent sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness that disrupts daily life. Relationship conflicts, such as frequent arguments or emotional distance. 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, like substance use or emotional eating. Major life changes, like divorce or career shifts, that leave you feeling stuck. Physical symptoms, like fatigue or headaches, without a medical cause. You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—it 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.

Progress in therapy varies, but many clients notice positive shifts within 4-6 sessions. Factors influencing your timeline include: Your goals: Short-term issues, like 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.

Counselling 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.

Counselling 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.

Psychology 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:

1. Individuals with Mental Health Disorders – Psychologists diagnose and treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia using clinical interventions.

2. People with Trauma or PTSD – For severe trauma, psychologists employ specialised therapies like EMDR or prolonged exposure therapy.

3. Those Requiring Psychological Assessments – Evaluations for ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities require a psychologist’s expertise.

4. 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.

5. Addiction & Compulsive Behaviours – Substance abuse, eating disorders, and OCD often require structured, long-term psychological treatment.

6. Children & Adolescents with Behavioural Issues – Psychologists work with developmental disorders, school refusal, or aggression using tailored therapies.

7. Individuals with Neurological Conditions – Brain injuries, dementia, or stroke-related cognitive decline benefit from neuropsychological rehabilitation.

8. 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.

Counselling 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.

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.

Your 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.

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.