Malik Akhtar, BACP

Malik uses client-centred therapy to prioritise the person’s own pace and concerns, offering a listening approach that helps people feel heard and understood. This works well for issues like low mood, relationship stress and self-esteem problems.

He also uses mindfulness techniques to teach simple breathing and attention exercises that reduce anxiety and help with sleeping difficulties. These practices can be practised between sessions and are easy to learn over video or messaging.

The therapist uses solution-focused methods to break problems into manageable steps and to identify practical next actions. This approach suits people who want clear short-term goals alongside deeper exploration.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Malik will discuss goals and preferences and try methods that suit the person. He treats the choice as a collaboration and adjusts plans as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical benefits. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues help. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a busy day. Live chat or text messaging are useful for short check-ins, written reflection or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving or travel.