Noreen Akhtar, BACP, NCPS

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and make room for what matters most. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with life transitions by linking actions to personal values. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying thought and behaviour patterns that keep problems going and teaching practical skills to change them. This approach often helps with anxiety, depression and stress. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship experiences shape current ways of relating and can be helpful for improving communication and trust in important relationships.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, listen to your goals and try methods that fit your needs and preferences. Over a few sessions the plan can be adapted based on what helps most.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls work well for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer written reflection or want flexible, on-the-go contact. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family and travel while keeping the therapeutic focus.