Malik Akhtar, BACP

Malik Akhtar is a Person-Centred counsellor who has been working in the field since 2002. He offers both short-term and long-term therapy and takes an integrative approach, combining different methods to respond to each person's unique situation. He adapts his work to what feels most helpful for the individual, tailoring sessions to fit personal needs and goals.

He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists, and follows their ethical framework for good practice. In addition to his core Person-Centred training, he is an I.E.M.T. level 2 practitioner and has completed Brainspotting Level 2, Brainspotting Performance, and F.L.O.W. training.

Malik combines these skills within an integrative model so that the way he works is guided by the client's priorities and the therapeutic relationship. Whether someone is seeking focused, short-term support or more open-ended therapy, he aims to find an approach that fits the person's pace, preferences, and circumstances.

Approaches for effective online therapy

Malik draws on client-centred work that places the person's experience at the centre of therapy, creating a respectful, non-directive setting where the therapist follows the client's lead and priorities. This approach can help with a wide range of issues by focusing on understanding and supporting the individual's own goals and insights.

He also uses mindfulness-based techniques to help people develop present-moment awareness and calmer responses to stress, which can be useful for anxiety, sleep difficulties, and emotion regulation. Motivational Interviewing is another approach he employs when clients are working through change-related challenges; this method helps clarify personal motivations and build readiness for practical steps forward.

Finding the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Malik works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on needs, goals, and preferences. Online sessions allow that collaboration to happen flexibly from different locations.

Practical benefits of online therapy include the ability to meet by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering greater accessibility and scheduling flexibility. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to choose the format that feels most comfortable and convenient for each individual.