Iqbal Akhtar, ACA

Compassionate counsellor for anxiety and trauma

Stress and anxiety
LGBTQ support
Trauma and recovery

About Iqbal Akhtar

Iqbal Akhtar is an ACA-credentialed therapist working in Australia with eight years of clinical experience. He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, and has specific experience with LGBTQIA+ related concerns as well as challenges with self-esteem, motivation, and confidence. Iqbal approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and adapts conversations and treatment plans to fit the individual needs and goals of the client.

He draws on evidence-informed methods to help clients navigate emotional pain, relationship difficulties, and patterns that get in the way of a more fulfilling life. Iqbal emphasizes collaborative work - listening carefully, offering practical strategies, and encouraging small steps toward meaningful change. He believes that seeking support takes courage and aims to provide steady encouragement throughout the process.

Iqbal communicates in English, Hindi, and Urdu, and his practice focuses on a broad range of concerns including abandonment, attachment issues, chronic illness, body image, and caregiver stress. He holds the ACA credential, indicating membership in a professional counselling association, and is based in Australia. He is not currently accepting clients.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Iqbal Akhtar have?

Iqbal Akhtar has eight years of professional experience.

Is Iqbal Akhtar a licensed therapist?

Yes. Iqbal holds the ACA credential, which indicates membership in a professional counselling association. No further license details were provided.

In which languages does Iqbal Akhtar provide therapy?

Iqbal provides therapy in English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Where is Iqbal Akhtar located?

Iqbal is located in Australia.

How can I work with Iqbal Akhtar as my therapist?

Therapy sessions can be offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Please note that Iqbal is not currently accepting clients, so these options may not be available with him at this time.

Does Iqbal Akhtar work with international clients?

No. Iqbal Akhtar does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Iqbal Akhtar cost?

Costs can vary depending on factors such as location and therapist availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page. Please be aware that Iqbal is not currently accepting clients.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is straightforward: click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with a therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging. Note that Iqbal is not currently accepting clients, so this process may not result in sessions with him.

Approaches for Online Support and Therapeutic Work

Iqbal commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy in his work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and supports movement toward values-driven action - it can be useful for anxiety, avoidance, and motivation difficulties. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing them with practical exercises, which is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship and supports clients in exploring their own goals and solutions at their own pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Iqbal works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. The therapist-client relationship guides how these approaches are blended and applied.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging can make it easier to fit support into a busy life, reduce travel time, and provide more consistent access to care. Licensed professionals can adapt these modalities to offer the same conversational work, skill-building exercises, and reflective support that in-person therapy provides. Please note that Iqbal is not currently accepting clients.

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