Sunah Akhtar, BACP
Empathic psychotherapist supporting growth and resilience
- CBT and ACT informed
- Multilingual sessions available
- Accepts international clients
About Sunah Akhtar
Sunah Akhtar is a BACP-registered psychotherapist who blends evidence-based techniques with a warm, person-centered approach to support clients through life’s challenges. She is registered with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Working from The Awareness Centre in Clapham, Sunah creates a non-judgmental environment where people can explore difficult emotions, build clarity, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Her clinical background includes a four-year placement at WeStand and Renaissance Horizon where she provided emotional support and counselling to people with a range of needs. Sunah also offers remote therapy through Betterhelp.com, extending access to clients who prefer online options. She draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness alongside a person-centered stance to tailor care to each individual.
Sunah has experience supporting clients with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, self-critical thoughts, shame, relationship and attachment difficulties, and life transitions. She works with trauma, suicidal thoughts, and ongoing personal development, combining empathy with practical strategies to help clients move toward greater resilience and well-being. Outside of clinical practice, her interest in social entrepreneurship informs a compassionate, strengths-based perspective that aims to empower clients to lead more fulfilling lives.
Her clinical background includes a four-year placement at WeStand and Renaissance Horizon where she provided emotional support and counselling to people with a range of needs. Sunah also offers remote therapy through Betterhelp.com, extending access to clients who prefer online options. She draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness alongside a person-centered stance to tailor care to each individual.
Sunah has experience supporting clients with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, self-critical thoughts, shame, relationship and attachment difficulties, and life transitions. She works with trauma, suicidal thoughts, and ongoing personal development, combining empathy with practical strategies to help clients move toward greater resilience and well-being. Outside of clinical practice, her interest in social entrepreneurship informs a compassionate, strengths-based perspective that aims to empower clients to lead more fulfilling lives.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sunah Akhtar have?
Sunah has 9 years of experience working in counselling and psychotherapy settings.
Is Sunah Akhtar a licensed therapist?
Yes. Sunah holds membership of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In which languages does Sunah Akhtar provide therapy?
Sunah provides therapy in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Where is Sunah Akhtar located?
Sunah is based in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Sunah Akhtar as my therapist?
You can work with Sunah through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sunah Akhtar work with international clients?
Yes, Sunah works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sunah Akhtar cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and Sunah's 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.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is simple: click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with Sunah. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Online Therapeutic Approaches and Practical Support
Sunah integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her online practice to address a wide range of concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values - it can be useful for anxiety, avoidance, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationship patterns influence present-day connections and emotional responses, helping with relationship difficulties, attachment issues, and intimacy concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce distress and improve coping, making it effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Sunah works collaboratively with each person to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. She partners with clients to test strategies, review progress, and adapt the plan as therapy unfolds.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to connect from different locations. For people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints, these options increase accessibility and allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent support in ways that suit each client.