Malik Akhtar, BACP

Malik Akhtar is an experienced integrative counsellor based in the United Kingdom who brings 22 years of clinical practice to his work with individuals and families. He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and follows their ethical framework for good practice. Malik offers both short-term and long-term therapy, adapting the length and focus of work to each person's needs and circumstances.

He trained as a Person Centred counsellor and builds on that foundation by drawing from a range of therapeutic tools. He is a qualified I.E.M.T. level 2 practitioner and has completed Brainspotting Level 2, Brainspotting Performance and F.L.O.W. training, all of which are additional therapeutic trainings and techniques he can bring into sessions when appropriate.

Working in an integrative way, Malik tailors his methods to the uniqueness of each client rather than following a single rigid model. He addresses a wide spectrum of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and sleeping problems, parenting and anger, and a variety of other life challenges. Malik speaks English, Punjabi and Urdu, and he accepts international clients, offering flexible ways to connect and to find approaches that feel right for each person.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Malik draws on client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client leads the pace and focus of the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and understanding and is often helpful for relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, and coping with life changes.

He also uses mindfulness therapy to help people develop present-moment awareness and skills for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Mindfulness techniques can support better sleep, reduced reactivity, and greater calm in daily life.

Motivational interviewing is another method Malik employs when clients seek change related to addictions, health behaviors, or other goals. This collaborative, goal-oriented style helps people explore their ambivalence and strengthen their own motivation for change.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process, and Malik works collaboratively with each client to identify what fits best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. He adapts methods over time as progress and challenges emerge.

Online therapy with Malik is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving clients flexibility to choose what works with their schedule and comfort level. These options increase accessibility for people in different locations and make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, and other commitments.