Sunah Akhtar , BACP

Sunah Akhtar is a UK-based psychotherapist with nine years of experience who supports individuals seeking clearer thinking and healthier emotional habits. She works from The Awareness Centre in Clapham and brings a person-centered, empathic style to each therapeutic relationship. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Sunah combines professional training with practical experience to guide clients through a wide range of life challenges.

Her earlier placements at WeStand and Renaissance Horizon involved four years of direct emotional and practical support, where she delivered attentive listening and tailored guidance to people facing difficult circumstances. Sunah applies evidence-based tools such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness alongside a compassionate, person-centered framework to meet each client where they are.

Sunah has worked with issues including work-life balance, life transitions, stress, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem, self-critical thoughts, shame, relationship difficulties and attachment concerns. She also supports clients dealing with trauma, suicidal thinking, and ongoing personal development, adapting interventions to suit individual needs and goals.

Beyond clinical practice, Sunah’s interest in social entrepreneurship has informed her understanding of resilience and human adaptability. She emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and practical strategies so clients can build coping skills and pursue more fulfilling lives.

Therapeutic approaches for effective online support

Sunah draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being dominated by them and supports moving toward valued life goals - it can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and can be useful for relationship difficulties, attachment concerns, and intimacy issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and change behaviors, often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems.

Finding the best approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sunah works collaboratively with clients to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting strategies as progress unfolds so therapy feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy with Sunah is offered by licensed professionals through flexible formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, to access care from different locations, and to continue therapeutic work during life changes while maintaining consistent contact with a therapist.