Shamim Akhtar

I qualified as a counsellor from Leeds Beckett University in June 2014 in an integrative and relational approach. 

I work collaboratively with my client, trying to meet their needs within my training and capability.

As well as individual therapy, I deliver workshops within workplaces encouraging conversations around mental health and normalising going to therapy. 

I provide a safe and confidential space where feelings such as depression, anger, stress and anxiety can be expressed and explored and, in time, resolved.

Currently I offer telephone and online counselling only. I suggest working initially once a week or every two weeks. In the sessions, I provide a safe space for you to talk, explore and reflect on the challenges that you face in your life. Between the third and forth session I invite and encourage you to reflect on the sessions and give feedback on what is effective for you and what is not so I can cater the sessions around your needs. 

Our first full 50 minute session will allow you the opportunity to explain a little about what brings you to therapy, your hopes and expectations and what you would like to get out of therapy. ​I may ask some questions about your family, relationships, work, and so forth. Please share whatever feels comfortable. This will help bring to light your history and background, and so set the context for our work together. 

If you would like to ask me anything and/or get to know me before booking an initial session, I offer a free, 20- minute consultation over the phone. This will allow you the opportunity to ask any questions about me or the counselling process.

You can message me from this page or via the link to my website above.

​By the end of this 20 minute consultation, you may have a good idea of whether you want to work together and continue with our sessions, or you might want to think it over.