Iqbal Akhtar, ACA

Iqbal Akhtar is an ACA counsellor with eight years of practice in Australia. He focuses on stress, anxiety, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Iqbal aims to make first steps feel manageable and offers respectful, compassionate support while you work through difficult issues.

Iqbal adapts conversations and care to each person’s needs. He listens first and then helps set practical goals. Sessions centre on building skills for everyday challenges and improving confidence in decision-making.

His work includes a broad range of concerns such as attachment issues, communication problems, body image and chronic illness. He also supports people navigating kink and alternative sex culture, adoption and foster care questions, and caregiver stress. Iqbal addresses both emotional patterns and day-to-day difficulties that interfere with life.

Iqbal uses approaches that help people notice thoughts, accept feelings and take values-led action. He combines evidence-informed methods with a client-centred way of listening. This helps create a plan that fits what matters to each person.

Sessions are conducted in English, Hindi and Urdu. He does not accept international clients. To start, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time that fits their needs.

Approaches that translate to online therapy

Iqbal commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then take actions that match their values. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, empathy and working at the client’s pace to build trust and clarity.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Iqbal will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and help decide which methods to try. This is a collaborative process and plans can change as progress is made.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family commitments, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people access support in their own language, such as English, Hindi or Urdu, and make it simpler to continue regular sessions during busy periods.