Shahnaz Akhtar - Counseling Psychologist, CB & DBT - Neurodivergence
I am a HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working in the mental health sector. Prior to qualifying as a psychologist, I worked as a Lecturer in Further Education. I have extensive academic and clinical training in neuroscience, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and integrative therapeutic approaches.
I am a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and am accredited with the Society for Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (SfDBT).
As a Counselling Psychologist, my work is grounded in evidence-based psychological therapies, with a particular focus on CBT and DBT. I take an integrative and formulation-driven approach, tailoring therapy to each individual’s needs, strengths, and life context.
I specialise in working with emotional dysregulation, complex trauma, personality-related difficulties, and long-standing patterns that can leave people feeling stuck within systems, families, or relationships. My therapeutic style is collaborative, compassionate, and skills-focused, supporting clients to build practical strategies while also making sense of their experiences.
I have significant experience working within the NHS, supporting individuals who present with self-harm and suicidal behaviours. I have worked extensively with clients experiencing addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, and prescribed pain medication, as well as supporting reductions in harmful behaviours and improvements in quality of life.
I also have substantial experience supporting neurodivergent clients, helping them develop strategies to manage emotional overwhelm, executive dysfunction, and difficulties with daily functioning. My clinical background includes working with complex PTSD, personality disorders, and individuals experiencing the impact of trauma across multiple areas of their lives.
I am deeply passionate about helping change lives for those who come from painful and traumatic histories so that a difficult past does not have to mean a difficult future.