Summar Ali , BACP

Summar Ali is a UK-based therapist with 11 years of clinical experience who combines compassion with practical, evidence-informed care. She recognises that reaching out for counselling takes courage and aims to create a thoughtful, person-centered space where people can explore difficult emotions, relationships, and life transitions. Her work is informed by a holistic outlook that considers the links between mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Her background includes roles in NHS CAMHS, school counselling, drug and alcohol services, bereavement support, and work as a sexual trauma therapist for a local charity. She has also lectured at the University of Southampton and the Anna Freud Centre, teaching trainees who work in the NHS. In addition to her online practice, she currently works as an animal-assisted therapist, bringing a different therapeutic perspective to her clinical work.

Summar holds a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Certificate in Evidence-Based Interventions for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, a Postgraduate Certificate in Supervisory Skills, and a Higher Education Certificate in Academic Practice with HE Fellowship status, along with ongoing CPD training in the neurobiology of trauma. She is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and draws on a range of approaches to tailor support to each person’s needs.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take practical steps toward a meaningful life, even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. It is often useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships influence current patterns of connection and trust, and it can be especially helpful for relationship difficulties, abandonment concerns, and attachment-related issues.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, which can be effective for depression, anxiety, and many day-to-day challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic work and the therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions may blend elements from different approaches so that care is tailored to the individual.

Online therapy with this practice is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographical constraints. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of support and to access licensed professionals from different locations without sacrificing regular contact.