Summar Ali, BACP
Compassionate therapist supporting life transitions
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and addictions
- Online therapy options
About Summar Ali
Summar Ali understands that reaching out for counselling is a brave step and offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore whatever has brought someone to therapy. She works collaboratively with people to make sense of challenging moments and to support healing and growth, whether the difficulty stems from past hurt, current relationship struggles, or overwhelming life changes.
Her practice is informed by a holistic view of wellbeing that recognises how mental, emotional, and physical health interact. Over 11 years she has worked across a range of settings, including the NHS at CAMHS, as a school counsellor, within drug and alcohol services, in bereavement support, and 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 NHS services, and she continues to offer animal-assisted therapy alongside her online work.
Summar holds a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy - a bachelor degree in the field - and postgraduate certificates in evidence-based interventions for children and young people and in supervisory skills. She also has a higher education certificate in academic practice and HE Fellowship status, and she keeps up professional development with courses such as neurobiology of trauma. She is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects her professional affiliation and commitment to practice standards.
Her practice is informed by a holistic view of wellbeing that recognises how mental, emotional, and physical health interact. Over 11 years she has worked across a range of settings, including the NHS at CAMHS, as a school counsellor, within drug and alcohol services, in bereavement support, and 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 NHS services, and she continues to offer animal-assisted therapy alongside her online work.
Summar holds a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy - a bachelor degree in the field - and postgraduate certificates in evidence-based interventions for children and young people and in supervisory skills. She also has a higher education certificate in academic practice and HE Fellowship status, and she keeps up professional development with courses such as neurobiology of trauma. She is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects her professional affiliation and commitment to practice standards.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Summar Ali have?
She has 11 years of experience working as a therapist across NHS, charity, school, and specialist service settings.
Is Summar Ali a registered therapist?
Yes. She holds membership of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
In which languages does Summar Ali provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Summar Ali located?
She is based in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Summar Ali as my therapist?
You can work with Summar Ali through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Summar Ali work with international clients?
Yes, she works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Summar Ali cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online support
Summar Ali draws on approaches that help people make sense of difficult thoughts and relationships and find practical ways to move forward. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages individuals to notice and accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and committed action - it is useful for coping with persistent stress, anxiety, or low mood. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns of relating and early bonds, helping people explore attachment needs and improve relationship dynamics when past experiences affect current connections. Client-Centered Therapy places the person’s experience at the centre of the work, offering empathic listening and support to foster self-awareness and personal growth.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and she works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. This might mean combining elements from different approaches as therapy progresses.
Online therapy with Summar Ali is offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and easier access to support. These options make it possible to fit sessions around work, family, or other commitments and to continue therapy when in-person meetings are not convenient, while allowing registered professionals and therapists to maintain continuity of care.