Dr. Pegah Houshmand, HCPC

Dr. Pegah Houshmand is an HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist working in the United Kingdom, with over 11 years of experience in both NHS and private-sector settings. She holds a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and combines rigorous training with a compassionate, collaborative stance to support people through difficult transitions and ongoing mental health challenges.

Her practice is integrative, drawing on evidence-based models to tailor therapy to each person’s needs and goals. She emphasizes a joint process in which therapist and client identify what matters most and develop practical, sustainable ways to restore emotional balance and enhance wellbeing. Her approach creates a warm, non-judgmental space where difficult feelings can be explored and personal strengths can be built upon.

Dr. Houshmand has worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, bereavement, relationship difficulties, OCD, panic attacks, agoraphobia, addiction, and abuse. She has a particular interest in eating disorders and supports clients in developing healthier coping strategies. Her training with Place2Be has also equipped her to work with children and young people using creative arts and play-based approaches, and she offers sessions for parents to reflect on their child’s emotional needs and to explore supportive strategies.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice painful thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and supports action toward a more valued life. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, and stress where avoidance of difficult emotions has become a barrier to living well.

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns of relating that form in close relationships and how those patterns affect current emotional life. It can be helpful for relationship difficulties, trauma-related attachment concerns, and challenges rooted in early caregiving experiences.

Dr. Houshmand works collaboratively with each person to determine which approach or combination of approaches best fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Exploring methods together is treated as part of the therapeutic process, with adjustments made as the work unfolds to ensure the best possible fit.

Online therapy with registered professionals offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and additional support can be provided through live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options helps people access consistent care around work schedules, family commitments, or geographic constraints, while maintaining continuity of therapeutic support.