Shirin Rad, ACA, APS

Shirin Rad is an ACA and APS member who supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. She also helps those managing relationship strains and attention difficulties. She welcomes English and Persian speakers and is experienced with people from migrant backgrounds.

Shirin focuses on what the person already brings to therapy. She works in a client-centred, strengths-based way and invites people to notice small steps that build change. Sessions aim to be practical and relatable, with clear goals set together.

Over ten years she has worked with concerns such as panic, phobias, obsessive tendencies, grief linked to separation, and the effects of abuse and post-traumatic stress. She also supports people facing medical and caregiving stresses, and those navigating autism, intellectual disability, or pregnancy and childbirth challenges.

Her practice uses approaches drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. These methods are used to help with worries, low mood, unhelpful thinking and avoidance. The focus is on building skills and making values-based choices in everyday life.

People who choose Shirin can expect a calm, non-judgemental space to talk through practical steps. She pays attention to cultural context and migration-related issues when they matter. To begin, people complete a short questionnaire and schedule sessions according to availability.

How ACT and CBT can work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, then choose actions that reflect their values. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and adjustment challenges.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviours. It is commonly used for panic, phobias, obsessive thoughts and mood disorders.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work collaboratively to decide whether ACT, CBT, or a blend of both fits a person’s needs, goals and preferences. Goals and practical steps are reviewed as therapy progresses.

Session options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session formats before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit into busy days, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online sessions can also make it easier to engage consistently while balancing work, caregiving or medical appointments.