I am a HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist based in the UK, with over 11 years of professional experience in both the NHS and private sector. I hold a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, and my practice is grounded in a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful change.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of evidence-based psychological models tailored to suit each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, and I work closely with clients to identify what matters most to them, supporting them to move towards restoration of their emotional and mental well-being.
I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions and feel truly seen and heard. While therapy often involves working through painful or difficult experiences, I also see it as a space to discover and build on each person’s strengths and inner resources—to live a fuller, more satisfying life.
I have extensive experience supporting individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, bereavement, relationship difficulties, OCD, panic attacks, agoraphobia, addiction, and abuse. I also have a particular interest in eating disorders, and understand how internal and external pressures can lead to harmful coping strategies. My goal is to help clients develop healthier, more sustainable ways of managing emotions and stress.
In addition to my work with adults and couples, I have gained valuable experience working with children and young people through my training with Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity. My approach with younger clients focuses on creating a safe, playful, and supportive environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings through creative arts and play therapy. I also offer sessions for parents, providing a space to reflect on their child’s emotional needs and explore strategies to support their development and well-being.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic brain injury, Trichotillomania, Visually impaired, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Imago Relationship Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Services offered
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Credentials information
HCPC Psychologist #PYL045646
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Pegah Houshmand. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr. Houshmand is an excellent therapist. Happy that I had her as my first ever therapist. I’ve been able to unpack and work on lots of things with her.
Written on Dec 01, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Dr. Houshmand is an amazing therapist, that for the first time allowed me to open myself up to a therapy which I have always been very reluctant to.
Written on Nov 06, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Dr Houshmand has been very kind, accommodating, and has given me space to voice all my concerns. She has responded thoughtfully and offered practical and comforting advice. I am grateful for her support.
Written on Nov 04, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Best therapist iv ever worked with hands down
Written on Sep 06, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Pegah is a fantastic therapist with a lot of expertise. She listens intently and gives helpful recommendations. She’s helped me a lot and I would recommend her to anyone!
Written on Jun 19, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Pegah is an excellent counsellor and I cannot say anything apart from good about her. I look forward to chatting with her weekly and it’s always a pleasure and productive.
Written on Jun 06, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and adhd
Pegah is great at listening patiently, responding promptly and giving tips and providing solutions to my concerns. She is frank, honest and dedicated in her work, I believe. I've corrected my ways and behaviors with the help of her gentle but strong suggestions. I'm comfortable and on my way to healing. Amazing job done by her!
Written on May 11, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Caring and professional — thank you!
Written on May 06, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
I feel safe when I’m with Pegah. She’s very professional. She makes me feel heard and able to trust her that she can lead me to a better place
Written on Apr 14, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, coaching, and adhd
Great therapist, very reactive and supportive.
Written on Apr 03, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and compassion fatigue
Pegah is an amazing therapist. She is a great listener and really knows how to untangle the root causes of complex emotions.
Written on Mar 12, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
It has been a pleasure doing therapy with Pegah. She is very well versed in knowledge, understanding and empathy, and I felt like I was talking to a friend.
I can gladly say that I'm now in a better place mentally and physically, and really appreciate Pegah's encouragement and motivational tips. I would definitely recommend Pegah!
Written on Feb 16, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
From the very first moment, I felt a deep sense of trust and ease with Pegah. She listens with genuine attentiveness, creating a space where my thoughts and concerns feel valued. Her presence offers both comfort and guidance, allowing me to explore my thoughts freely. I truly appreciate the safe and supportive space she provides, where I can be open without hesitation.
Written on Feb 12, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
I've only had 2 sessions so far with Pegah and I feel so much positive change has already happened. I've saw several counsellors/therapists and psychologists in the past but she is by far the best. I left my very first session feeling like a part of me had returned and I think this is due to her amazing ability to really see you and make you feel heard. Her approach is gentle, but not too gentle it comes across as fake. You can tell she's a real person who is genuinely listening and she has a good sense of humour too. She comes across as someone who is highly intelligent with a lot of knowledge about how our minds work - I feel like I'm in very safe hands. For me, Pegah has the perfect balance of everything you'd want from a person who is helping you learn more about yourself.
If you're on the fence about whether or not to start therapy as you're worried about not clicking with your therapist, I hope this review helps.
Thank you Pegah, I'll always remember our sessions and everything you've taught me.
Written on Jan 23, 2025 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd
Pegah has been incredibly helpful in supporting me through a very difficult time in my life. She has helped me to understand my emotions better, challenge unproductive or unhelpful thoughts, and ultimately find ways to move forward positively in my life. She is always understanding and empathetic and never judgmental.
Pegah is very responsive and organised, responding to journal entries through the BetterHelp platform which I have found really helpful for working through things between our regular sessions. She also provides very practical advice and techniques that can be undertaken in your own time to improve your mental health. She's a great therapist and I'd highly recommend to anyone in need of extra support or going through a difficult time.
Written on Dec 27, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She’s awesome
Written on Dec 11, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and addictions
Time goes by so fast when I'm having a session with Pegah, she listens carefully and shows expressions that indicates she is listening to me. She is super down to earth and I'm not nervous when I talk to her, I can be transparent when it comes to my emotions with her!
Thank you Pegah for being who you are :)
Written on Nov 08, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Pegah Houshmand is a really considerate person who listens and respects the issues I have, she gives me time to go through the things I need without feeling rushed. We are working towards a goal of emdr therapy, yes it will take time to get there but I feel good about the approach we are going with. She doesn't judge me or my opinions she does challenge my thoughts on myself in a really good manner and I feel this is very constructive for what I need for my therapy. I would recommend Pegah whole heartedly. I'm very happy with therapy I am receiving.
Written on Oct 21, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Pegah is reassuring l, fantastic and really listens.
Written on Sep 05, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 3 months on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Pegah has helped me greatly in navigating leaving a toxic workplace and finding healing and inspiration again. She is a great listener, speaks her mind on the origins and potential solutions to the issue and is very helpful overall! Definitely recommend working with Pegah!
Written on Jul 21, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Pegah has been very supportive in finding my voice - she allows me the space to speak and provides helpful perspectives and tips to help me think differently and gain confidence.
Written on Jun 01, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Petah listens but I don’t feel judged.
Strategies to help are useful , realistic and achievable.
Only had a few sessions but already feeling more positive , uplifted and hopeful .
Would certainly recommend Pegah x
Written on Apr 19, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
So far Pegah has been a very conscientious therapist, sending me various tips and strategies throughout the week. My contact time with her has been very useful so far, and I like that the she talks and gives me live feedback and suggestions during our sessions.
Written on Apr 13, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Pegah is great at giving advice. She’s also attentive and diligent to each individual she caters for. I would recommend having her as a therapist!
Written on Mar 11, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Pegah is an amazing listener and knows how to guide.
Written on Feb 26, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She's a nice therapist and she helped me a lot
Written on Jan 13, 2024 after therapy with Pegah for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
Pegah has been excellent so far in my journey of therapy with her. She has been kind, understanding, and very accepting of what I have to say and the thoughts and feelings that I go through. She always says the right things to settle my anxiety as an overthinker and I feel that through more sessions with her, I am beginning to feel more confident in my journey of healing.
Written on Nov 25, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Pegah is a very good listener and very supportive. She answers all my questions on a timely manner. She is so professional. I cannot recommend her enough.
Written on Nov 06, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
I am very grateful for Pegah’s help, she is a wonderful counsellor and very empathetic lady. She has opened my eyes on how to heal and live a better life. Thank you so much!
Written on Nov 05, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks
Very helpful and knowledgeable therapist that is helping me to challenge my negative thought processes. Also in building up positive thought processes.
Written on Nov 01, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
Pegah is a wonderful counsellor. We worked through things step by step and tackled each challenge one after another. She provided a range of strategies and exercises to use daily, and she gave excellent pushes in the right direction for all sorts of different things that I was facing. We worked from the bottom up, tackling the past, then the present and the future. After the processing of emotions and experiences, we moved forward to positive actions, and setting goals and attainable objectives. She helps you reflect on yourself and ask the questions you hadn’t thought to ask. She shows you another angle and helps you change your mindset and look at things differently. I have come out of therapy feeling motivated and encouraged to find happiness and to strengthen positivity in my life. She was a big support during a tough time, and I must say it was hard to let go of her, we really built a strong professional connection. She doesn’t see this as goodbye and gave wonderful advice that I can return anytime if I am in need of her support again. I really recommend her. Thanks so much Faithful Counselling!
Written on Oct 31, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 months
She is very tentative and listens to you.
Written on Sep 28, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
The sessions are really helpful. Pegah is respectful, has a great listening ear and is very supportive. I like how I can connect with Pegah throughout the week by sharing my journal and she always provides encouraging feedback and ideas to help me on my journey.
Written on Sep 22, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I am grateful for being matched with Pegah. She is very helpful and patient with me. She knows her profession well and I am happy especially with her knowledge of the step work as I need support in this area. She is definitely a God's blessing.
Written on Aug 12, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks
Pegah is very professional, friendly, has a depth of understanding and easy to talk to. I've only just started with Pegah, but I knew from the first session that she is the right counsellor for me, as we explore through a lot together.
Written on Aug 04, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks
Pegah is very thoughtfull and intuitive. She helps me boost my confidence and build a better future for myself, also knows how to supportively and actively chalenge my negative Setting.
Written on Aug 02, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Very understanding, knowledgable, makes me feel at ease. Makes me feel understood and works through each issue thoroughly
Written on Jul 04, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
I really appreciate Pegah’s ability to be both gentle and understanding but also firm in her validation for what I’m experiencing and also in advising me with practical steps I can take to help myself.
Written on Jun 11, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder
Very good exp
Written on Mar 22, 2023 after therapy with Pegah for 3 weeks
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