Shagufta Chaudhary, ACA

Shagufta Chaudhary, who often goes by 'Shay', is an ACA counsellor based in Australia with 21 years of professional experience. She supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and the challenges of grief and loss, helping them rebuild self-worth, confidence and motivation. ACA refers to the Australian Counselling Association, and Shagufta brings long-standing practical experience to her work.

Shagufta works with individuals, couples and families, offering a calm and non-judgemental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored openly. Her approach focuses on reducing fear and anxiety and strengthening a person’s sense of self so they can move toward a more fulfilling and happier life. She emphasises collaboration and practical steps, helping people identify patterns that no longer serve them and practise new ways of relating to themselves and others.

Seeking change takes courage, and Shagufta aims to provide steady support and encouragement throughout that process. She is committed to empowering people as they take the first steps toward meaningful and sustainable change.

Therapeutic approaches and online counselling

Shagufta uses a range of established approaches to guide her work, including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and can help with difficulties in close relationships, anxiety about abandonment, and trust issues. Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the centre of the process, offering empathic listening and acceptance to support self-exploration and build confidence. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be effective for anxiety, mood challenges and managing panic symptoms.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Shagufta works collaboratively with each person to determine what best fits their needs, goals and preferences. She will discuss options and adapt methods as the work evolves, aiming for a tailored, practical plan that feels doable and relevant.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family and other commitments. These options make therapy more accessible for those in different locations or with mobility or scheduling constraints, while still allowing regular, ongoing contact with appropriately qualified or registered professionals and therapists who can support progress over time.