Malik Akbar
Hello. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. I am the owner of Breaking BHAD Counseling, LLC, a U.S. Army veteran, and a graduate of Webster University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Many of my clients are professionals, leaders, veterans, and driven individuals who seem successful on the outside but feel internally misaligned, overwhelmed, or stagnant.
I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who are ready to take responsibility for their growth. Many of my clients are professionals, leaders, veterans, and driven individuals who seem successful on the outside but feel internally misaligned, overwhelmed, or stagnant. My work is structured, direct, and focused on moving forward. I don’t offer endless processing — I help clients gain clarity, confront patterns, and move intentionally toward the life they want.
First session
Our first session is focused on clarity and direction. We will identify what is no longer working, examine the patterns sustaining it, and define what meaningful change would look like. From there, we create a structured path forward built around accountability, values alignment, and measurable progress. If you are looking for honest feedback, practical tools, and a therapist who will challenge you respectfully while supporting your growth, you will feel at home here.
Strengths
My greatest strength is my ability to combine psychological depth with structured, forward movement. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with strategic cognitive-behavioral methods, grounded in existential responsibility, to help clients gain clarity, dismantle unproductive patterns, and align their behavior with their values. I do not offer passive or indefinite therapy. I work best with individuals who are ready to examine themselves honestly, confront avoidance, and take ownership of meaningful change. My role is not to simply process experiences, but to help clients strengthen discipline, emotional regulation, and intentional decision-making. This allows us to: • Identify values and personal standards • Dismantle unproductive thinking patterns • Increase psychological flexibility • Strengthen discipline and emotional regulation • Align behavior with identity I work best with clients who are willing to examine themselves honestly and take ownership of change. Therapy here is collaborative, focused, and purposeful.
Ideal clients
I am best suited for adults who: • Value accountability • Want structured, forward-moving therapy • Are navigating leadership stress, identity shifts, career pressure, or life transitions • Are ready to confront avoidance and build consistency Whether you are a professional, veteran, entrepreneur, or high-performing individual seeking clarity and direction, my goal is to help you operate at a higher level — internally and externally.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients develop psychological flexibility and align their actions with their core values. Rather than attempting to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, we focus on changing the relationship to them. This approach strengthens discipline, clarity, and intentional decision-making — particularly for high-functioning individuals navigating pressure, responsibility, and internal conflict.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is used to identify and dismantle unproductive thinking patterns that drive stress, avoidance, and stagnation. Together, we examine how thoughts influence behavior and create structured strategies to build more effective responses. This method is practical, measurable, and especially effective for individuals who appreciate logical, goal-oriented work.
Location
Virtual sessions