Saira Asif, BACP

Saira Asif is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief and relationship worries. She welcomes conversations about depression, anger, self-esteem and sleep or eating concerns. She also supports people exploring gender identity and LGBT issues. Sessions are offered in English and in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Saira trained as a counsellor and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She has eight years' experience working with a wide range of problems. Her aim is to make therapy straightforward and practical so people can start where they are. Her approach mixes a client-centred stance with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused work. That means talking through what matters to the client first, and then trying out small changes or new ways of thinking that can make day-to-day life easier. In sessions she focuses on listening without judgment and on helping people make informed choices. Therapy is framed as a collaborative process rather than giving direct answers, and it can suit a single session or longer work depending on need. Saira describes herself as positive, patient and punctual. She aims to offer a steady, problem-solving presence so people feel able to explore difficult feelings and try different coping strategies.

How her approaches translate to online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's perspective. It helps people feel heard and decide what matters most to them in therapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and tries small experiments to change unhelpful habits. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress. Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on practical steps and immediate goals rather than dwelling on the past, which can be useful when someone wants quick, focused change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they will choose or blend methods that suit the person's needs and test what works in real life.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, family and daily life. It can reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Confirm the available session formats before booking so you know how meetings will be arranged. Registered or accredited professionals can offer effective support remotely, and the practical benefits include easier scheduling and greater flexibility to keep therapy consistent.