Saima Durrani, ACA

Saima Durrani is an ACA counsellor based in Australia who focuses on practical, person-centred support. She helps people manage stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties, including jealousy. Saima listens with empathy and works alongside clients to find steps that fit their life. She uses a mix of approaches to suit each person. That can mean talking through thoughts and behaviours with cognitive behavioural techniques, practicing acceptance and values-based actions from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or using client-centred listening when someone needs space to be heard. Saima also draws on skills from dialectical behaviour approaches and relationship work influenced by the Gottman Method when relevant. Her experience includes helping people cope with grief, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, addiction concerns, sleep and eating issues, and career stress. She also supports people facing difficult feelings such as guilt, shame, abandonment, codependency and isolation. Jealousy is included among the relationship-focused concerns she addresses. Saima has three years of professional experience and brings multicultural awareness to sessions. She speaks English, Punjabi, Pushto and Urdu and can meet people who prefer one of those languages. Her background aims to make therapy feel accessible for clients from diverse communities. Clients begin by sharing what matters most to them. Saima emphasises collaborative goal-setting and clear steps between sessions. She encourages small, practical changes alongside deeper reflection to help people regain a sense of control and direction.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Saima blends several evidence-based approaches to guide her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small actions that matter, which can help with anxiety, stress and difficult emotions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and teaches practical strategies to reduce unhelpful patterns and improve mood. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises empathic listening and creating a safe space for people to reflect and be heard, useful when someone needs understanding and validation.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Saima will talk with clients about their goals, needs and preferences and then suggest methods to try. She adapts techniques over time so the work matches what is most helpful for the person in front of her.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people access a therapist who speaks their language or understands their cultural background without needing to commute. Ask about available arrangements when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions suit your routine and goals.