Azra Hirji

Azra Hirji is a trainee integrative practitioner currently completing her Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. She works within The Awareness Centre’s low-cost counselling service in Tooting and is a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Azra creates a compassionate, secure, and non-judgmental space where clients feel supported in exploring their feelings. She understands the courage it takes to engage in therapy and approaches her clients with empathy and sensitivity. Azra works collaboratively with her clients to uncover the roots of their difficulties, understanding how past experiences influence their present struggles. She adopts a dynamic and flexible approach, integrating techniques from psychodynamic, person-centred, and cognitive behavioural therapies to suit each client’s unique needs. Her focus is on helping clients develop greater self-awareness, find new perspectives, and build the resilience needed to navigate life’s complexities.

Azra’s professional experience spans both NHS and private settings, where she has supported clients with a range of complex needs. In her work with eating disorder services, she helped clients navigate the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges of recovery, offering sensitive and informed support tailored to each stage of their journey. She has also facilitated Tree of Life sessions, a therapeutic approach that uses metaphor and storytelling to help individuals explore significant life events in meaningful way. In addition to her clinical experience, she has a background in personality coaching. Whatever the issue, Azra approaches it with compassion, seeking to understand how it affects each individual uniquely. She recognizes that every mental health challenge impacts everyone differently and is committed to ensuring her approach is never one-size-fits-all.

With a South-Asian heritage and extensive experience living and working in diverse cultural contexts, Azra brings an understanding of cultural values, traditions, and challenges that may influence clients’ experiences and mental health journeys. She is committed to walking alongside her clients, helping them navigate their challenges with understanding and care.