Meet Dr. Saira

I love my job! If anyone asks, I always say I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do for a living. I get to connect with wonderful people and help guide them to discovering more about themselves while healing emotional wounds. It is an honor to be in the presence of that change and witness the strength all clients possess. My therapeutic style is dynamic, interactive and engaging. I think laughter and humor have a role in therapy. Clients often comment that they enjoy how they can use whatever language needed to fully express themselves in session and that I won’t just reflect with a “how does that make you feel?” It seems clients crave a real connection in our work and only then do they feel safe enough to go to those emotionally painful places. I am here to support and not judge as you find your way.

In my free time, I try and practice what I preach. I refer to movement and exercise as “nature’s antidepressant.” I enjoy distance running, walking/talking with friends and weight lifting. I’m also passionate about food, cooking and baking. It is widely known among friends and in my community that my love language is feeding others and delivering gifts of food. I am fortunate to have two great kids and a supportive husband who provides me with a deep sense of stability, security and love. I have proudly called Austin home since 2003.

What To Expect From Our Work

When we first meet, you will have completed all intake paperwork and we would have touched base by phone for a brief chat about your concerns. A first session will be set and this usually is a time to share your story and I’ll ask follow up and clarifying questions to get an initial understanding of you and the type of help you’re seeking. Throughout the process, it is hoped you feel like we are working together and that therapy is not being done to you. There will be times I will challenge you to dig deeper and question further but hope you feel supported during that process. Self-understanding tends to be one of the most impactful parts of our work, along with a reduction in trauma response activation through EMDR. I will frequently check with you to see how you think our work is progressing and help you decide when it is time to conclude therapy. This is very much a collaborative process.