Zahira Virani, BACP
Warm, collaborative therapy for meaningful change
- Humanistic and systemic focus
- Integrative tailored sessions
- Empathy for difficult feelings
About Zahira Virani
Zahira Virani is a BACP-credentialed therapist based in the United Kingdom who draws on a long background of working with individuals, couples, families, and young people. Before moving into counselling as a profession, she spent over 30 years in roles supporting diverse communities, which included facilitating both group programmes and one-to-one work across voluntary and statutory settings. Her experience has included supporting people affected by domestic violence, family breakdown, and substance dependency and abuse.
With training in Humanistic counselling and a foundation in family and youth work, Zahira brings together person-focused therapy and systemic ways of understanding relationships and environments. She works integratively, combining different theoretical perspectives and shaping sessions in collaboration with each client so therapy can stay closely aligned with their aims and priorities.
Zahira offers warmth, empathy, and a steady space for difficult emotions. She tends to work best with people who feel ready to move toward a more meaningful and effective way of being, while being supported to approach change with empowerment and authenticity. As a BACP member, she is part of a professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.
With training in Humanistic counselling and a foundation in family and youth work, Zahira brings together person-focused therapy and systemic ways of understanding relationships and environments. She works integratively, combining different theoretical perspectives and shaping sessions in collaboration with each client so therapy can stay closely aligned with their aims and priorities.
Zahira offers warmth, empathy, and a steady space for difficult emotions. She tends to work best with people who feel ready to move toward a more meaningful and effective way of being, while being supported to approach change with empowerment and authenticity. As a BACP member, she is part of a professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in the UK.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Imago Relationship Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Zahira Virani have?
Zahira Virani has 6 years of experience as a therapist.
Is Zahira Virani a licensed therapist?
Yes. Zahira Virani holds the BACP credential. Specific license details were not provided.
In which languages does Zahira Virani provide therapy?
Zahira Virani provides therapy in English and Gujarati.
Where is Zahira Virani located?
Zahira Virani is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Zahira Virani as my therapist?
You can work with Zahira Virani through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Zahira Virani work with international clients?
No. Zahira Virani does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Zahira Virani cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well to Online Sessions
Zahira Virani draws from approaches that can be practical and supportive in an online setting. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a warm, accepting space where clients can explore thoughts and emotions at their own pace, which can be especially helpful when someone is feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or life transitions.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured approach that helps clients notice patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then practice new ways of responding. CBT can be useful for concerns like worry, low mood, and day-to-day coping challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds skills for handling intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships, which can support people working through conflict, impulsive reactions, or emotional ups and downs.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Zahira works collaboratively, tailoring sessions to each client’s goals, needs, and preferences, and adjusting the pace and focus as therapy unfolds.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit support into real life. Clients can meet Zahira through video calls or phone sessions, or use live chat and text-based messaging when scheduling is tight or when writing feels more natural than speaking.