Mahira Zakiuddin

Mahira is a Psychotherapist and Mental Health Social Worker with a wealth of experience spanning since 2007, practicing diverse therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person-Centered Therapy. Since 2012, Mahira has been focused on providing support to children, adolescents and families.

Mahira brings a dynamic approach to her clinical practice, particularly when working with children and adolescents. Her integrative approach for blending various therapeutic modalities, allows her to tailor interventions that resonate to each individual, through a lens of collaborative and evidence-based treatment.

One of Mahira's greatest qualities is her ability to create a safe and nurturing space where children and adolescents feel empowered to express themselves freely. Whether it's addressing issues such as grief, anxiety, low mood or navigating complex family dynamics, Mahira has an innate talent for connecting with young people, which comes from a genuine and relatable place of wanting to help. It's not just about offering solutions; it's about fostering a sense of trust and understanding that forms the bedrock of effective therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

Mahira's commitment to advocating for youth voice extends beyond the therapy room. Through her engagement with parents via support groups, seminars, and workshops, she cultivates a collaborative ecosystem where families are empowered to support their adolescents effectively. It's not just about addressing immediate concerns; it's about equipping parents with the tools and knowledge they need to foster resilience and well-being in their children over the long term.

Mahira has a deep understanding of cultural nuances and the impact of intergenerational trauma. She doesn't just see her clients as individuals; she recognizes the broader context in which they operate and incorporates cultural sensitivity into her practice. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of her interventions but also instills a sense of validation and respect for her clients' lived experiences. Mahira regularly facilitates discussions and lectures on this topic at both local and international conferences.

With a career that extends back to 2007, Mahira has navigated various environments, including involvement in programs like the "Batterer’s Intervention Programme" within community health centers and the domestic violence court system in the United States. For the past 13 years, she has focused on adolescents, parents, and educators, addressing a spectrum of challenges from grief and anxiety to relationship issues.

Mahira's journey includes earning a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University in 2009 followed by relocating to the UAE where she worked with the Blossom Nursery group and later joined the GEMS Education group. Mahira currently holds the position of Director of Counselling for GEMS Wellington and Jumeirah Schools, advocating for mental health awareness across our community, whilst holding an integral role of school therapist, clinical supervisor and mental health ambassador. Her passion lies in emphasizing the importance of amplifying adolescent voices and fostering empowering environments, which keeps Mahira passionate about maintaining a school role so she can continue empowering mental health reform through a multinational organization.

Mahira is one of the few clinicians in the GCC accredited to deliver Brene Brown’s “Dare To Lead Teams” ™ program, a carefully created curriculum to build courage within corporate culture. She has trained and consulted on this internationally and locally. 

Mahira embodies a highly skilled blend of clinical expertise, empathy, and cultural competence that is essential for effectively supporting individuals across the lifespan.