Counselling and Psychotherapy graduate receives Student Achievement Award

Samaira Azim was inspired to go to university after seeing her mother’s dedication to studying when she was a child. She applied to attend the University of Salford through the alternative entry scheme due to taking an academic break to have children. As a student, she has always acted on feedback, didn’t give up, was present at lectures, workshops, group supervision and placement, and despite challenges, she was always there and ready to learn.  

Samaira credits this placement as playing a huge part in shaping her journey on her course, giving meaning to what she was learning, and confirming her desire to progress in her field, supporting people through difficult circumstances. 

Samaira said, “Studying Counselling and Psychotherapy at Salford has been one of the most meaningful and transformational experiences of my life. 

“It has stretched me academically, professionally and personally, and changed me in ways I didn’t expect.  

“At times it has been emotional and challenging, but it has also helped me grow hugely in confidence, self-awareness, and understanding of both myself and other people. 

“Receiving this recognition means a lot because the journey to get here has not always been straightforward – balancing university, placement, family life and personal challenges at times has been difficult, so to have that recognised feels really special. 

“I feel privileged to have been taught by some of the most inspiring people I have met, and I am immensely grateful for the support of my tutors throughout the course. 

“My time at Salford has strengthened my belief in the importance of compassionate, person-centred support and left me feeling excited about what comes next.” 

Noah Sisson-Curbishley, Counselling and Psychotherapy Masters Programme Lead and Lecturer, said, “This student is the epitome of what Salford is about. 

“Samaira is a mum-of-four, mixed heritage, and has her own historic challenges.  

“She engaged, she truly showed up to better herself, she accessed the library skills, she asked for support, she tried hard whilst raising four children – she has worked so hard in every aspect of the course and she deserves the recognition more than any student I know.” 

Leigh Gardner, Samaira’s Clinical supervisor, shared, “Samaira has made huge leaps in terms of her emotional resilience demonstrated in her placements and in her academic work. 

“Her self-awareness has grown enormously, as she comes to her final 100 hours and this is demonstrated in her reflective practice, in her use of the supervisory space, and in her Professional Practice assignment.” 

Over the next five years, Samaira shared that she hopes to continue developing as a therapist, working towards professional accreditation, and building a career that allows her to support people in meaningful and accessible ways. 

Samaira said, “I would like to gain experience across different therapeutic modalities and potentially undertake the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course at Salford. 

“I’m particularly interested in creating spaces that promote wellbeing, connection and personal growth – whether that’s through traditional therapeutic work or more creative community-based projects. 

“Whatever direction my career takes, I hope to contribute to creating spaces where people feel able to bring their whole selves without fear of judgement.”