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Dubai

Lilian Banin

Counseling Psychologist,Psychotherapist

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ABOUT ME/BIO

I am a CDA-licensed psychologist based in Dubai, providing evidence-based psychological support to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My practice combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a neurodiversity-affirming approach to help clients navigate ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, executive functioning challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I believe therapy should be a collaborative, supportive, and practical process where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to build on their strengths while developing effective strategies for lasting change. I hold a Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology from Harvard University and have additional training in neurodiversity-inclusive healthcare, and CBT-informed intervention. I provide therapy in English, Portuguese, and Arabic.

General information

CLINIC NAME

The Journey for Social & Family Consultancy

CLINIC ADDRESS

Jumeirah 1, Villa 56A, Dubai, UAE

COUNTRY

United Arab Emirates

LANGUAGES

ArabicEnglishPortuguese

PRACTICE

Online

ABOUT Lilian Banin

PROFESSION

Counseling PsychologistPsychotherapist

CREDENTIALS

A.L.M. (Psychology), Harvard University; MBA, University of Cumbria

LICENSING AUTHORITY

Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai, UAE

TYPES OF SERVICES

Therapy

THERAPY

Individuals

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

3

SPECIALIZATIONS

ADHDAngerAnxietyAutismCommunicationDepressionDyslexiaEmotion RegulationImpulse controlLearning DisabilitiesLearning DifficultiesObsessions and CompulsionsOppositional DefiancePanicParentingPhobiasRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemStressSuicidal Ideation

APPROACH

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

AGE GROUP

8 to 1213 to 1516 to 1819 to 2122 to 64

WORK HOURS

7am - 7pm

APPOINTMENT WAIT TIME

Less than a week from time of contact

HOW I CAN HELP YOU
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges, or navigating ADHD or autism—for yourself or your child—you don't have to face it alone. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to better understand your experiences, develop practical strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's strengths, goals, and individual needs. My practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and guided by a neurodiversity-affirming philosophy that respects differences rather than trying to change them.

Together, we will explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, strengthen emotional regulation and resilience, improve relationships and daily functioning, and build on your existing strengths. My goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself while developing practical tools that make everyday life feel more manageable and fulfilling.
WHY I AM SPECIALIZED IN THIS FIELD
My passion for psychology comes from a deep curiosity about human behaviour and a genuine desire to help people understand themselves with greater clarity and compassion. Over the years, I have developed a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, alongside people experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, executive functioning challenges, and relationship concerns.

I hold a Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology from Harvard University and am a CDA-licensed psychologist practising in Dubai. My work is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), neurodiversity-inclusive healthcare, DBT-informed interventions, and strengths-based approaches. I am committed to providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and respectful care that recognises each person's unique experiences, values, and strengths.

I believe therapy should be collaborative, practical, and empowering. My aim is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help you better understand yourself, build confidence in your abilities, and develop the skills needed to thrive in everyday life.
WHAT I SAY TO PEOPLE WHO FEEL NERVOUS OR HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THERAPY/ASSESSMENT
Starting therapy doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It means you're giving yourself the opportunity to better understand your experiences and explore new ways of moving forward.

Many people arrive feeling anxious, uncertain, or wondering whether their difficulties are "serious enough" for therapy. Others worry about being judged or believe they should have been able to cope on their own. These feelings are completely understandable.

I see therapy as a collaborative process built on curiosity, compassion, and evidence rather than judgment. Together, we'll work to understand what you're experiencing, recognise the strengths you already have, and develop practical strategies that support your wellbeing in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
WHAT MEASURES I USE IN ASSESSMENTS
Assessment begins with listening carefully to your experiences, understanding your history, and exploring the goals that bring you to therapy. Where appropriate, I also use evidence-based psychological questionnaires and screening measures to better understand emotional wellbeing, ADHD, autism-related characteristics, anxiety, depression, executive functioning, and behavioural concerns.

The assessment process is collaborative and helps guide treatment planning while recognising that questionnaires are only one part of understanding the whole person.

I would love to connect with you!

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