Why I am specialized in this field
Being a psychotherapist was my adolescent dream. I feel grateful for not only having fulfilled this dream but also for enjoying it just as much as I had hoped I would. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon in 2007. I earned my Master’s degree and Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2012.
I dedicated the first five years of my career to helping individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and their co-occurring disorders (trauma, depression, anxiety) in both residential and outpatient facilities. I also worked in psychiatric hospitals during this time, helping those with severe mental illnesses and addiction struggles. From 2017 to 2023, I worked in jail settings with individuals suffering from severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as well as those with addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. From 2021 to 2023, I primarily evaluated inmates in jail for their competency to stand trial (CST).
In addition to the above, I have owned a private practice since 2015. In my practice, I have treated individuals with a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship issues, addictions (sex, food, drugs, alcohol, etc.) , anger management, problems managing emotions, ADHD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
In March 2023, I relocated to Dubai, UAE. I continued my work in the U.S. as a remote forensic psychologist until May 2023 and then, after obtaining my DHA license, I transitioned to private practice at ClearMinds, Center for Emotional Health in July 2023. I continue working remotely with California-based individuals in private practice as well.
I was originally trained in psychodynamic, insight-oriented therapy and this continues to influence my treatment of individuals. I place great importance on one’s attachment style and family story to help individuals gain insight and understanding into their current problems and relationship patterns. Overall, I believe that when a person gains insight and works through unresolved events and emotions from their past, this can significantly relieve many of their current problems.
I have been trained in a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By using ACT, individuals learn to effectively manage distressing thoughts and feelings (e.g., anger, depression, anxiety, etc.), reducing their influence over their behaviors. For example, someone with anxiety can develop skills to learn how to tolerate their discomfort with uncertainty, which can help decrease their need to control their environment just so that they don’t feel anxious anymore. ACT emphasizes skills like learning how to not be controlled by your thoughts and feelings, learning how to accept what is not in your control, embracing the present moment, and identifying what is important to you to live a meaningful life.
Additionally, I have been trained to treat trauma-related disorders using Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT). TFACT is a compassion-based, exposure-centered approach to addressing a wide range of traumatic experiences. In TFACT, exposure is the process of turning towards (versus avoiding) thoughts, feelings, or memories that typically produce anxiety or other very uncomfortable feelings with curiosity, flexibility, and openness. TFACT also addresses issues such as emotional numbness; dissociation; trauma-related anxiety, panic attacks, depression, shame, anger, etc.; suicidality, attachment-related trauma, and issues with trust. Finally, it helps to guide individuals on how to trust others, develop healthy relationships, and find meaning in life.
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a type of therapy that addresses trauma and other impactful life experiences.
I have a passion for continuously learning and strongly believe that it is my duty to my clients to stay updated on best practices for effective therapies. I love to read about therapy and so naturally my reading influences my treatment approach. I am influenced by psychology authors such as Russ Harris, Kelly Wilson, Laurel Parnell, Gabor Maté, and Bessel van der Kolk.