DubaiAbout Me/Bio
I am a US-trained clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience in treating issues such as addiction, trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. I work with older teens and adults. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused ACT, and psychodynamic therapy in my practice.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Clinic Name
ClearMinds Center for Emotional Health
Clinic Address
JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS (JLT), CLUSTER M HDS BUSINESS CENTER, OFFICE 2904
Country
United Arab Emirates
Website
Email Address
Work Phone Number
Languages
ArabicEnglish
Practice
Both In-Person & Online
ABOUT Dalea Alawar
Profession
Clinical Psychologist
Credentials
Psy.D.
Licensing Authority
DHA, California Board of Psychology (USA)
Types of Services
Therapy
Therapy
IndividualsGroup
Additional Services
Supervision/ConsultationEducational Workshops
Years of Experience
11
Specializations
AddictionAlcohol UseAngerAnxietyBody ImageCodependencyDepressionDivorceDissociationsDrug UseDual DiagnosisEmotion RegulationFamily ConflictGamblingGriefImpulse controlInfidelityInternet Use ProblemsLife crisisMen's IssuesMood SwingsNarcissistic traitsObsessions and CompulsionsPanicRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSelf-HarmingSexual IssuesSex AddictionSpiritualityStressSubstance UseSuicidal IdeationTransgenderTrauma and PTSDVideo Gaming
Approach
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)Compassion FocusedIntegrativePsychodynamic
Age Group
19 to 2122 to 6465+
Work Hours
9am to 6pm
Appointment Wait Time
Less than a week from time of contact
Preferred Contact Method
Hoopfull Contact FormEmailMobileOfficeWhatsapp
Preferred Booking Method
[email protected], [email protected], office reception +971585576220 (call or WhatsApp)
How I can help you
Many people enter therapy because they have trouble dealing with difficult emotions such as hopelessness, vulnerability, anxiety, guilt, shame, regret, resentment, and anger. They work hard to not feel these emotions because they are very uncomfortable. Often, they do or say things they wish they didn’t when they feel these emotions, just to not feel them anymore.
Yet, these emotions, and in fact all emotions, are very important to feel because they tell us vital information about ourselves. They tell us what is important to us. They show us what we are most afraid of in life. One of my main aims in therapy is to guide my clients to become more comfortable with experiencing these difficult emotions so that they can understand themselves better, handle their emotions more thoughtfully, and, in turn, feel more in control of their own behavior. Having more control over your behavior can help you to have better relationships with others and help you feel better about yourself.
Experiencing difficult emotions looks like connecting to your body, where we hold our emotions. I spend time guiding my clients in finding where their emotions live in their bodies, teaching them how to make room for their emotions, to learn from them, and to stop fighting with them. This is a somatic approach to therapy, where we focus on the body to help us understand what we are feeling. Where we stop being afraid to connect to and be in our bodies.
This approach comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is the primary model of therapy that I use in my practice. It also focuses on teaching individuals how to take a step back from their thoughts, so they don’t feel so controlled by them, how to live more in the present, and how to act mindfully and thoughtfully rather than feeling like they have no control over their actions.
I also use Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which is a compassion-based, exposure-centered approach to address a wide range of traumatic experiences. In TFACT, exposure is the process of facing (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, suicidality, and issues with trust. Itt helps to guide individuals on how to trust others, develop healthy relationships, and find meaning in life.
My approach to therapy is also informed by psychodynamic, attachment, and family systems theories. Overall, I aim to provide my clients with a treatment approach that is tailored to their needs. Regardless of the approach I use, my priority is to create an environment of safety, understanding, non-judgment, and compassion. Without this, I do not believe that change can happen.
Yet, these emotions, and in fact all emotions, are very important to feel because they tell us vital information about ourselves. They tell us what is important to us. They show us what we are most afraid of in life. One of my main aims in therapy is to guide my clients to become more comfortable with experiencing these difficult emotions so that they can understand themselves better, handle their emotions more thoughtfully, and, in turn, feel more in control of their own behavior. Having more control over your behavior can help you to have better relationships with others and help you feel better about yourself.
Experiencing difficult emotions looks like connecting to your body, where we hold our emotions. I spend time guiding my clients in finding where their emotions live in their bodies, teaching them how to make room for their emotions, to learn from them, and to stop fighting with them. This is a somatic approach to therapy, where we focus on the body to help us understand what we are feeling. Where we stop being afraid to connect to and be in our bodies.
This approach comes from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is the primary model of therapy that I use in my practice. It also focuses on teaching individuals how to take a step back from their thoughts, so they don’t feel so controlled by them, how to live more in the present, and how to act mindfully and thoughtfully rather than feeling like they have no control over their actions.
I also use Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which is a compassion-based, exposure-centered approach to address a wide range of traumatic experiences. In TFACT, exposure is the process of facing (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, suicidality, and issues with trust. Itt helps to guide individuals on how to trust others, develop healthy relationships, and find meaning in life.
My approach to therapy is also informed by psychodynamic, attachment, and family systems theories. Overall, I aim to provide my clients with a treatment approach that is tailored to their needs. Regardless of the approach I use, my priority is to create an environment of safety, understanding, non-judgment, and compassion. Without this, I do not believe that change can happen.
Why I am specialized in this field
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon in 2007. I went on to earn my Master’s degree and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology in Florida, USA in 2012. While in graduate school, I was primarily trained in psychodymanic therapy which centered on understanding how early relationships, traumas, and subconscious emotions impact one’s current life and problems.
After becoming a licensed psychologist, I expanded my knowledge by integrating various therapeutic interventions to offer well-rounded services. I received training from Dr. Russ Harris in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused ACT, as well as training in the use of mindfulness in therapy. I strongly believe in always acquiring knowledge and so I am also influenced by many psychology authors through their books, such as Gabor Mate, Brene Brown, Bessel van der Kolk, and Vienna Pharoan.
I have worked in a wide range of clinical settings from private practice to outpatient clinics to hospitals to jails to prisons. This variety of settings has allowed me to feel comfortable to provide therapy to whomever enters my therapy room.
After becoming a licensed psychologist, I expanded my knowledge by integrating various therapeutic interventions to offer well-rounded services. I received training from Dr. Russ Harris in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused ACT, as well as training in the use of mindfulness in therapy. I strongly believe in always acquiring knowledge and so I am also influenced by many psychology authors through their books, such as Gabor Mate, Brene Brown, Bessel van der Kolk, and Vienna Pharoan.
I have worked in a wide range of clinical settings from private practice to outpatient clinics to hospitals to jails to prisons. This variety of settings has allowed me to feel comfortable to provide therapy to whomever enters my therapy room.
What I say to people who feel nervous or have concerns about therapy/assessment
That’s okay to feel nervous! It can be quite nerve-wracking to share intimate details with someone you just met. An essential part of my graduate training was to undergo therapy myself, to know what it’s like to be a client. So, I know what it’s like to sit on the other couch and share what can sometimes feel like uncomfortable details about yourself. I have experienced the worry of being judged by my therapist, the fear that they won’t understand me, or won’t provide a safe space for me.
Because of my own experience of being a client, I have made it my priority to ensure that I provide a non-judgmental, safe, compassionate, and understanding space for my own clients. That means, if you come in nervous for the first session and have a hard time opening up, that is absolutely okay. You will never be forced to talk about anything you don’t want to and I will meet you wherever you are at. If you want me to lead the session, I will. If you want to ask me questions about how I do therapy, I will be happy to answer. Or, if you’d rather jump right in and talk about what’s bothering you, we can do that too. The beauty of therapy is that it’s a space where you can start to truly feel comfortable being in your own skin.
Because of my own experience of being a client, I have made it my priority to ensure that I provide a non-judgmental, safe, compassionate, and understanding space for my own clients. That means, if you come in nervous for the first session and have a hard time opening up, that is absolutely okay. You will never be forced to talk about anything you don’t want to and I will meet you wherever you are at. If you want me to lead the session, I will. If you want to ask me questions about how I do therapy, I will be happy to answer. Or, if you’d rather jump right in and talk about what’s bothering you, we can do that too. The beauty of therapy is that it’s a space where you can start to truly feel comfortable being in your own skin.