DubaiAbout Me/Bio
I am a US-trained doctoral level clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience in treating adults with a wide range of issues such as addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I primarily utilize 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
Individuals
Additional Services
Supervision/ConsultationEducational Workshops
Years of Experience
11
Specializations
AddictionAlcohol UseAngerAnxietyBody ImageCodependencyDepressionDivorceDissociationsDrug UseDual DiagnosisEmotion RegulationFamily ConflictGamblingGriefImpulse controlInfidelityLife crisisMen's IssuesMood SwingsRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSexual IssuesSex AddictionSpiritualityStressSubstance UseTransgenderTrauma and PTSD
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
I am a doctoral-level clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adults. With over 10 years of experience, I have expertise in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, self-esteem issues, major life changes, exploring life’s purpose, and severe mental illness.
As humans, we are so unique that at times we lose sight of the fact that we share many of the same challenges and inner conflicts. This philosophy drives my work as a psychologist. I believe that creating an atmosphere of understanding, non-judgment, and connection is essential for effective therapeutic work. With curiosity, I guide individuals in self-discovery and, with compassion, I facilitate behavioral changes that lead to more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
In therapy, I base my treatment on psychodynamic, insight-oriented therapy as well as the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused ACT. Tailoring my treatment to align with my clients’ goals, I use different methods to meet their needs. At times, delving into past unresolved events and relationships through psychodynamic-based therapy is quite effective. During other phases in therapy, utilizing ACT can help clients learn skills to navigate challenging thoughts and emotions. I meet my clients where they are and provide the appropriate treatment based on the issue at hand.
The psychodynamic approach typically focuses on understanding and working through unresolved issues regarding significant past relationships and life experiences (e.g., traumatizing experiences, loss of a loved one, etc.). Emotionally resolving past issues can greatly change one’s current life situation. It can be very difficult to talk about the past, and so you, as the client, are always in charge of what you want to talk about and if you ever even want to talk about it.
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a scientific, evidence-based CBT treatment, to teach individuals practical and helpful skills specific to their problems. By using ACT, individuals learn to effectively manage distressing thoughts and feelings (e.g., anger, sadness, anxiety, etc.), so they don’t influence their behaviors so much. For example, someone with social anxiety can develop skills to overcome their fear of judgment, enhance communication, and boost self-confidence. 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.
I also use Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which 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, 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. This approach to trauma leaves people feeling like they are less shackled by their past and more hopeful about their future.
As humans, we are so unique that at times we lose sight of the fact that we share many of the same challenges and inner conflicts. This philosophy drives my work as a psychologist. I believe that creating an atmosphere of understanding, non-judgment, and connection is essential for effective therapeutic work. With curiosity, I guide individuals in self-discovery and, with compassion, I facilitate behavioral changes that lead to more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
In therapy, I base my treatment on psychodynamic, insight-oriented therapy as well as the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused ACT. Tailoring my treatment to align with my clients’ goals, I use different methods to meet their needs. At times, delving into past unresolved events and relationships through psychodynamic-based therapy is quite effective. During other phases in therapy, utilizing ACT can help clients learn skills to navigate challenging thoughts and emotions. I meet my clients where they are and provide the appropriate treatment based on the issue at hand.
The psychodynamic approach typically focuses on understanding and working through unresolved issues regarding significant past relationships and life experiences (e.g., traumatizing experiences, loss of a loved one, etc.). Emotionally resolving past issues can greatly change one’s current life situation. It can be very difficult to talk about the past, and so you, as the client, are always in charge of what you want to talk about and if you ever even want to talk about it.
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a scientific, evidence-based CBT treatment, to teach individuals practical and helpful skills specific to their problems. By using ACT, individuals learn to effectively manage distressing thoughts and feelings (e.g., anger, sadness, anxiety, etc.), so they don’t influence their behaviors so much. For example, someone with social anxiety can develop skills to overcome their fear of judgment, enhance communication, and boost self-confidence. 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.
I also use Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which 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, 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. This approach to trauma leaves people feeling like they are less shackled by their past and more hopeful about their future.
Why I am specialized in this field
I completed my training in Florida, USA, focusing on psychodynamic techniques to work predominantly with adults. This training centered on understanding how early relationships, traumas, and subconscious emotions impact current life and challenges.
After becoming a licensed psychologist, I expanded my practice by integrating various therapeutic interventions to offer well-rounded services. I received training from Dr. Russ Harris in ACT and Trauma-Focused ACT, as well as training in the use of mindfulness in therapy. In my practice, mindfulness involves being aware of internal and external experiences with curiosity and without judgment.
After becoming a licensed psychologist, I expanded my practice by integrating various therapeutic interventions to offer well-rounded services. I received training from Dr. Russ Harris in ACT and Trauma-Focused ACT, as well as training in the use of mindfulness in therapy. In my practice, mindfulness involves being aware of internal and external experiences with curiosity and without judgment.
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.