ABOUT ME/BIO

I am familiar with expat life as I am American and was raised in the Middle-East where I lived for many years before returning to the United States to complete my education. I am pleased to bring my professional skill-set to a global environment and to return to the Middle-East. Dubai is a multi-cultural city that attracts people from all over the world, which is an environment that speaks to me. I work with individuals representing an array of cultural and national backgrounds. Therapeutic Approach My approach is quite simple: To help you live a rich, full, and meaningful life, while effectively handling the inevitable pain and stress we all experience. We all encounter difficulties from time to time, and sometimes it feels as though we struggle to resolve or manage these issues. Therapy can seem daunting, which is one of the reasons I value the relationship between client and therapist. Having a compassionate and nonjudgmental environment in which to address personal challenges is a significant part of the process. Additionally, my work is informed by empirically-based evidence. This means that I will utilize the most appropriate approaches based upon the particular issue at hand. My perspective is that of assisting the individual to help achieve a meaningful life. I am well-versed in various therapeutic modalities and utilize scientific research to provide the best possible care. I favor a humanistic approach in order to better understand the individual as a whole and to work collaboratively to establish workable solutions to whatever challenges are present. I predominantly provide individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents, although I have worked with a wide-range of ages in both individual and group settings. I also administer psycho-educational assessments, which are often required by schools in order to provide academic accommodations. Additionally, general assessments can help provide insight into cognitive and personality structures by providing individualized reports that can be used by client and treatment provider. Specific areas of work include, but are not limited to: Adjustment to new expectations or environment Depression Anxiety Interpersonal conflict Work stress Concerns related to development disabilities Trauma Obsessions/Compulsions Impulsivity Education / Training I received my Doctorate of Psychology from the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University in Pennsylvania. This highly rigorous program is the longest-running doctorate of psychology program in the United States. As an integrated program, educational and real-world training elements include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Psychodynamic framework, humanistic theories, and others. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) awarded by the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University. Masters of Clinical Psychology (MA) awarded by the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University. Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in the United States of America as well as the United Arab Emirates. Specializations Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Concentration Training in Mindfulness-Based Interventions Certified to practice in Biofeedback through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. Military and Veteran Behavioral Health Program.