A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR CAN HELP!
ARE YOU FEELING STRESSED OUT AND YOUR LIFE IS OUT OF CONTROL? A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLOR CAN HELP!
Research conducted by a leading insurance company in the West states that people seeing a Counsellor cuts short their hospital visits by 30%
SOME COMMON MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT COUNSELING
MYTH- Counselling is only for people who have serious emotional and mental problems.
FACT Seeing a counsellor does not mean you are mentally ill or “crazy”. In life, almost everyone has difficulties and challenges at some point and being able to ask for help to overcome these challenges are a sign of strength. and taking responsibility to get your life “back on track.”.
MYTH Seeking Counselling is a sign of weakness.
FACT Seeking counselling in fact assign of taking responsibility for your wellbeing. In fact, it takes courage to explore sensitive feelings and painful experiences. It is the first winning step for an individual in resolving their difficulties.
MYTH The counsellor will “fix” your problems.
FACT: Counselling is not a “quick fix” to cure to your problems. The counsellor’s role is to help you reflect and explore your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, to examine your options, and assist you in achieving the goals you set.
MYTH: The Counsellor cannot understand you unless she has had similar experiences or is of the same background.
FACT: Counsellors are trained to be sensitive to and respectful of individual differences, including the specific concerns/needs with regard to gender, race/ethnicity, culture, religion, age, and socio-economic status. Many Counsellors who are trained in the US and other Western countries have a super specialization in Multicultural Counselling considering diverse cultures in those countries. Counsellors are professionally and extensively trained to treat a variety of life crisis and issues.
MYTH Seeking Counselling suggests you do not have enough faith that God will take care of you, and fix your problem.
FACT- While prayers and the complete trust in God are always beneficial to your life, these practices are not the only options available to you for sorting through issues. Most people who seek counselling are people who lead very normal lives and want to find solutions to their life and the problems they face.It is important to bear in mind that everybody has significant problems at various times in their lives. Counselling is just a normal part of the process of resolving things and providing you the tools and the skills to handle them effectively.
The process and purpose of Counselling is often misunderstood, and many people have a negative perception of it. There are several myths and stigma attached to the complete process of Counselling. People are often very conflicted about approaching a professional who will be discussing and analysing their hurtful feelings, sadness, and anxieties. Therefore, there is a constant sense of uneasiness and uncertainty in the minds of people and questions arise such as “Can this professional really help me?” or “Would it be a painful waste of my time?”or you might convince yourself that “I really have no idea what I would say.”? Especially if you have never ever been in counselling or therapy –but the reality is–
Dubai is increasingly becoming a competitive market and environment to live. To survive and sustain in such a setting it is necessary for all of us to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit…People here are constantly bogged down with a myriad of real life issues and challenges such as a lack of permanence, competitive work environments, isolation inability to adjust to work and family pressure, need to support family back home, long commutes, long working hours, relationship issues at home and at work are just a sampling few. Confronting and dealing with these challenges on a daily basis is tiring and impacts the wellbeing of the individual significantly. In such situations, Stress is one of the most common symptoms experienced by many. Stress left untreated can debilitate you physically and mentally and can impair your day to day functioning severely. Stress is treatable and curable if you seek the right help.”Counseling is one of those help forums that can relieve you from these symptoms, and help you to maximize your potential and make positive changes in your life. Visit a Licensed Professional counsellor today to regain your life and secure your well being
STRESS AFFECTS YOU
Emotionally
Feelings of sadness, lack of pleasure in day to day activities, anxiety, easily agitated, restless, a sense of unworthiness, irritability, defensive, angry, argumentative, mentally tired, preoccupied, lack of flexibility, difficulty concentrating, overcompensating, avoiding dealing with problems, or denying that you have problems
Behaviourally
Avoidance, neglecting responsibilities, Compulsive behaviours such as gambling, heavy spending, alcohol and sex, difficulty controlling aggressive impulses, ineptness, defiance at work, tardiness, moodiness to name a few
Physically
High blood pressure, weight loss / weight gain, lack of sleep, anger, lack of appetite, or anxious, palpitations and increased sweating, overeating, headaches, muscle tension and aches to name a few.
Coping with stress-twofold:
Self-control- which is taking responsibility for reactions to a situation by getting help (seeking mental health Counselling, attending wellbeing programs and positive self-talk)
Situational control- includes problem solving, effective communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and time management(which can be skills learned through counselling)
What brings people to Counselling
From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. People often come to a counselor when they face:
- Life transitionssuch as— marriage, pregnancy divorce or remarriage; having, raising and launching children; life threatening illness, substance abuse and or addiction, moving, changing jobs, schools, friends or communities; facing retirement, loss of loved ones, job conflicts and concerns, relationship issues
- Debilitating Feelingssuch as— depression or sadness, stress or anxiety, emptiness or loneliness, low self-esteem, lack of confidence in self, fear and or phobia, disinterest in work, frequent tardiness.
- Troubled relationships— with spouse/partner, family or friends, boss or colleagues and in school /University/ /teachers
- Personal and spiritual uncertainties— about the purpose, meaning and direction in life and a sense of loss of one’s ability and capabilities
WHEN IS TOO MUCH STRESS “TOO MUCH”
- Do you have difficulty sleeping at night?
- Do you have persistent headaches, backaches or stomachaches?
- Do you harbor feelings of resentment or anger?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by too much to do and the inability to organize time effectively?
- Do you find it difficult to show your feelings?
- Do you feel irritable and angry without cause?
- Do you experience a consistent lack of energy?
- Do you worry about the future and feel afraid of tomorrow?
- Do you feel isolated and alone?
- Do you find yourself spending less time with friends and more time alone?
- Are you unable to relax and laugh?
- Do you find you are eating more than usual?
- Are you uncomfortable in open (closed) spaces?
- Do you feel pressured in many areas of your life and unable to complete tasks successfully?
- Do you find yourself crying all the time or unable to cry at all?
- Do you have trouble making up your mind?
- Have you become more accident-prone?
If you answered YES to two or more of these questions, or hesitated in answering NO, you may want to seek professional help to reduce your stress or anxiety levels.
(Source-Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis, USA)
What is Counselling?
Mental Health counselling is based on the science of Psychology. The methods and techniques of various treatment modalities that are used by mental health counsellors/therapists are based on scientific research. These methods are practical, solution focussed; problem solving based skill building methods whose main goal is the best interest and overall wellbeing of the individual.
Counselling is a facilitative and interactive process where a counsellor provides to the client emotional help, guidance, insight, nurturance and clarity to life situations, crisis and dilemmas. People often behave in ways without knowing why they do so and may be living or behaving in ways that they would like to understand better and change. The process of Counselling can help to bring insight and awareness to their unconscious feelings and behaviours and the connection between them. The process eventually allows the client greater freedom in making choices that helps the client to achieve self-sufficiency, a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment
ESSENCE OF COUNSELING
“The Essence of counselling is always the learning of improved skills and techniques to increase one’s ability to better deal with life’s vicissitudes”
Who is your Counsellor?
Your Counsellor a highly skilled professional with a minimum of a graduate degree in the field of Counselling licensed in the area of mental health and is trained to provide the following core services-
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Treatment planning and utilization review
- Psychotherapy-Individual, couple and Family
- Brief and solution focussed therapy
- Psycho education and prevention programs
- Crisis management and referrals to other medical professionals for consultation
Crisis management and referrals to other medical professionals for consultation
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
1. Is your Counsellor licensed by the Department of Health and Medical Sciences (DOHMS) in Dubai?
2. What are the educational Qualifications of your Counsellor? How long has he/she been in practice?
3. Does he or she have a Degree from an accredited and a recognized University?
4. What are your areas of specialization (such as family therapy, women’s issues, substance abuse counseling, etc.)?
5. How can you help me with my problems? What type of treatment do you use? How long do you think counseling will last?
How does Counselling work?
The therapist listens to the client’s reasons for seeking help. This could be initiated through a phone call, walk in, or a referral. As a follow up a screening/assessment appointment is set in person which generally lasts for about 50 minutes. In this meeting the clinician conducts an assessment with a thorough screening of the presenting problem,rule out organic symptoms that might be causing the presenting problem, provide a medical referral if necessary and recommends one or more ways of therapy to eliminate the symptoms of distress
If it is determined that other professional help is needed, the therapist will assist in making an appropriate referral. All decisions are made in consultation with the client.
“Regardless of the length of a session(s), therapy is hard work and client will not see a benefit unless and until the client is committed to exploration, understanding, growth and change alongside a therapist committed to facilitating that process. It is also critical that the client is committed to making therapy an ongoing and active process even once they are outside the session which means they should be committed to applying the skills and the lessons learned from their sessions outside in the real world and in their respective life and relationships” Says Ms. Menon, Counselling Psychologist, Lifeworks–Holistic Counselling Centre
What is the duration of therapy?
The time required for therapy varies with each person depending on the nature of the issues presented, personal history and agreed upon goals. The length of therapy is jointly determined by the client and counsellor and may be revised as therapy progresses. Appointments are usually once a week and last about 60 minutes. In a therapeutic model such as Crisis Counselling, the session is very solution focused with not more than three one-hour sessions. Otherwise sessions can be short term which is about six sessions with one session a week or long term which could range from about 10-12 sessions with one session a week. The objective, duration and the treatment plan is outlined at the onset of therapy to provide the client a strong structure and a committed continuity to their treatment. However, they are not fixed considering the therapist will review the progress and the outcomes achieved with the client on an ongoing basis and on a mutual agreement with the client will modify and or terminate the session accordingly.
Is counselling confidential?
All information shared in therapy is held in utmost confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Licensed Counsellors are mandated by their ethical commitments that no information discussed in the sessions is released without the authorization of the client. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others. However, no information discussed in the sessions is released without the authorization of the client.Detailed information about confidentiality and privacy will be listed in the Client’s Bill of Rights which is signed by the client before commencement of session(s)
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
I’m Dr. Saba Aslam, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at LifeWorks. I have more than seven years of experience working in this field with all age groups as children, adolescents, adults and older.
I have worked with the patients having diverse mental health issues as stress, depression, anxiety, emotional behavioral problems, anger issues, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, interpersonal relationship problems, self-esteem issues, decreased self-confidence, or trust issues, adjustment problems, stress and coping related to developmental changes and physical or sexual abuse in children or adolescents.
I am proficient in using protective techniques, IQ tests, personality tests and other psychological and neurodevelopmental assessment protocols. I prefer to combine elements of various approaches, including humanistic, psychoanalytic/ psycho dynamic, gestalt, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, social skills trainings, dialectical behavior therapy and applied behavior analysis.
Education and Training:
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PhD Clinical Psychology.
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MS/M. Phil Clinical Psychology.
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CBT Certification: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Course.
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Two Research Rewards for Excellent Research Publications
Qualifications and Memberships:
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Dubai Health Authority Licensed Psychologist (DHA)
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CBT Certification: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Course.
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Member American Psychological Association # C2203825762
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Member Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH)
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Member International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP).
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Member Pakistan Association of Clinical Psychology (PACP).
Languages:
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English, Urdu, Hindi
About
Raised and educated in Italy, Dr. Lorena is a highly experienced Cognitive Behavioural Clinical Psychologist-Psychotherapist. She achieved her 5 years Bachelor/Master Degree in Clinical Psychology at Padua University (Italy) and further she completed her professional profile with a 4 Years Master Specialization in Como (Italy) at the Post Bachelor Specialization School in Cognitive Therapy.
She also has a Master in Counselling at Brescia University (Italy) and completed level 1 and 2 training in EMDR.
She has been working as a Psychologist /Psychotherapist for 20 years in both Public, Private Hospitals and outpatients clinics.
In addition to her clinical skills experience, Dr Lorena has had an extensive involvement in teaching, clinical research and publications in different fields such as Binge Eating Disorders and Psychological Rehabilitation after heart attack.
After moving to Dubai in 2012 Dr. Lorena got a DHA Licence as Clinical Psychologist and provides psychological treatments in a wide range of mental health and emotional issues.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology-University of Padua(Italy)
- Postgraduate degree in Cognitive Therapy – Postgraduate School of Como (Italy)
- Postgraduate degree in Counselling-University of Brescia (Italy)
- EMDR- level 1 and 2
- Couple Therapy Gottman Method -Level1
- Member of Italian Society of Psychologists-Pychotherapists – Lombardy Region
- Member of CBT–Italy
- Dubai Health Authority Licence
Expertise
- Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attack, Generalized Anxiety, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia , Obsessive Compulsive Disorders)
- Mood Disorders ( Major Depression , Post partum Depression, Cyclothymia, Dysthymia) Adjustment Disorders
- Personality Disorders (Narcissistic Personality Disorder. – Avoidant PD- Dependent PD.)
- Eating Disorders -Anorexia-Bulimia- Binge Eating Disorder
- Relational Difficulties
- Worry and Rumination
- Workplace stress and burnout
- Self- esteem
- Parent training
- Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Coping with Emotional and psychological problems during Covid19
Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( third wave approach)
- Post-Rationalism Cognitive Therapy approach
- Attachment theory approach
- Mindfulness Approaches
- EMDR
- Marital/couple Therapy ( Gottman approach)
About
Maryam has master’s degree in Relationship therapist and has been working in the Mental Health field since 2009. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and she kindly guides clients to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
Throughout her career, Maryam has worked with adults, adolescents, and children, across various settings, including private practice and outpatient primary care clinics, in Netherlands and UAE. She has been working as a psychologist in UAE since 2013.
Maryam has extensive experience in applying various Social worker including Neurofeedback therapy, ABA (behavior) therapy, Counseling and relationship therapy.
In her clinical practice, Maryam helps the individuals t
- Manage their moods and emotions
- Process anxiety
- Reduce levels of general distress and discomfort
- Increase attention and the ability to focus
- Improvement of memory
- Treatment of headache and migraine
Maryam uses a warm, empathetic approach to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can learn, grow, and achieve their goals. She makes sure to offer flexibility, meet the individuals where they are, and have patience to help each individual feel secure throughout the process. She always encourages open communication regarding the course of therapy and goal achievement.
Education
- Master of Relationship therapist/System therapy VU University, Amsterdam
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Hogeschool University of Holland, Enschede
- Neurofeedback therapist
Board Certifications:
- Community Development Authority License (CDA), Dubai, UAE
- Certificate of completion the Biofeedback and Neurofeedback of New York.
Languages
- English
- Dutch
- Persian
- German
About
Ritasha Varsani is a CDA licensed Psychologist practicing in Dubai. She has an experience of over ten years in providing psychotherapy to a diverse population in a mental health settings in India and United States. She has been professionally trained from USA and her expertise lies in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. She offers problem solving insights with evidence based therapies to clients giving them the strength to express themselves and promotes equal privilege is what she believes in.
“Empathy and sensitivity is key to connecting with people on a human level”. I support my clients by cultivating the ability and demonstrating with authenticity, vulnerability and honesty and increase their sense of their own well being. As a result of her approachable, non-judgmental and compassionate attitude her clients feel safe in addressing and overcoming developmental challenges, psychological obstacles and traumatic life experiences.
Her Therapeutic Approach
Ritasha uses an integrative approach by incorporating interpersonal and psychodynamic principles and evidence based therapies such as Cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, compassion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, family therapy. She takes a client centered and culturally competent approach to facilitate progress and change by quality of care and moving through the journey of recovery. Her age range of clients varies from preschool kids to adolescents, individuals and couples/ families providing therapeutic interventions in individual and group settings.
Specialization:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Marital and family Disputes
- Personality Disorders
- Anger Management
- Bereavement
- Premarital guidance
- Self identity and life transition issues
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD )
- Trauma and stressor-related disorders
- Mindfulness
- Psycho education Qualifications and Memberships
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad
- Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy – San Francisco, USA
- Certificate of Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy – NHS, London
- Certificate of Applying Hope to Couple Therapy – American Psychological Association
- Member of American Psychological Association, International Affiliate ( APA )
- Member of Middle Eastern Psychology Association ( MEPA )
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad
- Masters in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy – San Francisco, USA
- Certificate of Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy – NHS, London
- Certificate of Applying Hope to Couple Therapy – American Psychological Association
- Member of American Psychological Association, International Affiliate ( APA )
- Member of Middle Eastern Psychology Association ( MEPA )
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Gujarati
About
Safia Ali Malik is DHA licensed Clinical Psychologist with comprehensive knowledge and understanding on different therapeutic techniques. Compassionate, dedicated and empathetic with clients. Experience of working with clients with different needs and nationalities with utmost cultural sensitivity. Excel at providing adolescents and adults with individual psychotherapy to help them facilitate their social and personal growth and allow them to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
She specializes in psychological and educational assessments and provides individual, family and group therapies.
Her Therapeutic Approach
Psychometric and Psychological assessment, Cognitive therapy, Group therapy, individual therapy, Management, Dialectic Behaviour therapy, Solution Focused and Problem solving Approaches depending on the need of the client.
Specialization:
- Behavioural Disorders
- Anxiety Management
- Psychometric Assessment
- Cognitive problems
- Coping skills
- Grief therapy
- Mindfulness
- OCD and PTSD.
Education
- Masters in Psychology from Government College University Lhr, Pakistan.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Child and adult Psychotherapy from Government College University Lhr, Pakistan.
- Graduation in Psychology from Punjab university Lhr, Pakistan.
Languages
- English
- Urdu (Hindi)
Corina has her master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has been working in the Mental Health field since 2007. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and she kindly guides clients to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience.
Throughout her career, Corina has worked with adults, adolescents, and children, across various settings, including private practice and outpatient primary care clinics, in Romania, Spain and UAE. She has been working as a psychologist in the Emirates since 2017, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Her last position was in a children’s medical center, where she had helped families overcome various challenges, such as anxiety, depression, challenging behaviors and OCD, to name a few.
Corina has extensive experience in applying various empirically-supported Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Solution Focused Brief therapy (SFBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
In her clinical practice, Corina delivers evidence-based treatments to individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment problems, such as:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Anger and Stress Management
- Behavioral Challenges
- Depression
- PTSD
- Self-Harm Behavior
- Grief and Loss
- Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder
- Trauma
- Family and Relationship Challenges
- Low Self Esteem
- Suicide prevention
Corina uses a warm, empathetic approach to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can learn, grow, and achieve their goals. She makes sure to offer flexibility, meet the individuals where they are, and have patience to help each individual feel secure throughout the process. She always encourages open communication regarding the course of therapy and goal achievement.
Education:
- Master Degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Bucharest, Romania
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Bucharest, Romania
Board Certifications:
- Community Development Authority License (CDA), Dubai, UAE
- Romanian College of Psychologists, Bucharest, Romania
Languages:
English, Romanian, Spanish
About
Dr.Marwa Abd El Hamid is a certified and trained psychologist with over 16 years of experience working in different countries in a variety of settings. She Specializes in Clinical and Educational Psychology. She has been associated with large hospitals, schools and corporate clients in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in conducting sessions on various mental health issues including stress management, parenting and child development, and mindfulness for holistic wellbeing.
As a professional psychologist, she is continually inspired by people’s ability especially she believes deeply that the people themselves are the real experts in their own lives.
Her therapeutic approach
Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectic behavior therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused on compassion based therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Existential therapy as well as Psychodrama and group therapy based on the needs of the client.
Areas of Specialization for Children
- Kids & Special needs (play therapy).
- Dealing with Autism – Asperger – Down syndrome using (PECS –TEACCH –HELP –LOVAAS-INTEGRATION-PORTAGE).
- Skills development.
- Childhood Emotional disorders.
- Behavioral Problems.
- Attention difficulties.
- Developmental learning difficulties.
- Cognitive difficulties.
- Difficulties of remembering.
- Difficulties in conceptual formation.
- Difficulty solving problems.
Professional Experience
- Adjustments to life transitions like adoption, bereavement, divorce, relocation.
- Mood disorders like depression, and Bipolar disorders.
- Low self-esteem.
- Body image issues.
- Anxiety disorders like phobias, panic, OCD and PTSD.
- Pre-marital counseling and couples counseling.
- Family Conflict Therapy.
- Trauma.
- Addictions.
- Anger and stress.
- Career decisions and work-life balance.
- Mindfulness for the holistic wellbeing.
- She has also worked with Kids with special needs.
Education
- Ph.D. in psychology Ain-Shams University.
- Master in Educational Psychology Ain-Shams University.
- Special diploma in Mental Health Alexandria University.
- Professional diploma in Special Education Alexandria University.
- Educational Diploma in Education at Alexandria University.
Board Certifications or equivalent
- Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai.
Languages
- Arabic
- English
About
Dr. Sravani Behara, is Specialist Psychiatrist, MBBS ; MD, MRCPsych (UK) and Medical Director at LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Centre. She is experienced in managing mental health conditions across all age groups in both OP, IP settings using various pharmacological and psychological approaches.
She has also worked as an Asst. Professor in a 650 bedded tertiary care teaching hospital (Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences, India) for more than three years and one year in a Government Medical College (Siddhartha Medical college, India). He has extensive experience in handling child guidance, geriatric, de-addiction, general adult clinics.
Areas of expertise include:
- Anxiety disorders (Generalised anxiety, panic disorder)
- Phobias (social and specific phobias)
- Obsessive and compulsive disorders
- Puerperal disorders (postpartum blues, postpartum depression)
- Affective disorders (depression, BPAD, mania)
- Psychosis (schizophrenia and acute psychotic conditions)
- Stress related disorders(PTSD)
- Substance abuse disorders (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis)
- Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa)
- Personality disorders (schizoid, borderline)
- Child psychiatry (ADHD, Autistic spectrum and bedwetting)
- Conversion disorders
- Neuropsychiatry
Qualifications & Memberships
- MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
- DHA licensed
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Telugu
FaQ’s
- Who is a psychiatrist? Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental health, including substance and other addictions.
- When should I see a psychiatrist? You should see a psychiatrist suffering from:
– Finding it hard to cope with the death of a loved one.
– Tension and anxiety and depression
– Phobias and Worthlessness
– Family and Relationship Problems
– Performance enhancement and Lack of concentration
– Chronic sadness and Guilt
– Irritability and Fatigue
- What are the major diseases that psychiatrists treat?
Psychiatrist treat disorders like anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorder, sexual dysfunctions and gender dysphoria, substance-related and addictive disorders, and schizophrenia.
- Difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists focus on psychotherapy and treating emotional and mental suffering with behavioral intervention. Psychologists are also qualified to conduct psychological testing but in most cases, cannot prescribe medications to their patients.
- What happens in your first appointment with a psychiatrist?
The first appointment with a psychiatrist is usually one hour long. During your meeting, your psychiatrist listens to you talk about your concerns and symptoms, asks questions about your general health, asks about your family history, takes your blood pressure and do a basic physical check-up and might asks you to fill out a questionnaire.
About
Dr. Bassem Hamed Mohamed Badr is an Egyptian Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of American Psychiatric Association, with 25 years of experience. He graduated from Alexandria University in 1993 with MBBch in Medicine, he then went to on to complete further education with a Diploma of Psychiatry and Addiction Practice, Master of Science in Neuropsychiatry, Diploma in Mental Health, Diploma in Hospital Administration and then ultimately received his Medical Doctorate in Psychiatry in 2008 at the University of Suez Canal in Egypt. He is also licensed as Aeromedical examiner: GCAA, General Civil Aviation Authority
Dr Bassem Badr provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. He believes that the best outcomes are achieved through a combination of professional excellence and an empathic approach. As an expert in the field of general and adult psychiatry, he adopts an approach that is based on a combination of the psyche, the soma, and the spirit through both scientific and philosophical overviews.
Professional Experience
Not only has Dr. Bassem worked in Senior Roles in Hospitals in Dubai, Kuwait, and Egypt but he has also been a Lecturer and Professor at several Educational Institutes, a peer to peer speaker and a coordinator for various addiction treatment programs. He has contributed to scientific research in a number of medical journals. He is also a talented writer in the field of social and psychological problems and has had many publications in reputable newspapers and magazines.
Areas of Specialization
- Depression
- Grief
- Adjustment disorders
- Sleeping and eating disorders
- Panic attacks and anxiety disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Substance use and drug addiction
- Marital and sexual disorders
- Manic depressive disorder
- Dementia
- Cognitive disorders
- Memory disturbance
- Phobias
- Bipolar diseases