Leading Counselling & Psychiatry Services in Dubai

Sneha John is a UK-trained Psychologist with passion to help people of various age groups in their psychological healing journey. As an integral part of the holistic therapeutic process drawn up by Clinical Psychologists at LifeWorks, Sneha helps with diagnosis by conducting formalised psychometric assessments. Having done her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK, Sneha’s experience in psychometric assessments comes from working with children, parents, young adults and older adults for NHS funded hospitals, mental health rehabilitation centres and de-addiction centres in the UK.

Psychological assessments are helpful to objectively measure the root causes behind such pervasive mental stress.By delivering psychological assessments for people with various concerns, Sneha’s objective is to pick out the best assessment tool that would help clients identify positive aspects within themselves and thereby solve the specific areas of their concern. Moreover, the assessment would also as certain some unhelpful thinking and behaviour styles.

She is passionate about offering standardised psychological assessments to help people address underlying or hidden aspects of their thinking, behaviour and emotions. Her work in the field of psychological assessments has convinced her to believe in the importance of these tools in helping clients monitor their progress over the course of therapeutic process. As clients consider taking a formal assessment, she would work together with them in order to identify the areas that would benefit them.

As they complete the assessment process, clients would gain insight into some of the core issues that may be causing them to feel stressed. The assessment results would aid the clients in taking proactive steps toward incorporating changes to their thinking, emotions and behaviour, which in turn could lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Areas of Specialisation

• Psycho-educational assessments for children and adolescents on language, reading, achievement and intelligence.
• Standardised diagnostic assessments to detect autism, ADHD and other behavioural disorders.
• Neuropsychological assessments to assess overall cognitive development in both children and adults.
• Neurocognitive assessments for adults to pinpoint memory related concerns or brain-impairments following a brain injury.
• Risk assessments for children and adults coming in for trauma or related disorders.
• Personality assessments to diagnose internal psychological disturbances, stressors and conflicts that affect clients’ functioning at personal and professional relationships.

Education

Masters in Clinical Psychology from University of London, London, UK

Bachelor of Psychology with Counselling from Middlesex University, London, UK

Board Certifications or Equivalents

British Psychological Society, UK

Languages Spoken

English, Malayalam and French.

Dr. Girish Banwari is a psychiatrist with over 10 years’ clinical experience in both government and private settings in specialised psychiatry clinics as well as tertiary care, multispeciality hospitals. He has worked as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at reputed medical colleges in India for three years, and was extensively involved in teaching undergraduate medical students along with being a faculty member of the postgraduate psychiatry training program.

His academic inclination saw him present scientific papers and conduct symposia in numerous conferences and seminars, with many “Best Paper Awards” to his credit. Additionally, he has many publications in indexed journals. He has served as a peer reviewer in international medical journals such as Sexual Health (Australia), BMJ Case Reports (UK), East Asian Archives of Psychiatry (Hong Kong), and Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health (South Africa).

Specializations

Conducting extensive diagnostic interviews and treating a range of psychiatric conditions –

• Schizophrenia/psychosis
• Bipolar Disorder
• Major Depression
• Anxiety Disorders (Phobias, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Somatoform Disorders
• Sleep Disorders
• Sexual Dysfunctions
• Addictive Disorders (Dependence on nicotine, alcohol, and others substances of abuse)
• Eating Disorders
• Childhood-onset Disorders (ADHD, Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Enuresis, Tic Disorders)
• Cognitive Disorders (Dementia, Delirium)

Pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions in children/adolescents, adults and the elderly, with emphasis on rational use of psychotropic medications.

Psychotherapeutic approach to conditions such as mild to moderate depression and anxiety, phobias, obsessions, grief, relationship issues, adjustment problems etc.

Anger management, behavioral approaches to manage stress, relaxation training.

Well-versed in giving modified ECT, and trained in administering rTMS (when such facilities are available).

Education

M.B.B.S. from NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, India.

M.D. (Psychiatry) with a Gold Medal from BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, India.

Membership and affiliations

Life Fellow of the Indian Psychiatric Society.

Associate Member of the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry.

Dr. Kirin Fiona Hilliar is an Australian psychologist experienced in Forensic, Clinical and Organisational Psychology.

Passionate about empowering and enabling clients to better understand and take control of their own lives, she delivers one-on-one and group treatment programs, as well as training courses, community outreach, and psycho-educational seminars and workshops.

Dr Hilliar has worked closely with hospitals, clinics, educational institutions and government entities. She has also contributed to various publications and made presentations on topics such as Suicide Prevention, Vicarious Trauma, Personality Disorders, and Assessing Violence Risk.

Specializations:

• Individuals facing emotional and behavioural dysfunction due to genetic, biological, psychological, and social causes
• Individuals dealing with addictions of various types including substance misuse, alcoholism, excessive online gaming, sex or pornography
• Individuals seeking personal and professional development
• Couples who aim to improve their relationship through better communication, as well as by rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, and alleviating conflicts

Dr. Hilliar also provides:

• Assessments for recruitment and employee development
• Child protection assessments
• Offender assessment, rehabilitation and treatment
• Treatment efficacy evaluations
• Research design
• Cognitive assessments
• Therapeutic frameworks including CBT, DBT, RNR (risk, need and responsivity), The Good Lives Model, and Stages of Change

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from University of New South Wales, Australia
• Master of Psychology (Forensic), University of New South Wales, Australia
• Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours and University Medal from University of New South Wales, Australia
• British Psychological Society Level 1 & 2 Certification: Occupational Ability and Occupational Personality

Board Certifications or equivalent:

• Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai
• Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• Australian Psychological Society
• Association of Psychological Science, USA
• British Psychological Society

Ms. Jyotika Aggarwal is a clinical psychologist with extensive training from premier mental health institutions across India and the USA. In her seven years’ experience as an emotional health practitioner, she has helped clients of varied age groups to address a broad spectrum of concerns.

Ms. Aggarwal is empathetic and sensitive to her clients’ inner turmoils, and strongly believes that everyone deserves to lead the best life they can. She specializes in assessing clients, and providing integrated therapies to suit their individual healing requirements.

Specializations:

• Individuals dealing with chronic stress and other emotional issues that result from stressful day-to-day lives.
• Individuals aiming to enhance their personal, social and professional lives.
• Adolescents and young children who feel misunderstood by their peers, family, teachers, and others in social settings, and are facing difficulties in managing their emotions.
• Children and adolescents with conditions such as ADHD, learning difficulties, or physical challenges.
• Individuals with issues such as low-self esteem, negative body image and other personal insecurities that hamper their day-to-day functioning and emotional wellbeing.
• Families/individuals seeking a more balanced, open and communicative parent-child relationship.
• Couples and families who aim to improve their relationship through better communication, as well as by rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, and alleviating conflicts and divergences.

Education & Certification:

• M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mumbai – India
• Specialisation in RE-CBT from Albert Ellis Institute, New York (Indian Affiliation)
• Certification in REBT (Anxiety and Depression with Children) – Albert Ellis Institute, New York (Indian Affiliation)
• Diploma in Human Recourses from Welingkar Institute of Management (India)

Membership:

• Bombay Psychological Association

Ms. Resha, is a counsellor at LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Centre. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association. She is also licensed as a Social Counsellor from Community Development Authority in Dubai. Having worked in Canada, Kuwait and Dubai, she brings with her extensive multicultural experience in clinical and educational settings.

She has presented numerous psycho-educational workshops, lead professional development sessions and has contributed to several media publications. Ms. Erheim conducts counselling in both English and Arabic with a diverse client population using an eclectic approach. She enjoys empowering her clients in making positive changes in their lives and reaching their full potential.

Specializations:

• Adult Psychology
• Crisis intervention
• Family Therapy
• Experience in several therapeutic frameworks (including CBT, DBT, SFT, insight oriented and humanistic approaches)
• Couples and families aimed at improving their relationships by rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, develop their communication, alleviate their tensions and divergences, decries conflicts and enhancing connection between members.
• Special interest in a range of issues including:
  • Anxiety issues
  • Depression & low mood
  • Stress management
  • Self-esteem & self-identity issues
  • Anger Management
  • Relationship issues
  • Family Conflict
  • Communication
  • Assertiveness training
  • Adjustment issues
  • Grief, loss & Bereavement support
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Disorder
  • Life skills and Personal empowerment

Certifications or Equivalent:

• Social Counselor (CDA)
• Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC)
• Member of Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
• Member of Middle East Psychology Association (MEPA)

Education:

• University of Ottawa, Canada-Masters of Education in Counselling (M.Ed.)
• York University, Canada- Bachelor of Arts, specialized honors in Psychology (B.A. Hons.)

Languages:

• English, Arabic

Hello – I’m Johanna

I am from the UK and have studied in London and Scotland. In Scotland, I worked in a rehabilitation centre for over 7 years where I gained an addiction counselling qualification. In Edinburgh, I completed a family therapy course on family systems. This has given me skills in family dynamics and counselling skills.

I have also completed a life line course which involved communications and counselling skills in South Africa.

I have worked in the National Health Service as a specialized counselor and educator in London. At Imperial College, London University I completed a Post graduation degree in Drugs and Alcohol: Policy and Intervention (theories of counselling). I have attended many counselling courses in the past 10 years which include motivational interviewing, reality therapy, brief therapy, and Family therapy.

Specializations

• Over 20 year of experience in doing workshops on Addiction
• Depression
• Relationships
• Life Skills
• Grief issues
• Student Personal Development
• Harm Reduction
• Substance Abuse
• Dependency
• Family issues

I have given university and school lectures on the specialized topics on Awareness and Interventions on substance misuse. I have had the unique opportunity to work in many different countries including Indonesia, South Africa, UK and Dubai which gives me a very good understanding of many diverse cultural and beliefs.

Through our workshops, we help clients identify the behavior problems and patterns associated with their addiction and work with individuals, families or groups of people who are somehow connected to the same problem. Unique programs have been developed specifically for the treatment of expatriates and young adults.

All our treatment programs are built by a professional to help facilitate the effective treatment of clients

We promise confidentiality, safety, and comfort at our Centre.

Dr Anna Grazia Lecca is an Italian trained Psychologist with a UK training in Clinical Psychology. She has more than 20 years of experience in health and clinical settings working with a variety of clients.
Dr Anna Grazia Lecca works towards achieving a steady emotional balance and a progressive life transformation in a gentle process that focuses on the energy of acceptance and compassion and on the power of forgiveness and love.

Specializations

• Young and adult individuals who are experiencing temporary life crisis that may lead them to anxiety, apprehension, feelings of worthlessness, anger or emptiness, difficulties in maintaining stable and close relationships, feelings of detachment and people avoidance, low mood levels, excitement, or mood swing and other kind of distress.
• Couples and families aimed at improving their relationships by rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, develop their communication, alleviate their tensions and divergences, decries conflicts and enhancing connection between members.
• Adolescents and their families dealing with the emotional turmoil as the children move towards his/her independence. I support them in their search for identity and new experiences, while helping them in developing control over their impulses, taking responsibility for their own actions, decisions and consequences.
• Groups, particularly group art therapy, to help people to reduce stress and manage their emotions. The creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to develop interpersonal skills, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve their personal insight.

Board Certifications or Equivalent

• Italian Professional Body of Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist (Chartered).
• Italian Professional Body for Behavioral Mental Health Practitioners.
• European Association of Transactional Analysis.

Education

• PhD in Clinical Psychology – School of Psychology – Faculty of Medicine and Health and Life Science University of Southampton (UK)
• PsyD Transactional Analysis School of Clinical Psychology – Pontifical Salesian University of Rome (Italy)
• Master Degree in Clinical Criminology and Forensic Psychology IFOS – Postgraduate Institute for Health Professions in partnership with “La Sapienza” University of Rome (Italy)
• First Honours Degree in Psychology – Psychology Department – University of Urbino (Italy)
• First Honours Degree in Behavioural Mental Health Practitioner – Health Professional Training School – USL 21 Cagliari (Italy)

Languages

• Italian, English, French, Learning Arabic