Trauma Therapies in Dubai
I am Dr Millia Begum, a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I work with adults experiencing PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation and difficulties associated with childhood or attachment-related trauma.
My approach draws on EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and body awareness work informed by Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT). Whether you are seeking emotional regulation skills or trauma processing therapy, we’ll consider which approach may suit your needs, preferences and treatment goals.
How do trauma therapies differ?
Trauma therapies are not all the same. Some begin with exploring thoughts, beliefs and the meaning of an experience. Others place more attention on bodily sensations and automatic responses associated with unresolved trauma.
You may hear these described as “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches. These are broad descriptions, rather than separate categories. Many therapies involve thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, even when they begin with a different focus.
Which therapy approaches do I use?
EMDR therapy
EMDR works with distressing memories and their associated thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations. It uses a structured approach that includes bilateral stimulation, often guided side-to-side eye movements.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS offers a way to understand different parts of yourself—for example, a part that wants closeness and another that pulls away. We explore their concerns and develop a more compassionate relationship with them.
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
DBR involves slowing down and noticing early bodily responses linked to a distressing experience. Within its model, we follow orienting tension, shock when present, and the emotional or defensive responses that emerge.
Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy (MABT)
MABT develops skills for noticing and staying with internal bodily sensations. I draw on this work to help you explore connections between sensations and emotions, using guided attention and, where appropriate, client-led self-touch.
These approaches have different evidence bases. We’ll consider the evidence relevant to your difficulties alongside your preferences and clinical needs.
For information about treatments recommended for PTSD, see the NICE guideline on post-traumatic stress disorder.
How does a therapy session begin?
At your first consultation, you may want to ask about my experience and the approaches I use. Or you may prefer to begin by sharing what’s been difficult and what brings you to therapy. Either is a reasonable place to start.
I’ll invite you to share relevant history, but you don’t need to describe painful or sensitive experiences in detail before you feel ready. We can begin with an outline and explore further over time.
You can let me know what you feel comfortable sharing and ask to pause at any point. I’ll also check in with you and help pace the conversation if it begins to feel overwhelming.
How does therapy progress?
Therapy is guided by your needs and the goals we agree together. Every 5–10 sessions, we’ll review how the work is progressing and what feels helpful or remains difficult. You’re welcome to give feedback at any time.
You can ask about changing approaches, and I may also suggest another method if your needs change or we identify a different focus. We’ll discuss the reasons and agree together before making a change.
Please let me know if an approach doesn’t feel right for you. You can ask questions, slow down or pause. Throughout therapy, we work with your permission and respect for your choices.
Which approach is right for me?
You don’t need to choose a therapy before booking. We’ll consider what you’re experiencing, your preferences, previous treatment and the evidence relevant to your difficulties.
We may agree to use one approach or draw on more than one over time. The aim is to find a way of working that supports the changes you want to make in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions about therapy
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it hasn’t helped?
We can explore what you tried, what felt helpful and what remained difficult. Your previous experience can help us understand what you need now and discuss possible next steps, without assuming that you need to repeat the same approach.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. We need enough information to understand your difficulties and plan appropriate care, but you don’t have to share every detail at the first appointment. You can begin with an outline, let me know what feels difficult to discuss and ask to pause at any point.
Can I have therapy while taking medication?
Often, yes. Please tell me about any prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products or supplements you take, and who prescribes them. We’ll discuss whether a medication review would be helpful and agree who is responsible for prescribing and follow-up. Don’t stop or change medication without discussing it with your prescriber.
How do I find out about fees and appointment lengths?
Please contact First Psychiatry Clinic for current fees, appointment lengths and availability. Your first appointment is an assessment to discuss your difficulties and treatment options. Please also ask about cancellation terms before booking.