Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Therapy in Dubai: Guide to Healing from Traumatic Experiences
Key Takeaways—PTSD Therapy in Dubai
Experienced Specialist: Dr. Millia Begum is a UK-trained consultant psychiatrist with 25+ years of experience in helping clients who have experienced traumatic stress and dissociation. As a DHA-licensed trauma specialist and former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, she integrates psychiatry, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) for whole-person trauma recovery. Appointments are available both in person at the First Psychiatry Clinic (Al Wasl Road, Dubai) and online. All sessions are private and confidential.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a condition that can develop when the nervous system remains stuck in survival mode after trauma. This may follow a single overwhelming event or ongoing experiences of fear, terror, shock, shame, oppression, or forced submission.
While many people associate PTSD with a single incident, its effects can also accumulate over time. Some symptoms are easy to notice, while others are less visible yet just as impactful—much like the part of an iceberg beneath the surface.
If you’d like to explore common signs and related difficulties in more detail, click here for symptoms of trauma.
Key PTSD Symptoms at a Glance
Many symptoms of PTSD are obviously felt and experienced due to their distressing nature. However, for some of those who have experienced trauma, symptoms are less visible yet just as impactful—much like part of an iceberg beneath the surface. Symptoms of PTSD include—
Re-experiencing trauma:
Examples are intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and strong emotional or physical reactions.
Avoidance of any reminders:
For instance, steering clear of thoughts, feelings, places, activities, or people that bring back reminders.
Ongoing sense of threat:
A feeling like the body and mind are still not safe; the threat and the danger still feel alive. The protectiveness and self-preservation from threats are still online. Symptoms of these are hypervigilance, feeling “on guard,” exaggerated startle response, and difficulty relaxing.
Duration & impact:
Symptoms last for weeks or longer and significantly affect work, family, relationships, and daily life.
Defined according to the ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines for PTSD.
How PTSD Affects Quality of Life
PTSD impacts not only mental health but also relationships, work, family life, and overall well-being. Many people report reduced life satisfaction, difficulties in social and occupational functioning, and challenges in maintaining daily stability.
Research Highlight: Dr. Millia Begum co-authored a study in the Journal of Mental Health showing that people with PTSD report significantly lower life satisfaction compared to those without PTSD. The findings highlight the importance of trauma-focused therapies in restoring well-being.
Karatzias, T., Chouliara, Z., Power, K., Brown, K., Begum, M., McGoldrick, T., & MacLean, R. (2013). Life satisfaction in people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Mental Health, 22(6), 501–508. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2013.819418
Can symptoms of PTSD be resolved?
PTSD symptoms can be relieved effectively with various therapies—please see types of therapies for PTSD below. The quality of life also improves when symptoms reduce. For trauma therapies, please click here.
Real Questions People Ask (And How PTSD Therapy Helps)
- Can PTSD appear years later?
- Yes. Delayed-onset PTSD is common when trauma was suppressed or unresolved, and symptoms can emerge months or even years later.
- Can grief cause PTSD?
- Sudden, violent, or traumatic loss can trigger PTSD symptoms. Therapy provides safe support to process loss and restore balance.
- What therapy helps when talk therapy hasn’t worked?
- EMDR and IFS are not “just talk.” They target the nervous system and inner protective parts, creating deeper and lasting healing when traditional talk therapy falls short.
- Is PTSD therapy confidential in Dubai?
- Yes. Sessions with Dr. Millia are private, safe, and fully confidential.
- Do I have PTSD?
- If you experience intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, or feel constantly unsafe after trauma, you may meet criteria for PTSD. A professional assessment is the best way to know for sure.
- What are the best therapies for PTSD?
- International guidelines (ICD-11/WHO, NICE, APA) recommend EMDR Therapy for PTSD. However, there is growing evidence for IFS therapy as a safe and effective treatment for PTSD and Complex PTSD.
- Will I ever heal from PTSD?
- Yes. With the right support, PTSD is highly treatable. Many people move from living in constant survival mode to reclaiming safety, trust, and hope.
- Will therapy help me if I cannot talk about my trauma?
- Yes. You do not need to retell every detail of your trauma. EMDR and IFS focus on how trauma is stored in the mind and body, allowing healing without overwhelming re-exposure.
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.
📞 Contact Dr. Millia
If you would like to book a consultation or learn more about services, please get in touch:
- Clinic: First Psychiatry Clinic
- Address: 975 Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE
- Phone: +971 55 355 7855
- Email: info@milliabegum.ae
- Website: milliabegum.ae
📍 Location & Opening Hours
Opening hours
- Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00–18:00
- Thursday: 09:00–18:00
- Friday: 09:00–18:00
- Saturday: 09:00–18:00
- Sunday: 09:00–18:00