Therapy Approaches in Dubai

What is the difference between talking therapy and trauma therapy?

Talking therapy focuses on thoughts, while trauma therapy works directly with the nervous system and stored survival responses.

Talking therapy (top-down)

• Works with thoughts, beliefs, and meaning
• Builds insight and understanding

Trauma therapy (combines both top-down and bottom-up approaches)

• Works with the body’s earliest and deepest of the survival responses. 
• Helps resolve defensive and dissociative responses. 
• Integrates this with the narrative mind so interpretation and conclusion of the self and the world are adaptive and not maladaptive. 

When symptoms are physical and physiological and do not respond to just talking through with a therapist,  combined top-down and bottom-up approaches are often more effective.

Why do some reactions keep happening despite therapy?

Some emotional reactions originate in deeper brain systems that operate outside conscious awareness.

People often say:

• “I don’t know where this comes from.”
• “There’s no clear memory.”
• “This feels older than logic.”

This happens because trauma is not only stored in thinking processes. Many responses form in early or overwhelming experiences where the brain prioritized survival over conscious processing.

• How do I know which therapy approach is right for me?

  The right therapy approach is identified through a structured clinical assessment of your history, pacing needs and  physical and emotional patterns of responses. 

  During your initial consultation, I carry out a comprehensive psychiatric and therapeutic assessment and explain the differences between approaches such as IFS, EMDR, and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). Together, we can agree on the most effective therapeutic approach for you.

• What is the difference between talking therapy and trauma-informed therapy?

  Talking therapy works with attempting to challenge your thoughts, while trauma-informed therapy works directly with the nervous system and stored survival responses.

  Talking therapies support insight and awareness. Trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR and DBR access deeper emotional and bodily responses—especially when reactions feel automatic or “older than logic.”

• Can therapy help if I don’t remember a specific traumatic event?

  Yes. Trauma therapy does not require conscious memory of the event.

  Many trauma responses form before memory develops even as early as before language or words begin. Therapies such as Internal Family Systems and Deep Brain Reorienting work with present-moment body responses and emotional patterns rather than relying on detailed recall.

• Are trauma therapies safe?

  Yes. Safety, pacing, and nervous system regulation are central to trauma therapy.

  Sessions move at a pace that supports stability. Processing is never forced, and we build internal resources before working with deeper material.

• Do you integrate different therapy approaches?

  Yes. Therapy is integrative and tailored to your needs.

  I combine approaches such as IFS, EMDR, and DBR, allowing therapy to adapt to your nervous system rather than following a rigid model.

• How much does trauma therapy cost in Dubai?

  Fees reflect consultant-level expertise and specialised trauma training.

  Costs vary depending on experience and session structure. Please contact directly for current fees and availability.

• Do you offer online trauma therapy sessions?

  Yes. Online therapy is available where clinically appropriate and within regulatory guidelines.

  This supports accessibility, continuity of care, and flexibility for individuals with busy schedules.

• How do I book a trauma therapy session in Dubai?

  You can book via WhatsApp or the contact form.

  Your first session includes a comprehensive psychiatric and therapeutic assessment, followed by a personalised therapy plan.

• What is the difference between psychiatry and psychology?

  Psychiatry is a medical specialty, while psychology focuses on therapy and behaviour.

  Psychiatry involves diagnosis and, where appropriate, medication. Psychology focuses on therapeutic processes. My work integrates both perspectives for a comprehensive approach to care.