Welcome to Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, UAE. Here, our professionals know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that social relationships are the key to our well-being. Our mission is to help our clients accomplish their goals, while supporting them in a warm, empathic, and judgment-free way.
We believe in the power of science and evidence-based treatment options. At the same time, we know that you know yourself and your family best. With this in mind, we combine the latest research and best practice with your values to give you the best tools for you.
Our Team
Dr. Sarah Rasmi
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Managing Director
Dr. Sarah Rasmi is a licensed Dubai psychologist. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph in Canada, where she specialized in parenting and family relationships. Former Professor of Psychology at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates University, and the American University in Dubai
She has completed three couples therapy trainings via the Gottman Institute as well as the APA-accredited Humanistic Existential and Relational Therapy (HEART) training. She has also completed training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through Bangor University in the UK.
Dr. Chasity O’Connell
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Advising Director
Dr. Chasity O’Connell is a CDA-licensed Psychologist and the Clinical Advising Director at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. She has more than 10 years of experience in supporting individuals, couples, and families.
Dr. Ash Shishodia
DHA-Licensed Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Ash Shishodia is a Western-trained General Adult Psychiatrist (Addiction Psychiatry endorsement) and Neuropsychiatrist with over 15 years experiencing working with an ethnoculturally diverse population. I am comfortable working with mild, moderate, and severe cases, including major mental illness, and neurological disorders with mental health.
Dr. Lara Foresi
DHA-Licensed Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr. Lara is a European-trained General Adult Psychiatrist with extensive experience in mood disorders and substance misuses. She is both trained and experienced in working with people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. Dr. Lara works with mild, moderate, and severe cases of psychiatric disorders, neurodiversity and mental health..
Sonia Singhal, M.Ed., M.A., LMFT
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Lead Assessment Specialist
Sonia Singhal is a CDA-Licensed Psychologist and a California Licensed Marriage & Family Counselor. She has a Masters of Education in Psychology from Columbia University in New York. Sonia specializes in psychological and educational assessments and she provides individual, family and couples therapy. She holds a special interest in attachment theory and family systems and is passionate about supporting teenagers and adults to overcome emotional and psychological difficulties.
Dr. Kate Prozeller
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Kate Prozeller is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She holds her PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in the United States. Dr. Kate provides individual therapy to adults, couples therapy, and English-language art, sand, and play therapy to children and adolescents. Prior to relocating to Dubai in 2019, she has worked as a psychologist in the United States, serving a variety of patient populations and across hospitals, private practice, and university settings.
Pashmi Khare, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Social Counselor
Pashmi Khare is a CDA-licensed social counselor with MSc in Counseling Psychology from Christ University, India and has been practicing for more than 8 years in India and UAE. She provides counseling for adults, adolescents, and couples in English, Hindi, and Urdu. She has a special interest in supporting individuals with fertility issues and PCOS.
Dr. Vassiliki Simoglou
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Vassiliki Simoglou is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She completed all her studies in Psychology in France, and is a licensed psychologist in Greece and the European territory, and in Dubai by the CDA. Dr. Vassiliki holds a PhD in Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology from Sorbonne Paris Cité - Paris Diderot University in Paris, and a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg. She also holds a Master’s degree in Psychoanalytic Studies from the University of Essex in the UK. She has been working as a psychodynamically oriented psychotherapist for more than 14 years, in Dubai, Paris and Athens. She offers individual counseling and psychotherapy for adults and adolescents (15+), couples therapy, family therapy, and perinatal and infertility counseling - in French, English and Greek.
Maša Karleuša Valkanou, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Maša Karleuša Valkanou is a CDA-licensed psychologist in Dubai. As a certified Systemic Family psychotherapist, she works with individual clients, adults or children. She is specialised in work with adolescents. She works with couples, parents or the whole family together. Her work covers various psychological difficulties and background including psychotic disorders, addictions, neurotic disorders (depression, anxiety, panic attacks etc.), psychological trauma, abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and feelings, behavioural, emotional and problems in relationships or family problems.
Dr. Elif Celebi
DHA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Elif Celebi is a DHA-licensed and US-trained Clinical Psychologist with 12 years of post-qualification experience. She has a particular interest in using mindfulness, emotion regulation and other evidence-based approaches to balance compassion, acceptance and change. Dr. Elif clinical expertise includes working with depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment/life transitions, grief and loss, borderline personality disorder, and dissociation.
Jessica Rosslee, M.A.
DHA-Licensed Psychologist
Jessica Rosslee is a DHA-licensed Clinical Psychologist. She obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Free State, South Africa, in 2011. Jessica’s clinical interests and extensive expertise cover a broad range of mental health conditions or problematic concerns.
Dr. Marina Hakimian
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Marina is a CDA-licensed psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. She provides art, play, and sand tray therapy for children as well as psychotherapy for adolescents. Marina also works with parents and adults.
Dr. Diana Cheaib Houry
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Diana is a CDA-licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis from the University of Denis-Diderot in France. She has a special interest in women’s health and has dedicated over 10 years to researching and studying women’s discomfort and mental issues and how they relate to culture and identity conflicts. Dr. Diana has a psychodynamic therapeutic orientation, which allows a deep understanding of the difficulties a person can go through.
Sofia Stigka, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Sofia is a CDA-licensed Psychologist working and living in the UAE since 2017. She holds a Master’s Degree in Child & Adolescent Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands, in addition to a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology from the University of York. Sofia’s areas of expertise include emotion and behavior regulation in children, social skills development training, and assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD) and specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia, discalculia, dysgraphia).
Cynthia Ghosn
DHA-Licensed Psychology Technician & Early Career Professional
Cynthia is a DHA-licensed Psychology Technician. She is in the process of completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Meridien University in the USA. She works with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout/stress, life transitions, and relationship issues. Cynthia is part of our Early Career Professional (ECP) program, which means that she works closely under the supervision of Clinical Advising Director, Dr. Chasity O’Connell. In an effort to make therapy more accessible and support the growth and development of clinicians in the field, we are offering an adjusted pricing structure through our ECP program.
Sam Menon
DHA-Licensed Psychologist & Early Career Professional
Sam is a DHA-licensed Psychologist. She holds an M.Sc. in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University in the UK. She works with adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, burnout/stress, and difficulties adjusting to new phases of life (university and workplace). Sam is part of our Early Career Professional (ECP) program, which means that she works closely under the supervision of Clinical Advising Director, Dr. Chasity O’Connell. In an effort to make therapy more accessible and support the growth and development of clinicians in the field, we are offering an adjusted pricing structure through our ECP program.
Joslin Gracias, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Joslin is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from S.N.D.T. University in India. Joslin works with adolescents, adults, and couples who are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, and burnout/stress.
Tuna Bereket, M.A.
DHA-Licensed Allied Health Counsellor
Tuna is a DHA-licensed allied health counsellor. She obtained her B.A. degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at SWPS University in Poland. Tuna supports people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, and bereavement.
Zuha Zubair, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Early Career Professional
Zuha is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She holds an M.Sc. in Clinical and Abnormal Psychology from Swansea University (UK). She used a client-centered approach deeply rooted in compassion and warmth, tailoring therapeutic aid to each client based on their needs and personality. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Corina Saramet, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Corina is a CDA-licensed psychologist specializing in working with adults and adolescents (16+). She obtained her Master’s Degree in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the University Titu Maiorescu in Romania. Her areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and stress.
Dr. Dana Jammal
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Dana is a UK-trained HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist who completed her doctorate training at City, University of London. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Studies from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Psychology from McGill University in Canada. Dana has over 10 years experience working with individuals facing a range of mental health difficulties and challenges.
Dr. Taregh Shaban
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Taregh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Reading, UK, where his research centred on ethno-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Arab populations, supervised by professors from the University of Oxford. Additionally, Dr. Taregh earned a Master of Arts in Psychoanalytic Studies from the University of London and a professional Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the Master's level from the Charlie Waller Institute, UK. His expertise is further enhanced by completing training in schema therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and supervision.
Rita Figueiredo, M.Sc.
DHA=Licensed Psychologist
Rita Figueiredo is a Clinical and Health Psychologist with an M.Sc. from the University of Lisbon in Portugal. She is licensed by the DHA and CDA, and also holds a European Certificate in Psychology. Rita enriches her practice with four years of extensive experience. She is driven by a profound passion for understanding relationship dynamics. As a result, Rita pursued specialized training in Couples and Family Therapy. This expertise equips her with the necessary tools to assist clients in navigating complex relationship issues, guiding them towards achieving happiness and relational well-being.
Judy Seoud, M.Ed., M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Judy Seoud is a Licensed Psychologist and Sex Therapist with a double Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University (USA). Judy works with individuals facing issues related to anxiety, depression, anxiety, stressful life changes, communication, sex and intimacy, and social justice. She also helps couples improve their intimacy.
Michelle Estekantchi, M.Ed.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Michelle Estekantchi is a Licensed Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Memorial University (Canada). She works with children, adolescents, and adults across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues (peer, family), burnout, and self-esteem issues. Michelle also conducts psychoeducational and ADHD assessments.
Raneem Nageeeb, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Raneem Nageeb is a Licensed Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (USA). She works with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues (including attachment, conflict), women’s issues, anger management, and more. Raneem supports children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Christi Gadd, M.Sc.
DHA-Licensed Psychologist
Christi Gadd is a DHA licensed Clinical Psychologist (Dubai) and an HPCSA registered Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (South Africa). She has many therapeutic interests including anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Christi is particularly interested in the transition to expat life. One of the things she loves most is accompanying people on their journeys of self-discovery and self-actualization. Her interests are best summarised as a curiosity to learn more and more about what makes us human, especially our brains.
Rania Kamal
Operations and Quality Manager
CDA-Licensed Assistant Psychologist
Janine Pasmala
Reception Team
Merry Love Reluya
Reception Team
Rossana Reyes
Reception Team
Emma Lopez
Reception Team
Cheryll Laine Demafiles
Reception Team
Ann Sioson
Reception Team
Josielyn Balingbing
Office Cleaner
Our Psychology Centre
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