Thrive for Adults

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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Advising Director

Licensed and trained in the USA and in Dubai, Dr. O'Connell has multiple advanced degrees in counseling, psychological science, and a doctorate in psychology (USA). She is a USA board-certified counselor (NBCC). In addition to providing therapy, Dr. O’Connell is the Clinical Director at Thrive and is a professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) where she teaches and conducts research.

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Kate Prozeller holds her PsyD in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in the United States. She 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.

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Vassiliki Simoglou 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. She 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.

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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.

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DHA-Licensed Psychologist

Jessica is a DHA-licensed Clinical Psychologist (Dubai) and a HPCSA-licensed Clinical Psychologist (South Africa). She obtained herMaster’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Free State, South Africa, in 2011. Her clinical interests and extensive expertise cover a broad range of mental health conditions or problematic concerns.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Marina is a CDA-licensed psychologist. She provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Marina’s work with children incorporates play therapy and collaboration with parents. She also supports adults as they navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives. Dr. Marina also helps adolescents explore their educational and career pathways.

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Sofia is a CDA-licensed Psychologist. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Child & Adolescent Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands. Sofia also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Forensic Psychology from the University of York. She is an advocate of the wellbeing of children, their families and school communities. 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)

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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.

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DHA-Licensed Psychologist & Early Career Professional

Sam is a DHA-licensed Clinical 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.

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Zuhais a CDA-licensed clinical psychologist. She obtained her M.Sc. in Clinical and Abnormal Psychology from Swansea University (UK). She works with adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, burnout/stress, and difficulties adjusting to new phases of life (university and workplace). Zuha 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.

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Taregh Shaban 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.

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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. Dr. Dana has over 10 years experience working with individuals facing a range of mental health difficulties and challenges.

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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.

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DHA-Licensed Consultant Psychiatrist & Medical Director

Dr. Ash is a Western-trained General Adult Psychiatrist (Addiction Psychiatry endorsement) and Neuropsychiatrist with over 15 years experiencing working with an ethnoculturally diverse population. He is comfortable working with mild, moderate, and severe cases, including major mental illness, and neurological disorders with mental health.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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..

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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.

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CDA-Licensed Psychologist

Valen is a CDA-licensed psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Haigazian University, Lebanon. She works with adults, adolescents, couples, and children facing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, relationship issues, communication, mood disorders, behavioral issues, body image and self-esteem.

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DHA-Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Manuela is a DHA-Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Dubai) with active licenses in the UK and Italy. She has over 20 years of experience supporting adults through a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues (parent-child as well as marital). Dr. Manuela has a special interest in neurodivergence, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. She has a wealth of experience in the UK and Middle East, which has provided her with an opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural contexts, integrating culture, religion, and personal background into her work.

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