Christi Gadd, M.Sc.
Services Offered
Individual therapy (18+), couples therapy, sex therapy, family therapy
Available in-person and online
Accepting new clients
Languages spoken: English, Afrikaans
Christi Gadd is a DHA registered Clinical Psychologist (Dubai) and an HPCSA registered Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist (South Africa). She completed her MSc Clinical Psychology degree including a one year Clinical Psychology internship at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Ga-Rankuwa & Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Pretoria. She started her career in 2012 as a Clinical Psychologist at 1 Military Hospital in the South African National Defence Force where she was involved in neuro-rebilitation, psychotherapy, psychodiagnosis, health psychology and the training and supervision of intern clinical psychologists. She moved to full time private practice in 2017 where she provided psychotherapy, psychological assessments, aeromedical assessments and medico-legal assessments.
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.
Therapist Specialities
Figuring out this beautiful, crazy thing called life
Grief, loss and processing emotional pain
Relationship challenges - they are not as easy as Hollywood would have us believe
Intimacy issues
Betrayal
Adjusting to parenthood
Deciding whether to have children or remain childfree
Conscious uncoupling
Discernment therapy - assisting a couple in finding clarity around the future of their relationship
Trauma - acute and chronic
Resentment and unmet needs
Personal growth & self-actualisation
Neuropsychology of emotions and relationships
Breaking intergenerational patterns
Expat living and the effects thereof on romantic and family relationships
Support for Neurological diagnoses (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Alzheimers Disease & other forms of dementia, brain injuries, brain tumours)
Christi’s favourite part of being a therapist is using both her head and her heart in her work. First her heart to create a deep connection and a sense of feeling heard and understood for her clients. Then her head in a scientific, systematic analysis of their challenges and what might be keeping them stuck in these. This is further supported by an understanding of our brains and how they control our behaviour, but also how our relationships and life experiences influence our brains and sense of wellbeing.
She sees each client as unique and no two therapy processes are the same. Each process is adapted to the client’s specific needs. She listens empathically, but also gives solution focussed input and feedback. You might also be surprised by a bit of humour in your therapy process.
Her love of human relationships is grounded in the South African principles of Ubuntu - I am because we are. Pointing to the belief that we are all interconnected and need each other to live joyful and fulfilling lives. Trauma, pain and distress in one part of a system influences the rest of the system, but healing and growth in one part of the system also ripples into the rest of the system.
Christi’s therapeutic processes combine in-person and online sessions as she commutes between Dubai and South Africa. She enjoys using technology in the therapeutic process and translating therapeutic techniques for an online format.
Treatment Modalities
Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (RECBT)
Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)
Integrative Interactional Psychotherapy
Interpersonal Pattern Analysis
Person Centred Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Solution Focussed Therapy
Brainspotting
Guided imagery
Meditation & breathing techniques
Existential Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy
Narrative therapy
Academic Qualifications and Experience
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus (South Africa)
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology – University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, Genetics, & Psychology - University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Associations and Affiliations
Clinical Psychologist - Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Clinical Psychologist - Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Neuropsychologist - Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Full Member - South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association (SACNA)
Registered Medico-legal Practitioner - South African Medico-legal Association (SAMLA)
