Dr. Deepa Sankar
PhD, Mphil

LANGUAGES

EN Malayalam

EXPERIENCE

+20 Years
Toll Free 800-AWCD (2923)

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Dr. Deepa Sankar

Clinical Psychologist

"My goal is to provide the highest level of care through empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices, integrating the latest treatment modalities and cultural insights."


I am Dr. Deepa Sankar, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I provide assessment, therapy, and consultation services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My therapeutic approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed methodologies.

I hold both MPhil and PhD degrees in clinical psychology from the renowned National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS). Later in my career, I pursued training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Beck's Institute and underwent extensive training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) at Behaviour Tech, USA, the institute founded by Dr. Marsha Linehan. I have also specialized in various adaptations of DBT, including DBT-C (for children), DBT-PE (for trauma), DBT for eating disorders, and DBT for family therapy. Additionally, I completed DBT skill training for adolescents (Miller and Rathus). My expertise in eating disorders is further enhanced by a training program at Oxford University. Moreover, I have been trained in managing anxiety disorders at the University of Pennsylvania and completed the HEART Certificate program in Humanistic Existential and Relational Therapy for treating couples at the Relational Path Institute.

I spent a decade at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) before transitioning to Dubai. During my tenure at NIMHANS, I completed my clinical psychology training and contributed significantly to the field as a clinical psychologist. I worked at the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM) and was actively involved in several research initiatives. Notably, I served as a junior researcher, focusing on the development and adaptation of the Neuropsychological Battery for the Indian population and contributing to studies on Parkinson's disease.

In 2012, I joined NMC Health Care in Dubai, where I dedicated 12 years to my role. From August 2022 to July 2023, I further expanded my clinical experience by working at the LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Centre in Umm Suqeim, Dubai.

I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families cope with extreme emotions, suicidal, parasuicidal behaviours, or non-suicidal self-injury. As a Clinical Psychologist, my mission is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where my clients can heal. I am committed to using evidence-based clinical practices for treating my clients. I believe that while empathy forms the emotional connection, it is the integration of compassion with scientifically validated treatment methods that truly drives progress.

I continuously seek to integrate the latest advancements in psychological research and clinical practices into my work.

From Dr. Deepa’s Words:

My goal is to consistently provide the highest level of care to those who entrust me with their psychological health and wellbeing. I am deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their challenges with empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices. It is very rewarding for me to contribute to the transformation of my clients as a psychotherapist. Seeing a person change, grow, and become more aware of themselves and the world around them is the most fulfilling experience for me as a therapist. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, I hold firmly to the belief in the enduring power of genuine human connection—it’s at the heart of everything I do.

  • Therapy for managing anxiety disorders (Obsessive compulsive Disorder, (OCD), panic disorder, social Anxiety Disorder,
  • Hypochondriasis GAD,)
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Borderline Personality Disorders (BPD)
  • Extreme Mood dysregulation
  • Self-harm behaviour (NSSI)
  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Anger Management
  • Emotional regulation difficulty
  • Issues related to School and academic difficulty
  • ADHD
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Skills training Autism spectrum Disorders
  • Addiction disorders
  • Couple and family therapy
  • Relationship issues
  • Parent training program to assist parents in managing their children’s behavioural and emotional difficulties (DBT C)
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults
  • DBT group skill Training for adolescents, teenagers, and adults.
  • DBT-informed approaches to manage extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts in children, as well as to facilitate sessions for parents who face the above difficulties
  • UAE – Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
  • Department of Health Abu Dhabi (HAAD)
  • PhD in Clinical Psychology from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
  • American Psychological Association
  • Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists.
  • Rehabilitation council of India
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