"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
I am Deborah, a passionate psychologist from the United Kingdom dedicated to supporting individuals through their psychological challenges and supporting their journey towards recovery and well-being. With a background in both forensic and clinical psychology, my approach is centred around creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, behaviours and experiences.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, particularly those facing complex challenges such as substance misuse, mood and personality disorders, trauma, and navigating the intersection of mental health and legal systems. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I also utilise systemic therapy, tailoring each intervention to meet the unique needs of my clients. I recognise how culture plays a huge role in shaping core beliefs, values, and experiences, and I strive to ensure my therapeutic interventions respect and honour everyone’s cultural background.
I am a firm believer in the importance of reducing stigma and providing accessible care to those who are often marginalised by society. A big part of my mission is challenging the deeply ingrained perceptions and labels that so often shape the way we view mental health as well as offending. Through my research on the impact of stigma and labels on individuals, I have aimed to shift the narrative towards more compassionate and effective treatment approaches.
Accepted Cases and Areas of Expertise
- Depression and Mood Disorders: Including bipolar disorder and related emotional dysregulation.
- Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders.
- Psychosis: Assessing and managing psychotic symptoms.
- Substance and Alcohol Misuse: Supporting recovery and relapse prevention.
- Trauma and Emotional Distress: Including victims of crime, domestic violence, and psychological trauma.
- Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm: Crisis intervention, preparatory behaviours, and non-suicidal self-injury.
- Stress and Life Changes: Stress management, major transitions, and burnout.
- Sleep Hygiene: Addressing sleep-related challenges and improving rest patterns.
- Individuals with Offending History: Supporting behaviour modification and emotional well-being.
- Risky Behaviours: Supporting individuals engaging in behaviours such as unsafe sexual practices or impulsive decision-making to identify triggers and implement safer coping strategies.
- Family Therapy/Support – Supporting families or individuals in systemic contexts.
Assessment and Treatment
- Conducting psychological evaluations using interviews, observations, and standardized assessments.
- Creating individualized treatment plans according to the patient’s needs.
- Building trusting and collaborative relationships with clients.
Evidence-Based Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Structured interventions for thought patterns, emotional regulation, and behavioral change.
- Motivational Interviewing: Goal-oriented style of communication enhancing motivation for behavior change.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Addressing the impact of trauma and supporting recovery.
- Relaxation and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Including mindfulness practices.
Psychoeducation and Client Empowerment
- Providing support and educating clients and their families about mental health conditions and treatment options.
- Developing personalized coping strategies and resilience-building techniques.
- Providing training and support to interns.
UAE – Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Master of Science (MSc) Forensic Psychology - Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology with Criminology - Nottingham Trent University.
- Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS).
