Finding a Psychotherapist in Dubai?  A Few Things to Consider

Finding qualified psychotherapist in Dubai. Introduction

There are many reasons people conclude that they need to see a psychotherapist.  Some individuals are seeking personal development because they feel stuck, others suffer from depression, anxiety, OCD and burnout, or are having marital problems. 

In their search for a quality psychotherapy, the question arises on how to find a competent and ethical psychotherapist in Dubai. The first difficulty is the question how to distinguish between psychotherapist and psychologist. Is every psychologist a psychotherapist? The answer is no. Psychologist is an academical degree. A person who finished studies in psychology is not by default a psychotherapist. The license in psychotherapy requires a postgraduate training consisting of several hundred hours theory and supervised psychotherapy.

Are psychotherapists regulated in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai has a complex system of licensure. This means that the licensee must meet significant educational requirements (Master’s Degree or more from an accredited university), have several hundreds of hours of supervised work experience, and be of good standing.

When you seek the services of a psychotherapist in Dubai, you will be well advised to check his credentials. Choose among those professionals who hold a license through one of Dubai’s licensing agencies, currently the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Community Development authority (CDA). This information should be readily available on the provider’s website, or directly from your service provider.

Licensed psychotherapist in Dubai

There are four important things for you to note when you are looking for a qualified psychotherapist in Dubai:

1. They can facilitate personal development
2. They will have the clinical skills to diagnose and treat mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, OCD etc.),
3. They have the professional knowledge know when to refer to a psychiatrist for pharmacotherapy (medication to balance brain chemistry)
4. If you have mental health benefits on your insurance plan, the insurance companies request that you see a licensed psychotherapist to reimburse you for the sessions.

Psychotherapist versus psychiatrist

Some people don’t understand the difference between those two health care professionals: psychiatrist and psychotherapist.

A psychiatrist is a mental healthcare provider who prescribes medication.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors with additional specialization in psychiatry.  If you think you might need medication to treat a mental health disorder, e.g. depression, anxiety, or OCD, a psychiatrist would be the right choice for a consultation.

Life coache versus psychotherapist

The difference between the psychotherapist and life coache is licensure. Life coaching is an unlicensed profession in Dubai.  However, they have set up their own standards of education and training hours and are self-governing. There are a number of life coaches in Dubai. However, it is in your best interest to have a closer look at the life coach’s education (degrees) and training hours. In general psychotherapists are psychologists with extra training in the psychotherapy. In contrary life coaches participate only in few weeks of training.

Please be aware that life coaches most likely do not have the education, training and experience to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

What qualities do I look for in a psychotherapist?

This is a very important question, because a positive, therapeutic relationship needs to build between the client and the therapist. Every client has unique needs to feel safe and secure and understood. Think about whom you would be comfortable opening up to.  Would it be a person of the same, or opposite sex?  Would you like to speak in your native language to feel like the most subtle of nuances will be picked up?  Is it important to you to make and understand cultural references?  Is religion a factor?  Does the age and personal status of the person working with you make a difference?

Clearly, these are questions that can guide you in choosing a psychotherapist. Most professionals post a bio from which you can learn most basic details. It will be upon meeting the psychotherapist that you will be able to feel if someone is a good match and you will be able ask questions.  Personally, I am an open book, but a professional does have the right to respectfully maintain their privacy.

Therapy is a process through which you heal, gain insights, grow, and find a positive way to go forward in your life. Therefore, in therapy you should always feel respected, not be judged, and not be told how to manage your life.