LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA - Key Persons


Aishwarya Waghela

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Alfi Sakeer

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Angeline Chan

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I strive to honour the courage it takes for anyone entering the therapeutic space by providing unwavering empathy, thoug…

Anna White

Job Titles:
  • Occupational Therapist

Anuradha Indora

Job Titles:
  • Corporate Services Coordinator / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT to the

Carolyn Costillas

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Christine Kritzas

Job Titles:
  • DIRECTOR
  • Psychologist

Dr. Alisha Walker

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I believe in providing a space to work with people to develop their awareness and compassionate understanding of the cha…

Dr. Catherine Frogley

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist / EDUCATION LEAD
  • Emotional Impact of Online Fame on Child Influencers / 09 Jun 2019
I believe I am in the best profession. Being a Clinical Psychologist enables me to develop connections with people from …

Dr. Daniela Salazar

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Dr. Dilara Cagil Tekin

Job Titles:
  • Specialist Psychiatrist
I believe in the importance of holistic treatment approaches based on the fact that mental health is an integral part of overall health. As a psychiatrist and physician, I believe in the importance of holistic treatment approaches based on the fact that mental health is an integral part of overall health. The uniqueness of each person keeps my love for my profession alive. I work with adults and I have experience working with individuals seeking treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. Prior to joining The Lighthouse Arabia, I have worked extensively in private practice in Istanbul and Dubai. I graduated from Marmara University in Istanbul, after obtaining my medical degree. I went on to complete my further education training for 6 years. This was a multidisciplinary residency program at the Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases in Istanbul, which is the pioneering tertiary hospital of Turkey in the field. My training enabled me to gain experience and exposure in various areas of psychiatry including in- and outpatient settings with a comprehensive psychiatric approach. Expertise Bipolar Disorder Depression Anxiety Eating Disorders Trauma Adjustment Personality Disorder Addiction Personality Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ADHD Qualifications & Memberships

Dr. Jayde Sayers

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
By creating a safe, empathic, and comfortable space, I am able to connect with people to understand where they have come…

Dr. Louise McDonnell

Job Titles:
  • Counselling Psychologist

Dr. Lucy Wood

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I believe that people are amazingly rich and diverse in every aspect, and so no two experiences are ever the same. As su…

Dr. Manuela Paone

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
No matter how hard your path will be, what matters is that you will not be alone, as we will walk it together.

Dr. Mariette Akle

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
Psychotherapy is a place where change and becoming are possible - through the time put into listening, understanding and acceptance. Trust where you will lead yourself. I am a Clinical Psychologist with extensive training in Psychoanalysis. I hold a PhD in Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology from the University of Paris, France and a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Prior to joining The LightHouse Arabia, I established and led all psychrelated services in Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City - Mayo Clinic Abu Dhabi, previously Al Mafraq Hospital, which I joined in 2014. I worked in private practice in Lebanon for two years, before moving to the UAE. While I work primarily with adults, I also have experience working with children and adolescents, and in helping all to address a variety of clinical presentations and psychological difficulties. I practice Psychoanalysis and analytically-inspired Psychotherapy, and have been a member of the International of Forums, School of Psychoanalysis of the Forums of the Lacanian Field (IF-SPFLF), and a member of the Lebanese Forum of the Lacanian Field and its committee since 2016.

Dr. Muttahera (Tara) Wyne

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Ottilia Brown

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Coping and Adapting in the Time of COVID - 19: Expert Advice
  • How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving / 22 Feb 2020
  • Silencing Your Inner Critic
  • Why Time Management Equals Stress Management
  • Your Mental Health and Wellbeing Amidst COVID - 19 / 05 Apr 2020
There are few things as humbling and rewarding as being given access to a client's experience and life journey. With this privilege comes an enormous responsibility to provide an integral space that facilitates exploration and growth and encourages a willingness to venture into difficult and uncomfortable places I primarily work with adults and I enjoy taking a holistic approach to treatment. For me the therapeutic journey is a collaborative one in which both client and therapist commit to the journey. I am eclectically trained and hence will tailor the therapeutic approach to the needs of the client. The basis of all I do in therapy is rooted in demonstrating genuineness, empathy, compassion, and upholding the highest standards of ethical practice. My goal is always that the client's experience in therapy will pave the way for seeking psychological assistance in the future and engender trust and confidence in the profession. I am a registered clinical psychologist since 2002 and have worked at in- and outpatient psychiatric facilities and psychology clinics; in academia as a lecturer, clinical and research supervisor and program coordinator; and in part-time private practice. Prior to joining The LightHouse Arabia I was employed as a Principal Clinical Psychologist at a tertiary public hospital in South Africa where I managed the Clinical Psychology Department, consulted with patients from many walks of life presenting with mental health challenges and life-changing/lifethreatening medical conditions, and conducted and published research. I therefore have extensive experience in the fields of clinical psychology and health psychology. I also have experience in delivering seminars and workshops on topics like grief, stress management and burnout and I am an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor. I enjoy writing on a range of psychological topics including resilience, self-care, finding meaning, stress and burnout. I can provide therapy in English and Afrikaans.

Dr. Rim Mahmoud

Job Titles:
  • 6 Powerful Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills
  • Health Psychologist
  • the All or Nothing Way of Thinking - Destructive Art of Overlooking the Nuances of Life
I strongly believe that distress - no matter how severe - is trying to ‘voice' something meaningful, which deserves atte…

Dr. Robert Chandler - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • MANAGING DIRECTOR
  • a Psychological Perspective in High Stakes Career Decision Making / 17 Aug 2022

Dr. Saliha Afridi - Chairman, Founder

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Founder
  • 5 Ways That Physical Health Positively Impacts Wellbeing / 12 Jul 2022
  • a Step by Step Guide to Becoming the Protagonist of Your Own Life / 23 Jun 2023
  • Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

Dr. Saman Ahmed

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychiatrist
Good mental health is a journey, not a destination. Let me accompany you on that journey.

Dr. Samantha Adams

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I am dedicated to providing the knowledge, guidance and encouragement needed for therapy to have a meaningful impact on …

Dr. Sheetal Kini

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I believe in providing a non-judgmental and empathic space where my clients can find safety and direction in this important journey of self discovery. Having been raised in the Middle East as well as the United States, I have learned the importance of cultural context in understanding people's experiences. My curiosity for the human experience led me to pursue my doctoral studies in clinical psychology. My main areas of expertise are in the treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders as well as difficulties in Relationships. I am a trained Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with over 8 years of experience in working with Anxiety Disorders such as Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Phobias and Health anxiety as well as Mood Disorders such as Depression and Bipolar Disorder. As much as we clinicians may be "experts" on mental health difficulties, I believe that the client is an expert on his/her own self and has to be an active part of deciding the course of treatment. Although I often conceptualize issues from a cognitive behavioral framework, I remain flexible to use other approaches such as person centered, psychodynamic and attachment focused frameworks in my treatment based on the needs of the client. When relationship difficulties are the focus of therapy, I work with individuals as well as couples. I received my couples therapy training at the internationally renowned Gottman Institute. Our modern, busy lifestyles can weaken the friendship within a marriage or relationship and leave room for conflict and miscommunication. My couples program focuses heavily on assessing your strengths and weaknesses as a unit, and then helping to rebuild your relationship. However, at times only one partner is willing to attend therapy (either because they wish to come alone or their partner refuses to attend). In such circumstances, my aim is to help the individual understand the relationship's difficulties better and to learn communication skills to connect with the partner and/or involve the partner in the therapy process when needed.

Dr. Summer Fakhro

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Suresh Wadhwani

Job Titles:
  • Consultant
  • Psychiatrist
My philosophy can be summarized by a quote that has guided me throughout my career, ‘Your mental health matters, and it …

Emilie Boutin

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Social Worker ( DHCC Branch )
You are here now, today, because a part of you longs for somethings to change. That part of you holds great wisdom and has come this far to convey a message to you - a message you may not fully realize yet but will reveal itself in time, with care and attention. No one is meant to do life on their own. It is my honor to walk alongside you on this path, one step at a time, providing a safe place for you to gain more clarity and supporting you as you live the life you so greatly deserve. My commitment is to co-create a trusting relationship between us where all parts of you are welcomed, cared for and understood. I sincerely believe that life, although challenging, is a beautiful adventure to cherish. The journey can be a whole lot more enjoyable for those who choose to build greater self-awareness, make an effort to better understand their connection to others and the world around them, and seek to discover their 'personal bliss.' In my work as a Clinical Social Worker, I take a holistic and client-centered approach to your individual and/or your family's needs. I strongly believe that the therapeutic process is co-created and by working together, we will identify the therapeutic goals and as well as identify the skills and tools that will need to help reach those goals.

Erica Erasmus

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
As a psychologist, it is both a privilege and passion for me to witness how human beings can heal, grow and prosper, through the process of therapy. As we are hurt by other people, I also believe through compassion, respect and acceptance, we can heal those very same wounds. I was trained in South Africa, and have 27 years of experience in assisting individuals, families and couples in both public and private health settings, across multicultural and diverse populations. My experience is vast and includes working with clients across a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, personality difficulties, and chronic pain management. I believe that we learn emotional skills as children, and that our experiences and skills learned in childhood have a significant impact on our adult lives. This can include how one is able to deal with stress and accept change, to being able to navigate life's challenges with courage and resilience. This exploration plays an important part in my therapeutic approach with clients, and as you can learn a new skill at any age, therapy offers an opportunity to learn new emotional skills at any given time in one's life. Addressing the complexities of life with mindfulness makes up a large part of my work, which includes emphasis on emotional regulation, relaxation, building awareness of the link between emotion and thought patterns, as well as being able to understand and have insight into how and why we react in a specific way. I believe that having insight into out own inner being is directly linked to our ability to take control and responsibilty for one's life.

Farah Dahabi

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Social Worker

Farah Jahanzeb

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Psychologist
It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end. At the heart of my passion for psychology is the belief that therapy is embarking on a journey of self-reflection, insight and self-discovery. The role of a therapist is to guide and walk beside individuals on their journey of self-realization, by creating and developing meaning along the way. I have experience working with adult populations in a research setting. One of my main areas of focus and knowledge is Neuropsychology, which revolves around the emotional, cognitive and behavioral underpinnings of neurological conditions. The essence of my role at The LightHouse Arabia is to serve the community by being involved in initiatives including co-facilitating support groups and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, as well as supporting the Raymee Grief Center. As part of the Assessment Team, I assist with neuropsychological and psycho-educational assessments. My goal is to ensure that clients are met with compassion and receive optimal resources, in order to ensure quality of care.

Gazal Sayed

Job Titles:
  • Speech and Language Therapist ( SLT )

Gordon Shaw

Job Titles:
  • Psychologist ( DHCC Branch )
The potential for growth lies within all of us. We sometimes just need time to discover our hidden capabilities, and som…

Hiba Saad

Job Titles:
  • Occupational Therapist
At the heart of Occupational Therapy is the belief in the right for every individual to lead a meaningful and independen…

Hopolang Matee

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist

Jay Caburobias

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Jean Morales

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Juan Korkie

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist

Juan van Wyk

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I believe in the innate ability of the human psyche to heal, grow and thrive within a safe relational connection.

Kashan Qayyum

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Krizalei Alfaro

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Madalina Oana Filip

Job Titles:
  • Psychologist ( DHCC Branch )
It's both a privilege and a challenge to make our own way through life, which is not often an easy task. I believe we al…

Madeeha Afridi

Job Titles:
  • Counselor ( DHCC Branch )

Manbir Chadha

Job Titles:
  • Client Care Representative

Pol Alfaro

Job Titles:
  • Front Office Manager
I uphold client confidentiality, and respect cultural, religious and linguistic sensitivities in every interaction.

Prasanth Kumar

Job Titles:
  • Back Office Manager
I take care great care to apply my professional skills and provide administrative support to the team

Preetha Madhavan

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
My passion is to bring empathy, support and empowerment to my clients with a specialised focus on children, adolescents …

Rebecca Carter

Job Titles:
  • Counselor ( DHCC Branch )
A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer, so that you …

Ronette Anna Zaaiman

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
The wound is the place where the light enters", which forms the centre of my focus in working with people. Whether it is…

Sandra Lazar

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
I truly believe in an infinite number of realities, determined by our unlimited number of paths and stories. There is no…

Sarah Siddiqui

Job Titles:
  • Operations & Business Development Director
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali

Shalaka Bakshi

Job Titles:
  • Back Office Administrator
'Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe …

Tahlia Govender

Job Titles:
  • Content Producer

Tanya Dharamshi

Job Titles:
  • Counselor ( DHCC Branch ) RAYMEE GRIEF CENTER

Vivian A. James Curtis

Job Titles:
  • Scholarship for Outstanding

Wesley Kew

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Psychologist
In the garden of the mind, what we choose to nurture grows in abundance; let us cultivate the useful and learn from the …

Yasmine Mohamad

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Psychologist
The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bea…