DCHC - Key Persons
As a HR and Operational Manager I greatly enjoy my responsibilities of overseeing that DCHC's clients are provided the highest standard of services that we have committed to in our Client's Bill of Rights, as well as facilitating the support and needs of our team of staff to provide those services.
I take pride in assuring that our client's and DCHC's financial affairs are executed in timely and most efficient manner.
Dr Caroline Murphy is a Specialist Psychologist with 19 years of experience in the field of Education. She qualified as a Doctor of Educational and Child Psychology in 2011. Dr Caroline has worked extensively with young people 0-25 years and their parent(s)/carer(s)/families. Dr Murphy's career started in the UK where she worked in three different Local Government Children's services across eight years. In the UK, her role as a psychologist was to work with a range of mainstream and specialist school settings to support them in their work with children and young people with additional needs. An integral part of her role involved research, systemic development work and training within schools and the Local Authority services. She complete assessment and provide Psychological Advice as part of the Authority's Education, Health and Care needs assessments of those young children in the council, with the most complex needs. Dr Murphy has experience of working with a wide range of ethnicities and with children and families where English is an additional language. Her areas of specialism in the UK were: working with children looked after/adopted and their carers; supporting excluded young people and preventing exclusion from school settings; young offender support; Autism Spectrum Condition; and supporting families and young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs.
Dr Murphy has been practicing in the UAE since 2018. She was previously involved in a collaboration between a private company and the Abu Dhabi government's education department, in the development of a first of its kind special school for Emirate Children and Young people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition.
Dr Murphy is a published researcher and writer in her field.
Dr Murphy is passionate about supporting a trusting relationship with those she works with in order to facilitate their voice. She is motivated to ensure that individual clients develop their understanding of their experiences and needs so that their own knowledge can be used as a focus to complex solution finding, as well as when developing plans for support. She enjoys working with those closest to young people to enable and empower them to develop a rich picture and deep reflective understanding.
At DCHC, Special Needs Center In Dubai, Dr Caroline works collaboratively within our multidisciplinary team, in assessing and supporting a wide range of clients' needs including:
Emotional and behavioural (e.g., anger, sense of self, bullying, managing change, disruption in sleep and eating)
Mental Health (e.g., anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, trauma, critical incident support)
Physical, Sensory and Medical (assessing impact and supporting access to education and independent living)
Social, Communication and interaction
School avoidance and/or refusal
Attachment, parenting and family relationships or systems
Relationship difficulties with peers
Cognition and learning (e.g., approach and attitude to learning, areas of cognitive strength, school stress, perfectionism, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia/dyspraxia/dyscalculia/dysgraphia, executive function, memory, information processing, developmental language disorder, global developmental delay (Early years) and Intellectual disability)
Developmental conditions (e.g., ADHD, ODD, ASC, sensory processing disorder)
Independence and self-help (e.g., dressing, toileting, and supporting readiness for university, employment and independent living)
Dr Murphy uses a personalised approach to therapeutics which fits to each individual's needs. Evidenced-based methods including the following are examples of some of the methods that can be used:
Narrative and therapeutic stories and comic strips
The therapeutic use of art and play
CBT
DBT
PCP
Solution Focused methodologies
Guided relaxation
Mindfulness and NLP
Human Givens
Restorative justice
Solution focused and positive psychology approaches
Video Interactive Guidance
Motivational Interviewing
Languages
English
Experience of working with interpreters for consultation and assessment
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr Deepa Sankar is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in UAE and India. She provides assessment, therapy, and consultation services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches in treating her clients.
She has earned both her MPhil and PhD degrees in clinical psychology from the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS). A few years later, she obtained training in CBT (from Becks Institute), followed by intensive training in DBT from Behaviour Tech, the institute founded by Marsha Linehan. Furthermore, she has received training in various adaptations of DBT (such as DBT-C, DBT-PE, and DBT for eating disorders, DBT in family training from Dr. Alan Fruzzetti , as well as DBT skill training for adolescents (Miller and Rathus). Additionally, she has completed a training program in eating disorders at Oxford University. Furthermore, she has been trained in the management of anxiety disorders by the University of Pennsylvania. She was trained in Humanistic Existential and Relational Therapy (HEART) Certificate program for treating couple relationships from Relational Path Institute.
Dr. Deepa has been working in various healthcare settings in UAE since 2012. Before moving to UAE she was with the National Institute of Mental Health And Neuroscience (NIMHANS) for 10 years. As a clinical psychologist, she worked at the Center for Addiction Medicine (CAM) at NIMHANS. In the past, she had been involved with various research projects at NIMHANS. At the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), she worked as a junior researcher developing and adapting the Neuropsychological Battery for the Indian population and as a clinical psychologist on Parkinson's disease studies.
Dr Deepa is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families cope with extreme emotions, suicidal/parasuicidal behaviors, and nonsuicidal self-injury. It is her mission as a Clinical Psychologist to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for her clients to heal. She is committed to using evidence-based clinical practices in her practice. She believes that while empathy provides the emotional bridge, it is the combination of compassion with rigorously tested treatment methods that truly propels progress. She has continuously sought to integrate the latest advancements in psychological research and clinical practices into her work. From Dr. Deepas words : Whether it's incorporating the latest treatment modalities or deepening my understanding of cultural diversity, my goal is to consistently provide the highest level of care to those who entrust me with their psychological health. I remain resolute in my dedication to guiding individuals through their challenges with empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices. It brings me immense satisfaction to witness positive transformations and contribute to the holistic well-being of those under my care. In a world that often seems fast-paced and impersonal, I believe in the enduring power of the human connection.
At Dubai community services, Dr Deepa will be providing.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Medical Director
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Doctor of Clinical Psychology Dr. Hussain is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who obtained his MA i...
Dr. Hussain is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who obtained his MA in Psychology (clinical track) from Radford University in Radford, Virginia, USA and his Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri, USA. He finished his pre-doctoral internship at Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation in Florida, USA. His Doctoral dissertation was in identifying environmental factors that may lead to Autism and other childhood disorders. He has proficiency training in the areas of Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation, Family Therapy, Medical/Health Psychology, Pain Management, and Child Psychology. He has 12 years of experience working in a multitude of professional settings, such as general hospitals, psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, school boards, crisis centers and college counseling centers. His professional training in the USA and work experience in UAE has provided him with a varied training background, which provided him with the special insight in multicultural issues and personal differences.
Dr. Hussain has training to employ a number of treatment approaches including
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Existential Psychotherapy
Jungian Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supportive Therapy
Play Therapy
Sand Therapy
Crisis Intervention
Client Centered Therapy
Family Therapy
Marital/Couple Therapy / Sex Therapy
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Group Therapy
Dr. Paul Gelston (BSc PgDip DClinPsy) is an Irish Clinical Psychologist with more than 10 years of experience in mental health services. He has lived and practiced in Dubai for the last four years. He completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London (KCL). This included extensive training and experience within the UK National Health Service (NHS). Dr.Paul specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of developmental difficulties in children (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Specific Learning Disorders), as well as the treatment of mental health difficulties in children, adolescents and adults. Since moving to the UAE, Dr. Paul has also qualified as a Clinical Director within the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative, providing voluntary services to People of Determination within the UAE.
Dr. Paul has a passion for improving people's access to psychological therapy and reducing the stigma of mental illness, developmental disorders and receiving psychological support. He is registered with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.
Dr. Safwat Elshafey is a renowned Consultant Psychiatrist in United Arab Emirates with over 35 years' experience working with an ethno- culturally diverse population. He has extensive knowledge of community medical diagnostic and patient care services in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient clinics, and government/private hospitals and clinics.He has excellent background in psychopharmacology and an interest in responsibly measuring outcomes of new modalities.
MBBCh, MSc. (Neuro-psychiatry), ABMS Psych., PhD (Psychiatry) Dr. Safwat Elshafey is a renowned Consultant Psychiatrist in United Arab Emira...
He is an adult psychiatrist, empathetic, effective, and motivated professional who combines clinical experience with compassion. He believes in body-mind integration as a holistic approach to reduce and manage of patient's suffering. He is aware clearly of diverse backgrounds, alert to widely varied patient's needs and circumstances and listening to each individual's concerns. An expert in current principles, methods, and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of different psychiatric disorders.
Dr.Shaju is a Specialist Psychiatrist with 16 years of clinical experience in Psychiatry. He obtained his Specialisations in Psychiatry from prestigious medical colleges in India. He is experienced in offering both outpatient and inpatient services for behaviorally ill clients.
In addition to his MD from India, he is a specialist Aero medical examiner in Aviation psychiatry with certification from Flying medicine, UK and accreditation from GCAA, UAE. He is a fellow in Indian Psychiatric society. He is associated with various corporate like Emirates airlines, RTA, Arabtec, Dulsco, Empost, AL Naboodha, AL Ghurair to cater their mental health needs.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Consultant
Dr. Shazya Rashid is a passionate practitioner with 20 years of experience in the field of Clinical Psychology. She completed her post graduation from India, and has earned her Doctorate degree (Psy.D) in clinical psychology from California Southern University, U.S.A. Her doctorate dissertation was on understanding Adolescent's bereavement experience and grief reaction following sudden peer death.
Dr. Shazya is an Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) certified therapist since 2003. She has extensive training, experience and qualifications in treating stress related disorders, complex trauma and grief. When treating clients, she uses a broad range of cognitive, behavioral and insight oriented techniques with an integrative, elective and mind-body approach. She offers psychological services to individuals who are suffering and experiencing stress, burnout; health related issue and pain, or has difficulty in adjusting to family, work, friends and social situations. She delivers evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents and adults, and provides expert advice, clinical training and supervision to mental health care professionals. She has lectured and presented on different psychology related topics both nationally and internationally and is actively engaged in providing mental health support and care to individuals within the community.
Previously Dr. Shazya has worked with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for 17 years. She was leading the psychology team and was providing psychological services at the hospital and primary health care centers (PHC). Her work included diagnostic assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, counseling, crises intervention, debriefing, psychometric evaluation and testing.
Dr. Magda Zaki received her MB.BCH from Ain Shams Medical School Egypt in 1973 and obtained her Specialization in Psychiatry from Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1983. Dr. Magda has been practicing Psychiatry for over 38 years at Al Amal Hospital, Dubai and she has also worked for over 10 years in private practice providing psychiatry services to all age groups including the elderly in Dubai. Dr. Magda has a special passion for woman mental health and has a vast experience in working with issues related to post-natal depression, menopause and other woman health issues.
Qualifications
DPM&N, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, 1983
Job Titles:
- Speech and Language Therapist
Job Titles:
- Paediatric Occupational Therapist
With a strong foundation in sensory integration, neurological developmental treatment, and play therapy, Gopika specialize in enhancing the lives of children with diverse needs. Her expertise lies in addressing developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and sensory processing difficulties.
Gopika has a proven track record of success in hospital, special school, disability centres and community-based rehabilitation settings. Her holistic approach focuses on improving children's functional skills, sensory processing, motor skills, and overall well-being through engaging and individualized therapy sessions.
Gopika is passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential and helping families navigate the challenges they face.
Her practice incorporates evidence-based approaches including:
Sensory Integration Therapy (SI): Addressing sensory processing difficulties and improving occupational performance.
Developmental Approaches: Targeting developmental delays and promoting skill acquisition.
Play Therapy: Utilizing play as a therapeutic tool for emotional, social, and developmental growth.
Motor Learning: Enhancing motor skills through practice, feedback, and repetition.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addressing emotional regulation, anxiety, and social skills.
Handwriting Interventions: Improving handwriting skills and legibility.
Visual Motor Integration: Addressing challenges in visual perception and motor coordination.
Oral Motor Therapy: Supporting feeding, swallowing, and speech development.
Assistive Technology: Utilizing technology to enhance independence and participation.
Gopika is committed to early intervention, family-centred care, and collaboration with other professionals to provide comprehensive and individualized support for children and their families.
Hanne Al Gurg has a strong passion for helping people whom live lives with challenges, and in 1996 she established DCHC to this avail. For 10 years she also served as CEO of INDEMAJ, a non-profit organization which activities were based on supporting inclusive educational services in UAE Government schools.
As an assistant psychologist at DCHC, I ensure that I support and collaborate closely with our licensed psychologists, helping to contribute to the de...
I enjoy my responsibilities of organizing access for our clients to DCHC, Special Needs Center In Dubai's services, as well as welcoming them and making them comfortable when they arrive.
Job Titles:
- Psychologist & Counsellor
Katrina Spartalis (B.Ed, PgDipPsych, M.A. Counselling) is a highly experienced Australian Counsellor with a diverse background in providing support to both young people and adults with their mental health journeys. Her academic achievements include a B.A. in Education from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology from the University of Sydney, and an M.A. in Counselling from the University of New England, Australia. Drawing on her educational background, Katrina brings a comprehensive and empathetic approach to her counseling practice, ensuring a holistic understanding of the challenges her clients may face.
With a professional career spanning nearly two decades, Katrina has held various roles, from Secondary school teacher, Safeguarding Lead to Director of Wellbeing and School Counsellor. For the past nine years, she has dedicated herself to counselling within the multicultural landscape of Dubai.
Katrina's scope of practice is extensive, covering children aged 4-18, adults, families, and couples. She is known for her enthusiasm, warmth, and compassionate approach, deeply caring for those under her guidance. Her counselling philosophy is firmly rooted in person-centered principles, emphasizing the creation of a safe and nurturing space for clients.
Her engagement with clients is characterized by empathy, congruence, authenticity and trust. This approach enables her to form a strong therapeutic relationship built on genuine connection and rapport. Katrina fosters a non-judgmental space, providing unconditional positive regard, allowing individuals to express themselves fully without fear of judgment. She is highly attuned to her clients' needs, and her non-directive approach empowers them to autonomously explore their thoughts and feelings.
Job Titles:
- Speech Language Pathologist
DHA Licensed Speech Therapist Certified in Oral Placement Therapy Merin is a dedicated and compassionate Speech Language Pathologist (...
Merin is a dedicated and compassionate Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) with a Bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) and a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology (MSc. SLP) from All India Institute of Speech and Hearing. Since 2018, Merin has been actively involved in clinical practice, bringing over seven years of experience in helping individuals overcome communication disorders across various settings, including private practice, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
She has extensive experience in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), particularly with children in the Autism Spectrum. Merin has hands-on experience in oral placement therapy, which focuses on strengthening the lips, tongue, and jaw muscles to improve speech and feeding. She also has experience in using Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) software to analyze speech production, including pitch, volume, articulation, and fluency.
As Speech Language Pathologist she offers service in the following areas:
Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Down Syndrome
Learning Disability/ Dyslexia
Oral Placement Therapy
Hearing Impairment
Cognitive-Communication Therapy (Focuses on improving cognitive skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving alongside speech-language skills for individuals with brain injuries, dementia, or stroke)
Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD)
Pragmatic Communication Disorders
Cerebral Palsy
Apraxia
Dysarthria
Voice disorder
Stuttering and other fluency disorders
Speech Sound Disorder
Cleft lip &/Cleft Palate
Merin adopts a patient-centered approach in her practice, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether helping children with speech delays, supporting adults recovering from strokes, or working with those with speech-language disorders, her primary goal is to empower her clients to communicate confidently and effectively, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor
- Clinical Psychologist from Mumbai
DHA License no: 00192319-005 About Nikita Barretto is a clinical psychologist from Mumbai, India. Her professional experience includes diagnosis...
Nikita Barretto is a clinical psychologist from Mumbai, India. Her professional experience includes diagnosis, treatment and targeted interventions for children, adolescents and adults with various mental health issues.
She has completed her B.A. in psychology and M.A. in clinical psychology from S.N.D.T University Mumbai, India. She has advance trainings in various therapeutic interventions such as CBT from BECK, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Hypnotherapy from California Hypnosis Institute and Gottman's Method Couple's therapy. She is licensed with the Dubai Health Authority (Government of Dubai, UAE)
Her early career at G.T. Hospital, under Dr. Matcheswalla included the diagnoses and rehabilitation of patients with Schizophrenia, Clinical Depression, Bipolar disorder, Substance addiction, etc. In the UAE, she has worked for a semi-government centre, clinics and has briefly worked as a school SEN counsellor providing remediation and counselling to children with special needs. She has conducted various training and workshops for psychologist, parents and other professionals. She conducts both individual and group therapy for various mental health issues. She also works with couples with relationships and marriage difficulties.
Nikita is passionate about her work and has a recovery-oriented method of working with people. Understanding an individual and their cultural differences, she adjusts her therapeutic approach to the needs of each client.
Being a nurse I feel very fulfilled in my role of assisting DCHC, Special Needs Center In Dubai team of psychiatrist to provide excellent and caring services to our clients.
Shaikha Alawadhi is a CDA licensed psychologist and holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain,...
I enjoy my role in interacting and offering support to all DCHC clients & team of professionals as required.