Omar Nafie is the leading addiction therapist in the UK & Egypt. For over the past 25 years, he has worked with individuals and families in overcoming drugs, alcohol, sex and other addictions.

Mr Nafie has worked over the past 20 years as a family and addiction therapist in different therapeutic settings in Egypt and the UK. He has developed and implemented several treatment and training programmes addressing substance abuse treatment and family support in both countries. Mr Nafie initially trained as a systemic therapist before completing an MA in psychotherapy from Regents College, London. He is also one of the few Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) in the Middle East, after receiving his certificate from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).

Mr Nafie has also completed a postgraduate certificate in supervision at the University of Derby and his work could be described as integrative with systemic and existential overtones.

Mr Nafie is the founder and director of EXIST for Counselling and Training for Professionals in Cairo and he has been a member of the United Kingdom Council for psychotherapists (UKCP) for over 10 years.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Addiction Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Zeina graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of St Andrews, Scotland and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Sciences from University College London (UCL).

Zeina trained in the NHS in London for 6 months, where she worked with people with dementia, mainly Alzheimer’s. She also trained and worked at the Behman Psychiatric Hospital for a year and a half in both the psychology department and in the department of substance abuse and addiction. There, she delivered regular individual and group therapy sessions for people suffering from substance misuse problems along with depression, and anxiety. Zeina also works with clients who struggle with low self-esteem, loss of identity, anger management issues, and other difficult emotions such as grief.

Her studies and her practical experiences provided her with the skills needed to carry out individual and group therapy sessions for people of various cultural backgrounds, ages and mental health problems, applying a highly individualized and client-focused integrated approach that utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic techniques.

Zeina believes in the importance of providing clients with a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic and nurturing environment that makes them feel comfortable in sharing their stories. She believes that each person’s experience is unique and that therapy is a collaborative process, where a psychologist’s role is to assist the client in challenging their own negative thoughts and building on their strengths to become more resilient.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Yasmin Samir works extensively with adults, adolescents, families, teens and children, including offering Family-based therapy and parenting consultations too. Yasmin earned her Master in health psychology from Derby university England. And is a Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) in the UK since 2015. Yasmin completes her training on different therapeutic approaches Cognitive behavioural approach from Beck Institute, Acceptance and commitment therapy, Motivational Interviewing for addiction, Emotional Focused Therapy, Intensive training in DBT from Lihenen Marshall institute and Schema Therapy from ISST.

Yasmin too is a certified positive discipline parenting coach from the Positive Discipline Association, US. Alongside, she has completed a number of significant diplomas: a diploma in education from AUC, a diploma in general psychology, a character education diploma (Teaching Teens social and emotional skills program) from San Diego university and different courses in anger management and stress management.

Over the past years Yasmin has been working with adults, adolescents, teens, children and families in different counselling and clinical settings providing counselling and psychotherapy for a multitude of issues, including adolescents’ well-being, anger management, emotional regulation, cyberbullying, self-harm, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, panic disorders, OCD, relationship issues, grief and loss, family dysfunction, conflict resolution, eating disorders, game addiction and different experience in sports counselling. DBT skills training in individual and group settings. In addition, Yasmin is frequently asked to deliver educational presentations and workshops at various settings to address various teen and parenting issues. She worked on different social, emotional and mental wellbeing programs and research focus on helping students learn and acquire the competencies and skills they need to build and effectively manage their emotions, behaviour and relationships with others Promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Yasmin’s aim is to strongly support her clients in their journey of personal growth, discovering their personal strengths and capabilities, overcoming challenges experienced, and empowering them with the life skills they need to control their lives and achieve a better quality of life they deserve. Using different modalities of psychotherapy in the treatment plan

Depending on the needs of the individual. Yasmin also uses Mindfulness, self-reflection and relaxation techniques in her practise in order to develop self-knowledge, emotional regulation and skill-building.

Assessment: Hour and a half
Type of Counselling: Individual & Family Counselling
Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Yasmin Magdy is a Senior Clinical Psychologist as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) since 2014. Yasmin has over nine years of experience in counselling, psychotherapy and psychometry. Yasmin works with adults, children and families, including offering parenting consultations.

Yasmin attained her BA in Psychology at The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 2007 and her Masters of Arts with a focus on Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy (MFT) from California Southern University, Irvine, California, United States; where she is currently completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology degree (PsyD).

Yasmin’s training as a psychologist took place at the Behman Psychiatric Hospital, Helwan, Egypt, where she held the position of a clinical psychologist for over 7 years then was appointed the position of the head of the Psychology Department at the hospital in 2011. Additionally, Yasmin worked in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain where she had various experiences working with couples, individuals, families, children, adolescents and groups in in-patient as well as out-patient settings.

Yasmin works with adults and children providing counselling and psychotherapy for a multitude of issues including depression and mood disorders, anxiety and panic disorders, personality disorders, OCD, relationships issues, marital and pre-marital issues, grief and loss, sexual and domestic abuse, family dysfunction and conflict resolution and eating disorders. She also has experience in working with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and uses cognitive rehabilitation therapy. In addition, she conducts psychometric assessments and evaluations for a multitude of concerns including Personality disorders, Mood disorders, Learning Difficulties and ADHD.

Yasmin strongly believes in a person-centered approach where the individual’s needs determine the course of the intervention. She considers herself an eclectic therapist and incorporates positive psychology and solution-focused approaches as well as cognitive behavioural therapy depending on the needs of the individual. Yasmin employs Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques in her practise in order to develop emotional regulation and skill-building.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Sandra El Sabbagh is a UK HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist who received her MA in Art Therapy from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. In addition, she has a BA in fine arts and a PGDip in clinical psychology from Alexandria University in Egypt. Apart from her experience as a clinical psychologist working with adults in a psychiatric hospital in Egypt, Sandra has gained experience as an art therapist in the UK in an adult medium secure forensic service provided by England’s NHS. She is also a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).

Sandra is experienced in working with adults and late adolescents from different backgrounds and with diverse mental health conditions. Her expertise includes working with eating disorders, substance abuse as well as emotional and interpersonal difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, anger, self-esteem, self-harm and pregnancy-related difficulties. Additionally, she is especially interested in trauma-focused therapy dealing with different types of trauma including but not limited to refugees, relational trauma, neglect, abuse and traumatic grief.

Sandra follows a personalised and eclectic approach depending on client needs and goals, where she primarily applies psychodynamic techniques accompanied with other therapeutic interventions (including Humanistic Art Therapy, Mindfulness Art Therapy, Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, Attachment-informed therapy and Group-Interactive Art Therapy model).

Sandra believes in the power of healing emotional trauma through art therapy and creativity; giving individuals a healthy outlet for expressing and releasing their feelings and fears, regardless of the person’s artistic skills. She trusts in the art-making process to facilitate the path of self-discovery reinforcing healthy connections with one’s self and others, as well as helping to eliminate emotional roadblocks.

For more information on art therapy read her article: https://empower-mag.com/the-magic-behind-art-therapy/

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Salma is currently doing her doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy with the New School for Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling. She holds an MSc in Health Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor degree from the American University in Cairo in Psychology. She has experience working with underprivileged and marginalized members of the population in areas of trauma and recovery as well as coping with divorce. These include adults, children and adolescents through an integrative approach that works to alleviate distress and inner conflicts by addressing thought processes, feelings and behaviour. Techniques used include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Art therapy.
She has also worked extensively with children and adolescents in the areas of behaviour management and addressed parenting concerns regarding issues such as anxiety, depression, time management, self-discipline, drug and alcohol experimentation and sexuality concerns.
Salma is particularly interested in the therapeutic journey where people discover and tackle their inner dilemmas by identifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviour and replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 60 minutes

Dr Raoom Qureshi earned her Professional Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, in 2016. She completed her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Staffordshire University (UK) in 2008 and her Masters in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire (UK) in 2011. Furthermore, she has completed diplomas in the Psychology of Criminal Profiling, Counseling and Psychotherapy, and a Certificate in Counseling Concepts.

Dr Raoom is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK and endeavours to apply these standards of practice wherever she works in the world. She has come to Cairo from Abu Dhabi, where she worked as a Psychologist for over one year. The remainder of her experience as a Psychologist took place in the UK, where she practised for 5 years. Dr Raoom is accustomed to working with adults that have complex and high-risk mental issues. She is experienced in treating adult clients on a 1:1 basis for various acute mental health problems including personality disorders, schizophrenia, depression, trauma, abuse, psychosis, suicide ideation, anxiety, self-harm, etc. In addition, she provides assessments, formulations and treatments for patients presenting high risk. When working with patients a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and integrative approach is taken, where elements of Psychodynamic, Person-centered therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are also used. Dr Raoom is also trained in Mindfulness, which she likes to incorporate into her work.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Noha Michael is a clinical psychologist; she got her degree in Clinical Psychology from Sussex University, England, UK and her MSc. in clinical psychology from California Southern University. Personality disorders were the main focus of her most recent research.

Her clinical experience includes working with patients in the U.K., where she lived for eight years. This gave her insight into multicultural issues and personality differences. She also gained experience at Behman Hospital, dealing with a wide range of mental disorders.
Her areas of specialization include Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and personality disorders. In addition, she has an extensive understanding of issues relating to grief therapy, mood disorders, and relationships difficulties. Furthermore, Noha is trained in motivating patients in issues related to self-image, body image, self-esteem issues and finding better coping strategies.

Noha’s preferred treatment method is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is done in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Noha uses therapeutic techniques such as the here and now to explore how we relate to others, the world and ourselves.

On a personal level, Noha is a long-time ‘siddhi’ mediator and is highly experienced in mindfulness and meditation practices. It is a great opportunity to bring mindfulness into the clinical setting in an easy and solution-based way. Mindfulness practices work especially well for depression, mood disorders, anxiety and eating disorders.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Couples Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes (Individual Counselling)

60 minutes (Couples Counselling)

Mirna Awad holds an MA in Counselling Psychology from the American University in Cairo. She earned a Diploma in Applied Psychology from Cairo University, a Professional Educator Diploma from the American University in Cairo, and a BA in Psychology from the American University in Cairo. She was trained in providing therapy in different settings; Wataneya Society, private psychiatric clinics, St. John American International School of Egypt, St. Andrew’s Refugees Services, and The AUC Psychological Counselling Services & Training Center. She was trained in carrying out clinical assessments in Abu El-Reesh El-Mounira Pediatric Hospital, Al-Abbasiya Psychiatric Hospital, Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, and Psychiatry and Addiction Hospital- Cairo University.

Mirna is experienced in working with individual, group, and family therapy, and with clients from different cultural backgrounds. Her main areas of focus include dealing with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, trauma, grief, adjustment struggles, relationship issues, parenting problems, and family conflicts, as well as gender and sexuality issues. Mirna studied the treatment of sexual disorders and addictions at the Sigmund Freud University -Vienna- through four psychotherapeutic perspectives: psychoanalysis, gestalt therapy, systemic (family) therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Mirna uses an eclectic client-centered approach in her practice which helps tailor the treatment according to each client’s struggles. She is trained and comfortable with applying primarily CBT techniques plus a variety of therapeutic techniques based on solution-focused, family systems, and interpersonal theories. Mirna can conduct sessions in English and Arabic.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Mariam started her counselling career ten years ago in New York City working with children who suffered from neglect, emotional, sexual, and physical abuse in a community-based organization. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York City, where she focused on clinical interventions with all family members.

Mariam has extensive experience working with survivors (adults, adolescents, and children) of domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault, as well as working with a variety of issues, like, anxiety, depression, trauma, and acculturation issues. She is also experienced in working with parents and caregivers on addressing behaviour issues and using positive discipline techniques.

Mariam is also trained by Trauma Aid UK in EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that treats different types of mental health disorders, such as, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. She is also trained in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing. Mariam practised individual, family and group therapy in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, prison, community-based organizations, and domestic violence/human trafficking shelters. Finally, she also offers supervision to other professionals working in the field.

Mariam’s various experiences and intensive training allowed her to work with clients from a strength-based perspective where she sees that every person has unique strengths that they can build on to become more resilient and achieve their goals and needs.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Manal Abaza holds an MA in counselling psychology from the American University in Cairo (AUC). She completed her BA in psychology from AUC and has attained several degrees in the field of mental health including a diploma in clinical psychology from Cairo University. Manal is passionate about people’s well-being and believes in the need to empower clients by highlighting their strength and resilience and not just their difficulties.

Manal has been counselling individuals who struggle with a variety of mental health issues, especially adjustment to stress and traumatic events, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours. She embraces a humanistic approach with positive and solution-focus techniques to problems and believes in people’s capacity for change.

Manal has 15 years of work experience in the civil society fields in Egypt. Her contribution as part of the Development Support Center for Consultancy and Training (DSC) and the Association for Health and Environment (AHED) in collaboration with UNICEF helped build the capacities and the establishment of new initiatives that have acted as real agents of change, most pertinent, serving children with special needs through the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) model.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Mai Kotb has been working and training in the field of psychology since 2004. She completed a Master’s Degree Program in Family and Couples Therapy from The University of Calsouthern, USA and had received her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the American University in Cairo (AUC). Mai has worked with a wide range of clientele, she has worked as an addiction counsellor (both inpatient and outpatient), worked as a child and adolescent therapist and as a family and couples therapist. She holds parental consultations that tackle positive parenting. Also, she is experienced in running support groups for people living with HIV/ AIDS.

Mai applies a Systemic approach in her sessions which believes that an individual cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their own unit. The goal of therapy is for an individual, couple and/or family to gain insight into each member’s role as it relates to the healthy functionality of the whole. In addition, she tries to accommodate all her clients through integrating eclectic techniques.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Couples Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes (individual Counselling)
60 minutes (Couples Counselling)

Mahmoud Zaki is a psychotherapist who holds a master’s degree in global media psychology from the University of Westminster – UK. He completed a diploma in addiction and behaviour management at the Net institute in the USA. He is a member of the British Eating Disorder Society (BREDS), and a Mentor at Eating Disorders Foundation (EDF), Colorado, USA. He is currently finalizing his second degree in counselling psychology from the American University of London. He has been practising In Cairo and London and worked in various clinical settings.

Mahmoud’s passion and expertise lie in the field of treatment of Eating Disorders (ED) with a focus on Binge Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome, Bulimia Nervosa, and Anorexia nervosa. In addition to his experience as a clinical psychologist with adults with Nile Sanatorium in Egypt, he works as an adolescent and adult therapist for Depression and Anxiety.

Mahmoud believes that eating disorders are rooted in our emotions which engage with almost every mental disorder such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and personality disorders. Eating is a behaviour that works as a shadow for every conflict and inner complex. He applies a unique integrative cognitive-affective therapy (ICAT) which is a specialised approach for ED treatment that integrates CBT with psychodynamics and Emotionally focused therapy. He is also familiar with and utilises the 12-step approach to ED.

Mahmoud Zaki is the author of two specialised books, written in Arabic, about ED and food addiction: ‘Bartaman Nutella’ and his most recent publication (2021) ‘1/4 gram Sokar’, the first Arabic book about food addiction.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 – 60 minutes

Maha Zayan has been working in the field of psychology since 2002. Maha graduated from AUC with a degree in Psychology. She has gone on to complete a Diploma in Integrative Depth Psychology based Hypnotherapy from the German Society for Therapeutic Hypnosis and Hypnosis Research (GTH) and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Counselling Psychology at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in the UK.

Maha works with individuals coping with a range of issues, including life issues, anger, anxiety, and depression. She uses both an existential and a depth psychological approach to support clients to understand their issues, the meanings they hold and the lessons they bring in a holistic approach. The aim of this work is to work with clients to identify and realize their therapeutic goals.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Lamees Abaza completed her M.A in psychology in 2014 from The New School (New York), after having received her Bachelor’s degree from The American University in Cairo. She has experience working with high-risk populations in New York and has spent three and half years at the Behman Hospital, all of which have led her to become comfortable working with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Her experience and education have familiarized her with, and grown her interest in, substance use disorders, psychopathology in adult populations, as well as maladaptive coping mechanisms, anxiety issues, and depressive symptoms.

Lamees believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and taking a client centered approach. She prefers an eclectic approach, which includes but is not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.

Ms Abaza is comfortable conducting sessions in Arabic, English, and German.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Jessica Saleh M.A., MFT.
Jessica Saleh is a Psychologist/Psychotherapist and Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 2013 and her Master of Arts with a speciality in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Brandman University in California in 2015. She also completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in Suicide First Aid (ASSIST) and a 40-hour Domestic Violence Training to help victims of domestic violence. She has also been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Jessica is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT) and has over 4000 documented hours of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, families and groups.

Her training in psychology took place in California, where she worked with diverse populations such as refugees, homeless, battered women, court-mandated clients, domestic violence victims, child abuse victims and perpetrators, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as private practice clients presenting a multitude of life challenges and mental illnesses. Jessica facilitated anger management, couples’ communication, addiction and grief groups as well as parent education classes.

Jessica’s passion is to empower her clients with an eclectic approach to therapy where she guides them to reach their greatest potential and be the best version of themselves. While learning coping skills and problem-solving skills, they will be equipped with a toolbox of abilities to deal with life situations as they arise.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Couples Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes (Individual Counselling)

60 minutes (Couples Counselling)

Farida holds an MSc in Mental Health and Clinical Psychology from London South Bank University in the UK and a Bachelor degree in psychology from The American University in Cairo. Farida received clinical training at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in London. She has experience working with young adults, adults, and adolescents from different backgrounds and cultures. Farida implements an eclectic client-centered approach that helps tailor therapy to every client’s needs and unique experiences. Her Techniques include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavior Therapy, psychodynamic approaches, motivational interviewing and symptom-led approaches.

Due to her years of working as a therapist at the Behman Hospital, she developed extensive work experience in the area of addictions, substance misuse problems, anxiety, depression and more. Farida is particularly trained to help clients work on their inner conflicts, issues related to their self-esteem, anger management as well coping with grief and other difficult emotions. Farida is comfortable conducting sessions in both Arabic and English.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Mai, DCPsych, MA, is a counselling psychologist. She holds a doctorate degree in counselling psychology from the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London, UK; MA in Sociology/Anthropology, focusing on, Medical Anthropology from the American University in Cairo (AUC); and a BA in Psychology from AUC.

Mai has over 10 years of experience in working with adults and young adults from different background. She helps people with regular life coping issues, relationship issues, grief, anger, anxiety, and depression. She is passionate about working with different women’s issues, as well as life and motherhood transitioning.

Mai is well trained in psycho-oncology counselling people with cancer and their families during different stages of the illness. Her role involves psychoeducation about the illness and the treatment side effects, exploring ways of coping better with the illness, family support, supportive therapy, end of life communication, palliative care for people with terminal illnesses, and grief therapy.

Mai works with people with other chronic and life-threatening illness to help them cope better and deal with their various losses and changes. She also works with emotional eating, which may involve bulimia, anorexia, and binge-eating, using food to deal with different issues in their lives. Mai works with young adults, helping them through different transitions and some of the life struggles. Sports counselling is another area in which Mai offers her help to professional athletes to improve their focus, self-esteem and decrease their performance-related anxiety.

Mai uses an existential approach allowing people to explore their own ways of being and their understanding and meaning of life issues incorporating cognitive-behavioural therapy at times. She follows a holistic philosophy in her work, focusing on the individual’s experience, believing that there is no one approach that fits all.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Dina holds an MA degree in Counselling Psychology from Breyer State University in the USA and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the American University in Cairo. She is a Senior Counselling Psychologist, with over 10 years of experience.

Dina works with individuals, couples, and families. She is passionate about working with women’s issues, offering counselling and support for such problems as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, domestic violence, emotional manipulation, infidelity and helping clients whose partners suffer from personality disorders. Other areas include supporting women who have suffered a miscarriage, abortion and infertility.

Dina also dedicated a few years working exclusively with adolescents in the American University Student Counselling Center. She can connect and go in-depth with the particular issues facing this age group.

In addition, Dina’s work with families is aimed at establishing a healthy functioning family unit. Her area of focus is on family dynamics, a reversal of roles, counselling adult children of abusive parents. She also works extensively with clients whose parents suffer from narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and addiction.

Dina also works with older people (geriatric counselling), offering support for issues, such as, loneliness, depression and finding a sense of purpose.

In her work, Dina adopts a more holistic philosophy and an integrative approach using different techniques such as CBT, philosophical and solution-focused therapy to help clients achieve a better state of well-being and reach their full potential.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Couples Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Christine holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from the American University in Cairo. She is certified by the Gottman Institute in the US, which uses a research-based approach to relationships and couples work. Her training equipped her with a road map (based on the Sound Relationship House Theory) for helping couples compassionately manage their conflicts, deepen their friendship, intimacy, and share their life purpose and dreams.

Throughout her years of training, Christine has worked at the Behman Psychiatric Hospital, helping clients with various psychological and addictive problems. She joined the American University in Cairo’s clinic to counsel students, alumni, faculty and staff members. Christine also managed academic advising services for students with physical, psychological and learning disabilities and was officially awarded for her support of the Student Disability Service Unit at AUC by the university’s dean of students.

She gained experience in conflict resolution between family members, through her years of work with students and parents in academia. She is also experienced in working with grief, anxiety, depression, abuse and parenting problems.

Christine applies the client-centered Approach, which focuses on the client’s strengths, abilities and skills. She integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques and Psychodynamic principles.

Type of Counselling: Individual & Couples Counselling

Session Duration: 50-60 minutes

Asmaa Halim is a clinical psychologist, holding a master’s degree in psychology since 2013. In December 2020, Asmaa will be concluding her 3-year diploma in Relational Expressive Dance Movement Therapy (Dmt-ER®) from Italy, under the supervision of its founder, Dr Vincenzo Bellia (http://www.danzaterapia-esprel.it/it/). She is also a certified creative movement Therapy Facilitator from the Creative Movement Therapy Association of India (Member of American Dance Therapy Association).

In 2016, Asmaa founded her own therapeutic program focusing on women and their relationship with their bodies “Halima’s Studio” which uses movement and the vocabularies of belly dance to improve the women’s body image.

During the last four years, Asmaa has been exploring the impact of DMT as a powerful tool in the psychotherapeutic process (in both research and field contexts), and she is currently working to widen the use of DMT by designing and delivering programs that help families, couples, and individuals; men and women, to improve their quality of life and mental wellness.

Salma Mohamed has been training and working in the field of mental health care, providing psychological services since 2014. She has completed a BA in psychology from The American University in Cairo and is currently pursuing a post-graduate Master Degree in Existential Psychotherapy with The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in the UK.

At the start, Salma worked and trained at The Behman Hospital for 5 years. During this time, she gained extensive experience working with various age groups and mental health challenges. Salma provides her services through private settings, working with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and other issues.

Salma understands that many of the difficulties people experience are a result of encountering challenging life situations. Her aim is to help clients develop a richer understanding of themselves and their experiences. She believes she can help them identify the changes needed to help them reach what they want for themselves. Self-acceptance is also important to explore to help overcome challenges that her clients may face.

In addition to using an existential approach in her practice, Salma also utilizes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques when appropriate. This could involve examining thought processes, identifying cognitive errors which may be contributing to difficulties, using worksheets, or utilising relaxation techniques.
Salma is currently pursuing post-graduate training in Existential Psychotherapy with The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in the UK. Working with the existential approach, Salma understands that many of the difficulties people experience are a result of experiencing challenging life situations. Her aim is to help clients develop a richer understanding of themselves and their experiences, identify what they want for themselves, and identify what they need to help them accept, cope with, or overcome the life challenges they face. Additionally, Salma is also comfortable and experienced in using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques when suitable.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes

Farida holds an M.A. in counselling psychology from Webster University in the Netherlands and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communications from Rutgers in the U.S. At the start of her career, she worked and trained in the psychology and addiction departments at the Behman hospital in Helwan. During this time she has gained experience working with adults facing a variety of mental health challenges. She completed her graduate work in the Netherlands, working with a wide expat community.

Farida works with individuals from a variety of different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles. She puts the wellbeing of her clients first and believes that therapy should always be a safe and empathetic space to express oneself and identity without judgement.  She also works with clients coping with a wide range of problems such as, but not limited to, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or difficulty expressing emotions.

She aims to empower her clients to find the answers within themselves, as she believes that change can only last when it starts from within. She uses an integrative client-centered approach to tailor her therapy to each client’s individual needs. Inspired by existential and psychodynamic therapies, she works with her clients to develop a deeper self-understanding of themselves and their motives. She finds that self-understanding is the first step towards self-acceptance and leading a more authentic life. She also utilizes elements of CBT and Schema therapy when appropriate.

Farida is currently living and practising in the Netherlands, while still offering online sessions in  Egypt.

Type of Counselling: Individual Counselling

Session Duration: 50 minutes