Dr. Summer Fakhro , D.Clin.Psy (UK)

In my work with clients, I offer a safe, non-judgemental space in which a person can explore all parts of themselves, particularly the painful unconscious parts of who they are, that are sometimes pushed away. I believe that the path to healing is through self-acceptance and compassion. By doing so, a person can venture towards a life that is fulfilling, in line with their true wants and values, and develop an inner world that is peaceful and resilient to storms.

I am a Clinical Psychologist from Bahrain and completed my doctoral training in London, UK. After working in the field for 10 years, I moved back to the Middle East in order to serve a region that I care deeply about. I have experience working with people of all ages, which includes working with toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and families. I also have experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties, working in an integrative way to best serve what each client is needing.

In my work with clients, I am particularly interested in understanding people’s relationships or attachments, which can have an important impact on a person’s wellbeing and experience of life. Our current relationships are often shaped by early childhood attachments, which act as templates to how we relate to people. When we are not fully aware of these patterns and needs, it can have a significant impact on our sense of safety in the world, our mood, and overall wellbeing. 

I also have extensive experience in working with people with neurodevelopmental differences (including learning difficulties, Autism Spectrum Condition, and ADHD), both in clinic and school settings. An important element in my work with clients is making sure that parents feel supported and therefore, in the right mindset to respond to the difficult emotions their child might experience. 

My goal is to work with individuals and professionals in the community to increase people’s ability to access mental health services. While we have seen global improvements towards open discussions about mental health, we still have a long way to go to normalize the difficulties, and most importantly, protect those who are struggling. I therefore hope to help my clients in getting the recognition and support they need.

Expertise

• Adjustment Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders including Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive
  Disorder (OCD) and Separation Anxiety 
• Depression
• Parent Coaching
• Parental Mental Health
• Parent and baby work
• Prenatal and postnatal mental health
•  Babies, Toddlers, and young children (under 6)
• Childhood emotional and behavioural difficulties (6-12 years)
• Mental health and behavioural issues of adolescence (13+)
• Women’s mental health
• Relationship difficulties
• Attachment difficulties
• Insight-oriented work
• Self-image or self-esteem issues 
• Trauma-related disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder or developmental disorder
• Developmental disorders including Autism, Attention-Deficit
  Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Difficulties

Tools

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Family and parenting work
• Attachment-based Play Therapy
• Attachment Narrative Therapy
• Mentalization based therapies

Qualifications & Memberships

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (D.Clin.Psy), University College London, UK
• MSc in Clinical Neuroscience, University College London, UK
• BA in Psychology, Boston College, MA, USA
• Member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), UK
• Licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)