Frequently Asked Questions

Psychologist

A psychologist is trained to help people cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems – anything from depression to anxiety to learning disorders. All psychologists are trained to a minimum of Master’s level and most clinical psychologists will have a PhD, which means that they have completed a research thesis in their chosen area of speciality.

Psychologists use various methods including psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy, and can work with individuals, couples, families or other groups. They are also trained to administer and interpret tests and assessments, such as intellectual and cognitive functioning, which screen for concerns like ADHD, ASD or dyslexia.

The main difference between counselling and clinical psychology is their perspective and training. Counselling psychologists focus more on the individual who is experiencing mild to moderate levels of distress in their social, occupational, or academic functioning. While a clinical psychologist can work with similar populations and also more serious presentations such as psychosis, major depression, and personality disorders to name a few.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed a speciality in psychiatry following their training as a doctor. Psychiatrists will evaluate medical and psychological data to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan and suitability for medication. Psychiatrists will prescribe medication to help restore imbalances in body chemistry that are often a large part of mental illnesses. They will use medication and psychotherapy to treat anyone suffering from a short or long-term mental health problem.

Coach

Personal coaches can be qualified psychologists, psychiatrists or counsellors. Coaching is often for those individuals who are already succeeding and want to succeed further.

Psychologists often work to a prescribed method and follow a particular clinical model; alternatively, coaching has few tangible rules and is more focused on empowering functional individuals.

Our appointments are currently being offered online via Zoom, or in-person at The LightHouse Arabia. Based on your requirements and preferences, the location for your therapy session(s) can be agreed in advance.

For in-person sessions, you will meet your therapist at The LightHouse Arabia in one of our comfortable and modern therapy/consulting rooms, which are designed to ensure privacy and put you at ease. Client facilities also include a children’s area, courtyard garden and complimentary refreshments.

The amount of therapy you may need is based on:

• The nature, severity and duration of the presenting problem 
• Individual resilience and coping style 
• The amount of social support 
• Current life stress

Some problems respond to brief therapy approaches, while others will require a longer period of time and more intense therapy to achieve relief, healing and change. Your therapist will discuss this with you at your first appointment.

Therapy can be demanding, emotional and draining, and it’s normal for things to appear to get worse before they get better. 

In the short-term, you may feel anxious as you deal with emotional issues. Your relationships may change as you make changes in your personal life. In the long-term, therapy can solve specific mental and emotional problems, increase your self-awareness, and restore balance in your life. 

Typically, therapy is not a quick fix so don’t expect a miracle cure after one session. Our expert therapists focus on introducing structured change that you can maintain long after therapy has concluded, and they will work through your issues at a carefully managed pace.

Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us, and we give the following guarantees:

• Your therapist and the office staff are the only people who have direct access to your file. 
• Nobody outside of the clinic can view it unless you provide written permission. 
• All staff members at The LightHouse Arabia have been trained to protect your privacy, and have signed an agreement not to release information outside of the clinic. 
• We will never disclose that you are a client at The LightHouse Arabia unless we have your written or verbal consent to do so; this is different in the case of minors, where we have to report attendance to the parents.
• It is our policy to not send reports or notes via email to protect your confidentiality. If your child’s school requires reports from the clinic, only you as parents can provide these; we will not send them directly from the clinic.
• Only the Dubai Government can demand access to your files in the event of a legal proceeding or court case involving you.

If there is if a problem or dispute between you and your therapist, or if you have any concerns about your treatment, please contact the Clinical Director of The LightHouse Arabia, Dr. Tara Wyne.

The LightHouse Arabia is an out-patient facility and does not provide crisis response services.

In the event that you experience a psychiatric emergency, or are seriously considering self-harm or suicide, or pose a risk to another, a safety protocol needs to be in place that includes informing your emergency contact and attending the nearest hospital with psychiatric admission.

If you are feeling vulnerable and need immediate support, the following places will provide emergency care:

Rashid Hospital, ER (Oud Metha)
T. 04 219 1000/2000

Al Amal Hospital (Al Aweer)
T. 04 519 2154

Al Jalila Hospital (Al Jaddaf)
For 18 years and under
T. 800 2524

Foundation for Women & Children (Al Aweer)
T. 04 606 0300
T. 800 111 SMS: 5111 (Helpline)

CDA Child Protection
T. 800 988
E. child@cda.gov.ae