Canadian psychologists in Dubai | Thrive
At Thrive, our team consists of four US-educated and trained psychologists: Dr. Magdalena Karakehayova, M.Sc. and Dr. Sarah Rasmi. All professionals are highly experienced and have undergone extensive training over many years.
Dr. Magdalena Karakehayova began her journey in mental health with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto, followed by a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph in Canada.
Dr. Sarah Rasmi holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Guelph in Canada. Dr. Sarah Rasmi have also received training in therapy services from the Behman Psychiatric Hospital in Egypt and United Arab Emirates University (by an Oxford trained psychotherapist).
Areas of expertise and presenting problems managed by Dr. Magdalena and Dr. Sarah:
Post Traumatic Stress disorder
Phobias
Perinatal mental health
Burnout and work stress
Life transitions
Finding meaning and purpose in life
Family therapy
Severe and persistent mental illness
Psychological assessments
British-trained Dubai Therapists
Our team of Dubai-based American clinicians provide individual psychotherapy, couple’s therapy, family counseling and psychological assessments (educational, career, diagnostic and personality).
Individual therapy refers to therapeutic work in a one-on-one setting, each session usually lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. The process is primarily goal driven: reduction of symptoms and distress, better quality of life, handling triggers, or managing difficult emotions. Talk therapy can help in significant ways to improve mental health.
Couples therapy offers a safe space for both partners in a relationship to be supported by a therapist. It encourages better communication patterns and productive conflict resolution. Couples therapy sessions last from anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes and can address practically any concerns a couple may be going through.
Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aids families to communicate effectively, manage conflict, support one another, and deal with difficult circumstances in a functional and sensitive manner.
Psychological assessment is the process of evaluating mental health, behavior, cognition, intellectual abilities, and personality traits. This can be achieved in many ways, some of which are: standardized tests, observations, interviews, self reports measures, and physiological and psychophysiological measurement devices.
Magdalena Karakehayova, M.Sc.
I am a Canadian CDA-Licensed Counselling Psychologist with over five years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. My approach is deeply rooted in systemic and attachment-based frameworks, with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) at the heart of my clinical work.
I began my journey in mental health with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto, followed by a Master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph in Canada. During my training, I completed a clinical externship with Hamilton Child and Adolescent Services, and since then, have worked extensively in private practice settings with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am passionate about supporting people in navigating emotional challenges, strengthening relationships, and fostering meaningful change.
Drawing from EFT, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. I pay particular attention to the emotional and relational patterns that shape our lives, often rooted in early attachment experiences, and help clients move from cycles of disconnection to deeper connection with themselves and others. Helping clients develop a kinder, more attuned inner dialogue is often a central focus of the therapeutic work.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, reflective, and culturally responsive. As a Bulgarian-Canadian, I value and honor the diverse identities and cultural narratives that clients bring into therapy.
Therapist Specialities
Anxiety & stress disorders
Depression & mood-related concerns
Relationship issues
Family conflict & parenting challenges
Self-esteem & identity concerns
Life transitions & adjustment challenges
Adolescent emotional well-being
Communication & attachment difficulties
Treatment Modalities
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Systemic Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
Education, Training, & Memberships
MSc. Couple and Family Therapy – University of Guelph, Canada (2021)
BSc. Biology and Psychology – University of Toronto, Canada (2017)
Externship – Hamilton Child and Adolescent Services, Ontario, Canada
Licenses
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Community Development Authority (CDA) – Dubai
I adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by both the CRPO and CDA in all aspects of
my professional work.
Publications
Karakehayova, M., Smoliak, O., & Milhausen, R. (2023). Romantic Partner Engagement
in Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study. The Family Journal,
31(1), 108–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807221104120
Dr. Sarah Rasmi
I hold an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Guelph in Canada. I have also received training in therapy services from the Behman Psychiatric Hospital in Egypt and United Arab Emirates University (by an Oxford trained psychotherapist). I have completed three couples therapy trainings via the Gottman Institute as well as the APA-accredited Humanistic Existential and Relational Therapy (HEART) training. I have also completed training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through Bangor University in the UK.
I work with individuals who have mild to moderate anxiety and relationship challenges. In addition I am a trained and experienced couples therapist - I support couples who are both looking to strengthen or save their relationships.
I also consult with government entities, corporations, and schools.
I am a member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Society for Research in Child Development, and the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology. I am also a regular reviewer for top-tier journals.
Our psychologists also offer services in Arabic, Armenian, Bosnian, Croatian, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Malayalam, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Urdu.
