Psychologist in Sports City, Dubai
Compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals, families, and children in Sports City and surrounding communities
Thrive Wellbeing Centre is now open in Sports City, Dubai — bringing the same internationally trained, DHA and CDA-licensed psychology team that has served the JLT community for over a decade to one of Dubai's most vibrant residential neighbourhoods.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting pressures, or simply feeling stuck, our psychologists are here to help. We work with individuals, couples, families, and children across Sports City, Motor City, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Village Circle, and the surrounding communities. Expert psychological support, closer to home.
Why Choose Us
Our team of internationally trained, licensed psychologists is here to support you. Call us on +971 4 514 7386.
DHA and CDA Licensed Practitioners | Internationally Qualified Psychologists | Confidential & Judgement-Free | In-Person & Online Sessions | 10+ Languages
We Are Here to Help
Individuals:
Life in Dubai can be exhilarating and isolating in equal measure. Whether you're managing anxiety, processing a difficult period, or simply feeling like you've lost your footing, our psychologists offer a confidential, non-judgmental space to work through it. Bullet points: Anxiety, stress & worry / Low mood & depression / Life transitions & identity questions / Trauma & difficult past experiences / Self-esteem & personal growth.
Families & Parents:
Raising children in an expat environment brings unique pressures — school transitions, cultural adjustment, and managing family dynamics far from extended support networks. Our psychologists work with parents and children together and separately. Bullet points: Child & teen therapy / Parenting support / Family therapy & conflict resolution / Separation & divorce support / Behavioural & emotional difficulties in children.
Expats & Professionals:
The demands of professional life in Dubai — performance pressure, visa uncertainty, frequent social upheaval — can take a quiet but significant toll. Our psychologists understand the specific landscape expats navigate here. Bullet points: Expat adjustment & culture shock / Loneliness & social isolation / Relationship difficulties / Burnout & workplace stress.
Common Concerns Table
Our Sports City psychologists have experience across a broad range of mental health concerns. Whether you're dealing with something specific or simply not feeling like yourself, we can help you find the right support.
| Anxiety & Panic Attacks | Depression & Low Mood |
| Stress & Burnout | Relationship Difficulties |
| Trauma & PTSD | Grief & Loss |
| OCD | Eating Disorders & Body Image |
| Anger Management | ADHD & Neurodiversity |
| Self-Esteem & Confidence | Expat Adjustment & Culture Shock |
Serving Sports City & Surroundings
Thrive's psychology clinic is based in Sports City, Dubai — one of the most well-connected residential hubs in the city. We serve not only the Sports City community but also families, professionals, and expats in Motor City, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Village Circle. Expert psychological support, closer to home. Can't make it in person? All our psychologists offer secure online sessions. Contact us on WhatsApp.
What to Expect
Here is what you can expect from your first contact through to ongoing therapy.
1. Get in touch
Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or online form. We'll match you with the right psychologist.
2. Your first session
50-minute consultation. No preparation needed, just show up as you are.
3. Your personalised plan
Your psychologist will outline a recommended approach after your first session.
4. Ongoing therapy
Regular sessions, adapted as needed. Most clients notice change within 6-10 sessions.
5. Flexibility
Morning, evening, and weekend slots. Online available too.
FAQs
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Sports City?
No. Contact us directly and we will help you book the right appointment.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists provide therapy and counselling. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can also prescribe medication. At Thrive Sports City we have both, and they work closely together.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
It depends on what you're working through. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended approach after your first session and you can adjust as you go.
Can I bring my child to see a psychologist at Thrive Sports City?
Yes. We work with children and adolescents from age 3. We also offer parent consultations and family therapy.
Thrive Specialists in Sports City
Dr. Sarah Rasmi
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Managing Director
Dr. Sarah Rasmi is a licensed Dubai psychologist. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph in Canada, where she specialized in parenting and family relationships. Former Professor of Psychology at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates University, and the American University in Dubai
She has completed three couples therapy trainings via the Gottman Institute as well as the APA-accredited Humanistic Existential and Relational Therapy (HEART) training. She has also completed training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through Bangor University in the UK.
Sonia Singhal, M.Ed., M.A., LMFT
Licensed Psychologist & Lead Assessment Specialist
Sonia Singhal is a CDA-Licensed Psychologist and a California Licensed Marriage & Family Counselor. She has a Masters of Education in Psychology from Columbia University in New York. Sonia specializes in psychological and educational assessments and she provides individual, family and couples therapy. She holds a special interest in attachment theory and family systems and is passionate about supporting teenagers and adults to overcome emotional and psychological difficulties.
Dr. Cynthia Ghosn
DHA-Licensed Psychology Technician & Early Career Professional
Cynthia is a CDA Licensed Psychologist. She is in the process of completing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Meridien University in the USA. She works with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout/stress, life transitions, and relationship issues. Cynthia is part of our Early Career Professional (ECP) program, which means that she works closely under the supervision of Clinical Advising Director, Dr. Chasity O’Connell. In an effort to make therapy more accessible and support the growth and development of clinicians in the field, we are offering an adjusted pricing structure through our ECP program.
Dr. Dana Jammal
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Dana is a UK-trained HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist who completed her doctorate training at City, University of London. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Studies from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Psychology from McGill University in Canada. Dana has over 10 years experience working with individuals facing a range of mental health difficulties and challenges.
Dr. Ash Shishodia
DHA-Licensed Consultant Psychiatrist & Medical Director
Dr. Ash Shishodia is a Western-trained General Adult Psychiatrist (Addiction Psychiatry endorsement) and Neuropsychiatrist with over 15 years experiencing working with an ethnoculturally diverse population. I am comfortable working with mild, moderate, and severe cases, including major mental illness, and neurological disorders with mental health.
Dr. Lara Foresi
DHA-Licensed Specialist Psychiatrist
Dr. Lara is a European-trained General Adult Psychiatrist with extensive experience in mood disorders and substance misuses. She is both trained and experienced in working with people from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds. Dr. Lara works with mild, moderate, and severe cases of psychiatric disorders, neurodiversity and mental health..
Valen Valentine, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Valen is a CDA-licensed psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Haigazian University, Lebanon. She works with adults, adolescents, couples, and children facing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, relationship issues, communication, mood disorders, behavioral issues, body image and self-esteem.
Magdalena Karakehayova, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Magdalena Karakehayova is a CDA-licensed psychologist with a Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph. She draws primarily on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment, while integrating elements of CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Magdalena works with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting challenges, family conflict, and low self-esteem. Rooted in a systemic and attachment-based lens, her approach is client-centered and culturally sensitive, helping people make meaningful changes aligned with their values and relationships.
Dina Shamlawi, M.A.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Dina is CDA-licensed psychologist who works with adults navigating life transitions, identity questions, and relational challenges. She brings a culturally sensitive and reflective approach to therapy, shaped by her lived experiences across cultures and her background in teaching and psychotherapy. Dina offers a collaborative and compassionate space where clients feel seen, supported, and gently guided as they make sense of their experiences and move toward meaningful change.
Mahnoor Zulfiqar, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Mahnoor is a CDA-licensed psychologist who works with individuals and couples experiencing relationship concerns, anxiety and overthinking, phobias, self-esteem difficulties, and stress-related challenges. She has a particular interest in interpersonal dynamics, emotional regulation, life transitions, and the impact of cultural and familial factors on mental health and relationships. Mahnoor completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at McGill University (Canada) and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bath (UK). She has trained and worked in the UAE, UK, Canada, and Pakistan, within diverse clinical settings.
Learn More About Mahnoor →
Kriti Kothari (M.Sc.)
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Kriti is a CDA-licensed psychologist with an MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences from University College London (UCL). She works with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, and other complex mental health concerns. Kriti is currently in our ECP Level 1 programme, where she will be providing mental health support under the supervision of Dr. Chasity O’Connell.
Horeya Khidr (M.Sc.)
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Horeya is a CDA-licensed psychologist who works with individuals facing stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties. She has a particular interest in emotional regulation and supporting clients in improving their quality of life and overall psychological wellbeing, empowering them to live with greater balance, confidence, and emotional freedom.
Horeya completed her Master’s degree in Psychology at the University of Sunderland (UK). She has trained and worked in the UAE and Egypt across multiple clinical settings.
Learn More About Horeya →
Halima Said, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Social Counselor
Halima Said holds an MSc in Multicultural Clinical Counseling from San Diego State University and is AASECT-trained in sex therapy. With over seven years of experience, she supports individuals and couples through trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, intimacy concerns, and life transitions. Her approach is holistic and culturally responsive — she helps clients build self-understanding, strengthen connections, and create meaningful change.
Dr. Reem Abu Hweij
DHA-Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Reem Abu Hweij holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California, with advanced training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and trauma treatment. With over 10 years of experience, she supports adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, addiction, and life transitions. Her integrative approach draws on psychodynamic, trauma-informed, CBT, DBT, and IFS modalities — helping clients understand the deeper meanings behind their struggles and build a fuller relationship with themselves and others.
Natalie Maaitah, M.Sc.
CDA-Licensed Psychologist
Natalie Maaitah is a CDA licensed Psychologist (Dubai). She works with children, teens, and families on anxiety, emotional regulation, and behavioral challenges, and is part of Thrive’s Early Career Professional program which provides more accessible therapy to the community.
Dr. Chasity O’Connell
CDA-Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Advising Director
Dr. Chasity O’Connell is a CDA-licensed Psychologist and the Clinical Advising Director at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. She has more than 10 years of experience in supporting individuals, couples, and families.
Our Thrive Specialists specialists here to help you, whether you need to heal or want to thrive.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you. Contact us however you feel most comfortable, for example Whatsapp message us, or feel free to call us on +971 56 895 2347. You can also email or simply send us a query via our online form. Instagram message, Facebook chat… whatever works best for you!
Our goal is to make you comfortable.
