Lifeworks Dubai StaffLifeWorks Dubai Counselling and Development Staff
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CounsellorsDevelopmentTo learn more about each staff member please click on their name |

Hello, my name is Aya. You'll be seeing me at the front desk the moment you enter LifeWorks. I'm the business manager as well who you can approach at any time regarding the services and the counsellors of LifeWorks Counselling and Development.
I am from the Phillipines but currently residing in Dubai for more than 4 years.
I can say that my work experience of 9 years from different fields makes me a "jack (or shall I say, Queen) of all trades." It has been an adventure to me to get involved with people from all walks of life.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and I'm looking forward to completing a Masters Degree in Social Work and HR - Employee Relations.
To contact Aya: Ph 04 394 2464
Email: aya@lifeworksdubai.com
or use the Contact Us form

Hi! I'm Arlene and I'm from the Phillipines. I am the accountant for LifeWorks and i have a Bachelor of Science Major in Accountancy.
I've been here in Dubai for more than 5 years and have 11 years experience in different fields such as schools, hotels, restaurants, catering as well as sales.It's really a wonderful experience to be working with other people. It makes me a better person!
To contact Arlene: Ph 04 394 2464
Email: arlene@lifeworksdubai.com
or use the Contact Us form

Counselling for people from all walks of life, cultures, experiences, beliefs and ways of being, and for those needing to talk with someone who will listen
without judgment and offer support.
Hello, I'm Helen
I'm from New Zealand and now live in Dubai where I work as a counsellor, parenting educator, workshop trainer and facilitator, mother, grandmother, writer, speaker, traveller, web site editor, and explorer of human nature! These labels sum up who I am today and reflect some of my life's journey too.
My life's experiences have created a strong interest in relationships and human development, and in understanding the psychology of grief and loss. My own personal journey towards growth, change and self acceptance led me to studies in Transactional Analysis, Progressive Counselling and Gestalt Psychotherapy.
My skills constitute a life time's dedication to working compassionately with people from all walks of life, cultures, countries and abilities. With over 30 years work experience as a counsellor and parenting educator, I have acquired many distinctive skills for providing specialized counselling, including an empathetic and careful listening approach combined with deep intuitive and compassionate understanding. My unique advantage in this area is the extensive experience of many years in the field of counselling for individuals, couples, marriage and grief counselling. This enables me to be plausible, credible and trusted, while displaying the broad perspective which can only be gained through a great deal of experience.
Throughout my adult life I have participated in and taught many small groups involved in the personal search for authenticity, meaning and purpose. Mindfulness and meditation are core teachings for me and enable me to be grounded and connected in my daily life. I am continuously renewing my commitment to growth through regular participation in supervision, research and learning. My family of four, wonderful, now grown children are my greatest support on this journey through life.
Frequent travel has become a large part of my present life and I have been blessed to be able to live and work abroad in some amazing countries which has given me a broader understanding of the impact of culture and change for expatriate lifestyles. I particularly enjoy the focus of group work in expat communities where the diversity of cultural experiences and understandings can be shared.

Hello, my name is Keith Swan.
I have been a Counselling Therapist for 27years. I have a Masters Degree in Counselling from John Moores University, Liverpool.
I use all my experience to adapt the counselling sessions to suit individual client needs, and as such my approach is integrative, eclectic, and personal.
I offer counselling and therapy for most issues:
About Keith Swan
I originate from Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.In 1998, my research earned me the award of Masters in Counselling, at John Moores University, Liverpool. My other Qualifications include: Diploma in Brief Therapy, Diploma in CBT, Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis (Ericksonian), Certificate in Clinical Supervision, NLP Master Practitioner Diploma, Certificate in EFT, Certificate in Psych-K, Certificate in IEMT (EMDR), and I am also PTSD NHS trained.
My career as a therapist, started by offering an approach that identifies the unconscious root causes of issues. I later added models of learning that helped identify the inter-links between our thoughts and behaviour and their subsequent consequences, I then trained in interventions that 're-wire' those links and patterns, for positive outcomes. I describe the therapeutic models of Freudian Psychoanalysis, Cognitive / Behavioural Therapy, & several individual models of Brief Interventions.
My counselling career includes the foundation of The Therapy Centre in 1985 in the UK, and as well as my private practise I have worked for the NHS for many years, as well as many other public and private sector institutions.
I have worked in NHS Primary Care alongside GP's in their practise as a mental health specialist, and also in Secondary Care working for charitable organisations with individuals with severe & enduring mental health issues. I have worked in Family Therapy and Couple/Relationship counselling with both the NHS and the private sector. I have been a carer, and have facilitated carer's groups.
My constant learning includes the invaluable experience of being a client myself through several therapeutic models, so I am well aware of what it is like to sit in the 'client's chair'. These experiences have been immensely important to me, and frankly, most good programmes of study, regardless of model, insist on this as part of their training. So as both therapist & client, I conclude the importance of a therapeutic approach that 'fits' the client. 'One size does not fit all'.
As such, I have trained in many therapeutic approaches & models:
I offer traditional (Rogerian) Client Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, & TA (Transactional Analysis), but I am also specifically adept at Brief Therapy.
By Brief Therapy I mean, a short term, time limited, solution focused approach.
Under the 'Brief Therapy' banner: I would include: SFT (Solution Focused Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), Psy-K, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) & EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I have also trained with The British Hypnosis Research team, and offer Clinical Hypnosis for many issues. I offer Suggestion Therapy for such issues as weight loss, stopping smoking, confidence building, etc, and Analytical Hypnotherapy for deeper issues.
I have lectured at Halton College, on their Manchester University, Counselling Diploma, and have provided external moderator verification for several training courses.
I have many other interests: I am a trained motor mechanic, a keen DIY enthusiast, and a long time musician, writer and producer.
I have a keen interest in CFS/ME, and also a keen interest in spirituality, Non Duality, and the Work of Byron Katie, Wayne Dyer, & Ram Dass.
I am also the father of a wonderful daughter.
I very much look forward to meeting you.
To make an appointment with Keith:
Hello, I'm Norma, with an Honours B.A. in Psychology from University College Dublin and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Trinity College Dublin in 1998, in my private practice of the past twelve years, my focus has been on:
Working in an integrative, humanistic manner drawing on my knowledge and understanding of psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, gestalt therapy, solution focused brief therapy, subjective brief emotive therapy and CBT, I adapt my therapy to suit my clients’ needs. For the past three years, I have also worked with some of my clients on skype.
I was an Associate of FirstAssist in the UK and an Associate of the Bank of Ireland Employee Assistance Programme.
I believe that human beings have the potential to heal their emotional wounds and engage in the process of change if they are offered appropriate therapy and conditions. The role of clients in the therapeutic setting is a commitment to personal growth which can sometimes prove challenging, emotionally painful and very rewarding as they learn more about the nature of their thoughts, behaviours, emotions and their levels of self awareness. My role, as their therapist, is to facilitate this process being empathic, nonjudgemental and congruent throughout the sessions sometimes working with humour. I also make book recommendations when I feel it is appropriate. As a qualified fitness and aquafit trainer, I inform clients of the benefits of a healthy level of exercise and healthy nutrition as I believe both can contribute considerably to one’s psychological well-being.
Prior to completion of my Masters, I spent many years working with an EU-funded cultural/economic audiovisual project which involved extensive travel throughout the EU.
A fluent German speaker, I have also lived in Germany and Austria. I also have a good working knowledge of French.
I enjoy cinema, theatre, tennis swimming, aquafit, walking, music, reading and fresh air!
To thine own self be true, Hamlet, Shakespeare
MSc Counselling, Adv Dip. Psychotherapy, Dip Counselling, MBACP

Hi, my name is Rebecca and I come from the UK. I have been a practising counsellor for the last 10 years.
My approach is integrative, blending psychodynamic, narrative, humanistic and CBT, depending on the client's needs, in a respectful collaboration with the aim of helping clients to move towards insight, equilibrium and self actualisation.
I have extensive experience of working with the following:
About Rebecca:
I am married and have three children. I have had a rich and varied nomadic existence over the last 20 years, spending several years in Bahrain, the U.S. and Singapore. I began my training in counselling in Singapore, completing two diplomas, before joining two obstetrician/gynaecologists as their in-house counsellor. This gave me a fantastic introduction to working cross culturally.
More recently, I have worked as a counsellor in the UK NHS for four and half years, seeing clients in GP's surgeries. I also worked part time at a hospice with the relatives and partners of people who had lost a loved one or were who caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Hello. I am Clare, a Counsellor with 12 years experience in supporting people with emotional distress.
I offer integrative therapy which utilises knowledge and skills from several counselling styles including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and person centred therapy. This approach enables me to adapt the counselling style to suit the individual needs of the client.
I offer individual counselling for teenagers and adults in the following:
About Clare Smart - Counsellor MSc, BSc, RMN
I spent 10 years post qualification working in London in a range of mental health settings. I have experience of working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of mental health issues in inpatient and community based environments. I am a registered mental health nurse and hold a Masters degree in mental health from the Institute of Psychiatry and Kings College London. I have completed additional studies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and also psychopharmacology, adolescent mental health and caring for the carers.
I have been in Dubai for 3 years and worked with Dubai health authority as a mental health counsellor for the Emirati and expatriate populations for 2 years where I specialised in stress management, eating disorders and problems associated with chronic illness. I have also been involved in raising awareness of mental health in Dubai and globally by contributing to world mental health day and through running a mental health education programme to the primary care centres in Dubai.
Living with mental illness is difficult for the individual but also affects partners, family and friends. Counselling and education about mental illness can help carers to cope with their own feelings and to learn how they can offer care and support to their loved one.
Counselling is non-directive and non-judgmental in manner and aims to help the client to understand why they feel the way they do and to be supported in finding a way forward.
Although mental illness can affect any one of us at any time, there are unique difficulties faced by expatriates partly due to being distant from the support networks and familiarity of our home countries. I am passionate about reducing the stigma of mental illness and improving the lives and wellbeing of people living with mental illness.
Hello, I'm Ann, a Counselling Psychologist with 13 years experience in the field of counselling and therapy.

About Ann Kuis - Counselling Psychologist - M.Couns; BSc. Psych; Dip; Cert.
Hello, I'm Ann, I have 13 years experience in the field of counselling and therapy. I work with adults, teens, families and couples.
My Masters degree in Counselling, and Bachelor in Psychology, are from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychoanalytic Studies, and a Certificate in Family Therapy.
Originally from Scotland (UK), I have lived an expatriate life for over 15 years. My work experience in different countries has been hugely enriching and has given me exposure to a broad spectrum of clients both clinically and culturally. I have worked in various settings including hospital, private clinics, community and private practice.
My own personal experience of moving around the world, setting up home in various countries, and having to establish a new life each time, has equipped me with a good understanding of the challenges of expat life which helps me to help others struggling with the psychological aspects/impact of living away from their homeland, roots, culture, and often a strong family support network.
However, life's challenges are not place or country specific. We can be faced with extremely difficult situations and problems wherever we are in the world, at home or abroad, and at any point on life's journey.
Living and working now in Dubai for three years, I offer individual, couple and family therapy. In my work I constantly strive to listen to my clients non-judgmentally and understand their thoughts and feelings from their point of view in order to support and help them address their issues, and make the changes needed to reduce or overcome their problems. My work is also closely involved with treating and helping individuals and families manage persistent and perpetuating mental health issues/disorders.
Articles featuring Ann:
Hello, I'm Dina and I offer clinical counseling for clients of all backgrounds who are dealing with:

My theoretical orientation in therapy is eclectic. Depending on the client's needs, I offer Psychodynamic therapy, Adlerian therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, all within a genuine and non- judgmental context.
To make an appointment with Dina:About Dina Zalami - Clinical Counsellor - M Ed.Counselling and Development
Hello, I am Dina. I am an Arab American who has lived in the UAE, USA, and Morocco. I speak English, French, and Arabic.
I hold a Master's degree in Counseling & Development from the George Mason University in Virginia, USA. I have recently returned to the UAE from the United States where I completed my graduate studies and worked in a private outpatient clinic counseling clients who struggled with various types of addictions and concurrent mental health issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
I believe that therapy is a gift for anyone as it allows the person to gain a better self- awareness, discover his/her needs and wants, his or her purpose, and work towards achieving them, which is a major key to happiness.
As a multicultural person (Lebanese, Palestinian, Moroccan, and American), I understand what it is like to bridge gaps between cultures and forge a unique cultural identity. I am eager to help those who feel torn between 2 or more cultures in finding the appropriate balance between them and in gaining a better appreciation of their diverse background. I believe that my own background has given me a better understanding and appreciation of diversity. It has also allowed me to become more empathetic to and aware of cultural nuances.
In addition, as an artist, I am interested in exploring music and dance therapies in working with my clients who wish to do so. I believe that art can allow some individuals to communicate beyond words and to gain a higher level of empathy towards each other.
Adam Kuestermann is a counselling consultant to LifeWorks specializing in counselling for children and teens. .

Hello. My name is Adam Kuestermann. I am a professional counselor with over 16 years of experience spanning across at least six different countries.
I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Springfield College, a Master's degree in Education with a specialization in Counseling from Fordham University, and a Post-Master's professional certificate in Counseling and Development from George Mason University.
The majority of my experience has been in an institutional setting working with children and adolescents on a variety of levels and addressing countless issues and concerns.
I generally work from a Humanistic and Person Centered perspective although often incorporate a variety of counseling theories, strategies and methods. My approach to counseling is always genuine, unconditional and non-judgmental with an emphasis on the here and now, and with the goal of making positive and lasting changes.
I am able to offer counseling to children and adolescents who are experiencing:
I look forward to meeting you.
Adam Kuestermann, BSc., MEd.
To make an appointment with Adam: Contact AdamHello - I’m Stephanie and I have over 15 years of counseling experience as a licensed social worker from the United States. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Masters in Social Work and have specialized training in trauma and crisis intervention.
I have worked in some of New York City’s busiest emergency departments covering issues including, but not limited to, sexual assault/rape, domestic violence, miscarriage/fetal demise, and other forms of trauma and loss.
Additionally I have work experience in the field of adoption, both as an adoption social worker and as Director of an international adoption agency. I am also qualified to complete home studies for prospective adoptive parents.

I offer individual sessions and facilitate support groups.
Stephanie specializes in the following areas:
Trauma//Crisis Intervention

A mature expatriate addiction counselor with over 20 years of experience in many different countries spanning across three different continents. Johanna is a well qualified and highly motivated counselor with a unique aptitude for understanding and effectively communicating with people from all walks of life.
I offer counselling for:Addiction Counselling, Individual Counselling and Educational Programmes on Prevention and Awareness in Dubai
I specialize in the provision of effective one -to - one counselling packages for the teatment of individuals as well as focused counselling for family members directly affected by these illnesses.
Through our sessions I help clients identify the behavior problems and patterns associated with their addiction and work with individuals, families or groups of people who are somehow connected to the same problem.
Unique programs have been developed specifically for the treatment of expatriates and young adults.
All our treatment programs are built by professionals to help facilitate the effective treatment of clients during sessions in the privacy, safety and comfort of LifeWorks.
Following initial assessment meeting, an individual treatment plan for each client is developed and agreed. This plan provides clear incentives and milestones and assists in adapting the agreed goals as treatment progresses
To make an appointment with Johanna:About Johanna Griffin - Counsellor for Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Hello, I'm Johanna, I have 20 years experience in counselling. I am from the UK and have studied in London and Scotland. In Scotland I worked in a rehabilitation centre for over 7 years where I gained an addiction counselling qualification. In Edinburgh I completed a family therapy course on family systems. This has given me skills in family dynamics and counselling skills. I have also completed a life line course which involved communications and counselling skills in South Africa.
I have worked in the National Health Service as a specialized counselor and educator in London. At Imperial College, London University I completed a Post graduation degree in Drugs and Alcohol: Policy and Intervention (theories of counselling). I have attended many counselling courses in the past 10 years which include motivational interviewing, reality therapy, brief therapy and Family therapy.
The areas in which I specialize are Addiction, Depression, Relationships, Life skills, Grief issues, Student Personal Development and Family Therapy. I have also given university and school lectures on Awareness and Interventions on substance misuse. I have had the unique opportunity to work in counselling in many different countries including Indonesia, South Africa, UK and Dubai which gives me a very good understanding of many diverse cultural and beliefs.

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