Hi, I’m Karen!
I’m a Dubai Psychologist and Life Coach.
As a Clinical Psychologist at the Maple Tree Psychotherapy Center in Dubai, I provide breakthrough online therapy and life coaching sessions. I’m trained in both psychodynamic and behavioural cognitive therapy.
The services I offer online
- Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness Training
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Life Coaching
- Grief and Loss Counselling
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-focused Therapy
- Emotion-focused Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Intimacy Therapy
- Positive Parenting
Psychotherapy
Mindfulness Training
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Existential Therapy
Life Coaching
Grief and Loss Counselling
Narrative Therapy
Solution-focused Therapy
Emotion-focused Therapy
Positive Psychology
IVF Counselling
Positive Parenting
I am fascinated by people and systems
I studied business and worked in banking for several years before studying clinical psychology, which is all about exploring the pain of the past and present. I decided to study Life Coaching to include a focus on the future.
This led me to develop my own approach to help you storm through the barriers that are holding you back.
As a global traveller, lifelong learner and digital nomad, I connect with anyone, from any culture or religious background.
I care about my clients and understanding what drives people
I threw myself into my studies, graduating cum laude for all three of my degrees on various academic scholarships.
My Masters research (which developed norms for two commonly used neuropsychological tests) was published in an international journal of psychology and presented at two international conferences.
Your Dubai Psychologist
As a clinical psychologist and life coach with over a decade of experience consulting in a multi-disciplinary team, I provide a clinical diagnosis and develop a plan with you based on your unique needs.
Organisations I’ve worked with
My clinical experience – Dubai psychologist online
On completing my studies at Rhodes University and internship at Fort England Psychiatric hospital, I wanted to give something back to the beautiful country I grew up in.
I started practicing as a clinical psychologist for the public service, the South African Department of Health in 2010, where I worked until 30 April 2014. Working with a wide variety of people in a multitude of settings was a challenging but amazing experience.
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In this time I worked with clients of all ages and all walks of life, before starting my own private practice at The MapleTree Psychotherapy Center, where I worked until October 2020. I practiced as the clinical director of the Be Psychology Center for emotional Wellbeing for 2 years before returning to the Maple Tree Psychotherapy Center in October 2022.
I am so grateful to be living my dream of practising clinical psychology and coaching, to walk with my clients on a part of their journeys 🙂
Career path – a love affair with business and psychology
I worked in international banking in the UK before returning to South Africa in 2000 to fulfil my dream of tertiary study and obtain a business degree at Rhodes University.
As life happens (twists and turns of life), I combined my business degree with a psychology degree and graduated with distinction in both and full academic colours!
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I chose Rhodes University because it is one of the top three universities in South Africa and achieved academic half-colours in my first year. I was the first first-year student to be elected to a senior position, Vice-Chair, of the Rhodes SRC (Student Representative Council). I was re-elected to the SRC in my 2nd year and represented the university student body for another year. Because I enjoyed studying so much I decided to do some extra humanities subjects, Psychology and English.
I fell in love with the study of human beings to such an extent that I persuaded the Dean of Commerce to allow me to major in Psychology! I achieved full academic colours when I graduated with distinctions (Cum Laude) in both major subjects for my undergraduate and honours degrees (2000 – 2003).
I spent 6 months in Ireland and then taught English in Taiwan for 2 years (2004 – 2006) to save the substantial amount of money required to embark on the final leg of studying towards my qualification as a clinical psychologist.
Usually, clinical coursework, internship and research thesis takes at least 3 years to complete and often longer, but I managed to do it in 2 years (2007 – 2008) and achieved distinctions (Cum Laude) in all aspects. Honestly, I loved every moment and I couldn’t wait to attain my license!
Specialties close to my heart
IVF (and fertility), pregnancy, and post-natal depression
Whether you are pre-pregnancy, currently pregnant or post pregnancy, just talking to someone can help.
Being a parent
Let’s work together to understand what’s getting in the way of you being the best possible parent you can be.
‘CEO’ imposters
Many highly successful people are plagued with self-doubt, insecurity and feelings of unworthiness. Maybe this drove you to success. But does it really serve you now?
Executives/Business matters
If you feel stressed out, burned out, or just tired out, you might be wondering what happened to your zest and drive. Let’s figure out what’s holding you back.
Personal Growth and Post-Traumatic Growth
If you’re not living your life to the full with authenticity, and fears and half-conscious barriers prevent you from reaching your potential, let’s talk in a safe space.
Grief and Loss
Have you lost someone, or something, that’s really important to you? Are you struggling to find meaning? You don’t have to walk on this path alone.
Body Positivity
Learn to love your body in your actions and be comfortable in your own skin.
IVF (and fertility), pregnancy, and post-natal depression
Whether you are pre-pregnancy, currently pregnant or post pregnancy, just talking to someone can help.
Being a parent
Let’s work together to understand what’s getting in the way of you being the best possible parent you can be.
‘CEO’ imposters
Many highly successful people are plagued with self-doubt, insecurity and feelings of unworthiness. Maybe this drove you to success. But does it really serve you now?
Executives/ Business matters
If you feel stressed out, burned out, or just tired out, you might be wondering what happened to your zest and drive. Let’s figure out what’s holding you back.
Personal Growth and Post-Traumatic Growth
If you’re not living your life to the full with authenticity, if you’re held back by fears and half-conscious barriers that prevent you from reaching your potential, let’s rip off the mask in a safe space.
Grief and Loss
Have you lost someone, or something, that’s really important to you? Are you struggling to find meaning? You don’t have to walk on this path alone.
Body Positivity
Learn to love your body in your actions and be comfortable in your own skin.