ABOUT US

Everyone can benefit from using therapy. In fact, therapy is not only intended to treat people who suffer from extreme psychological ailments, but it can also be used to solve relationship challenges, career-related issues, confusion over various life matters and many more. In other words, you don’t even have to have a specific problem to use therapy, as therapy is just sometimes a means for self-discovery through giving you a better insight as to who you are. Therapists are non-judgmental listeners and are trained to help you live a better, fuller life. 

To make therapy accessible to more people, we have passionately provided a platform that offers confidential, convenient therapy services in multiple languages.

Our online therapy sessions are tailor-made to help you increase your immunity to life’s minor and major troubles. Our therapy sessions and online classes give you access to learning and knowing more about the fundamental concepts of a happy life. You can rely on our experts’ advice to increase your emotional intelligence and to transform your lives. 

We, at Bright Shift, are here to listen to you.

If you are looking for the best psychologists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any of the other emirates or just anywhere else in the world, we can connect you to a licensed psychologist whom you can trust.

MEET OUR TEAM

Leila Estifaie Quinn
Founder

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Leila has been enthusiastically learning about human psychology from different angles/ schools of thought for many years. She holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Counseling And Guidance, from Eastern Mediterranean University located in Northern Cyprus. She has been determined to create a platform which could help create change in people’s lives, hence Bright Shift was born. In a way, Bright Shift came about from our faith and belief in the ability of humans to shift, change and evolve towards a brighter direction in life. We have developed this platform because we believe it doesn’t really matter where you were, or where you are right now, there is always room for improvement in life regardless. Sometimes it is a slim possibility and sometimes it’s vast. What matters is, we as humans have the ability to evolve and flourish. We believe Bright Shift can be of great help to actualize the possibility of change and self-discovery. What we are the proudest of, is, of course, our highly qualified and most importantly “compassionate therapists”. We are extremely glad to have such a great team collaborating with us on this platform.

Dr. Raoom Qureshi
Counselling Psychologist

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Dr. Raoom Qureshi earned her Professional Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, in 2016. She completed her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Staffordshire University (UK) in 2008 and her Masters in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire (UK) in 2011. Furthermore, she has completed diplomas in the Psychology of Criminal Profiling, Counseling and Psychotherapy, and a Certificate in Counseling Concepts.

Dr. Raoom is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health and

Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK and endeavors to apply these standards of practice wherever she works in the world.

Dr. Raoom has over 10 years of experience in various countries including the United Kingdom, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. She is accustomed to working with adults that have complex and high-risk mental issues and is experienced in treating adult clients on a 1:1 basis for various acute mental health problems including personality disorders, schizophrenia, depression, trauma, abuse, psychosis, suicide ideation, anxiety, self-harm, etc. In addition, she provides assessments, formulations and treatments for patients presenting with high-risk.

When working with patients a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and integrative approach is taken, where elements of Psychodynamic, Person-centered therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are also implemented. Dr. Raoom is also trained in Mindfulness, which she likes to incorporate into her work. Her sessions are 50 minutes long and she is  happy to conduct her sessions in English and Arabic, both of which she is fluent in.

Tahneya Alboraiki
Counsellor

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Tahneya Alboraiki is a qualified integrative counsellor, member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) of UK.

She holds a Master’s degree in counselling from the Birmingham City University (UK) and a Bachelor of Science in psychology, from University of Wolverhampton (UK).

Tahneya uses an integrated approach, as she feels one approach does not fit everyone, therefore she has adopted different approaches. In her work, she uses person-centred psychotherapy, attachment, and interpersonal neurobiology, and uses a variety of therapeutic techniques to suit her clients’ needs. She has also completed further training in bereavement.

She provides clients with a safe, honest, and empathic space to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours without Judgement. She makes her clients feel seen, heard and safe, and can support and accept them for who they are.

Tahneya works with bereavement/loss, family difficulties, anxiety, depression, anger, self-harm, behaviour issues, internet addiction, racial identity, self-esteem, stress, trauma, and social needs.

 he works with adults, children and adolescents. She speaks fluent English and Arabic and her sessions are 50 minutes long.

Ana Mesinezi
Psychotherapist

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Ana Mesinezi is an Integrative Psychotherapist as well as a qualified CBT Therapist.

Ane holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellbeing from the University  of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. She is an Accredited Member of British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP).

She provides a non-judgmental space, helping the clients to navigate difficult emotions and life’s ups and downs. Having worked in various environments, she has a good understanding of working with different modalities and depth. In her approach she uses Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused and Integrative Psychotherapy. Ana works with clients who need support in different areas including: Co-dependency, Eating Disorders, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Anxiety, Depression, relationship issues, marital issues , relationship problems Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Behavioural Issues,Bereavement,Mood Disorders,Narcissistic Personality (NPD),Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD),Relationship Issues,Self Esteem,Stress,Trauma and PTSD and Women’s Issues.

Ana works with adults, teenagers and elders (65+). Her sessions are 50 minutes long for individuals and 70 minutes for couples. Ana offers therapy in English, Bulgarian, German, Greek, Italian.

Patrycja Jackson
Clinical Psychologist & Jungian Psychotherapist

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Patrycja Jackson is a fully qualified psychologist (MSc. Clinical Psych.) and psychotherapist, with more than 20 years of experience in providing therapy, a candidate with the Association of Jungian Analysts (AJA) in London, as well as a qualified member of the Polish Association of Analytical Psychology (PTPA), where she served on the Ethics Committee. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, from the SWPS University in Warsaw, Poland. Before she established her private practice, she worked as the head of a psychotherapy unit in a private clinic, Luxmedica in London.

Her clinical work is rooted in Analytical Psychology of C.G.Jung. Jungian approach can help clients to better understand the patterns from the past that can cause pain or blockage today. This involves a symbolic approach to the psyche which takes into account its healing and self-regulatory aspects. Her knowledge and interest in comparative religion and mythology is also central to the way she works, and it informs her multicultural approach to the therapeutic relationship. 

In addition to her clinical work, Patrycja is the author of numerous workshops for women based on the Great Mother archetype, which she periodically facilitate in London and Europe. Her extensive knowledge and experience in dream-work also led her to found and facilitate a Dream Circle, which takes place in various locations in East London and online. Recently she brought her Dream Circle (otherwise known as a Dream Matrix) to the Jungian International Conferences.

Patrycja’s sessions can help clients to reach a deeper understanding of their experience. Her specialities include stress related disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and early developmental difficulties, relational difficulties and attachment style, depression, going through significant or painful life transitions; but also self-awareness, deepening the connection to oneself, spiritual exploration and dream analysis. 

Patrycja works with adults and her sessions last 50 minutes. 

Dr. Saleem Jeewa
Consultant Psychiatrist in Medical Psychotherapy

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Dr Jeewa is a Consultant Psychiatrist in Medical Psychotherapy. Dr Jeewa studied Medicine at Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’s Medical School, University of London. Alongside a degree in Medicine, he holds an intercalated BSc in Psychology & Medical Sciences from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. He subsequently trained as a doctor in the UK including specialist medical psychotherapy training in the renowned South West London and St George’s training scheme.  He is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, registered as a medical psychodynamic psychotherapist with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

He is clinical lead for a psychotherapy service in London and psychotherapy tutor for a training scheme for junior doctors in psychiatry. Dr Jeewa has significant experience in providing therapy for adults with a variety of difficulties. He uses a range of approaches and has expertise in psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapy and Mentalisation based therapy (MBT).

 During sessions Dr Jeewa offers a safe, open space, for you to share what’s on your mind in an uncensored way. Dr Jeewa will support you building a deeper understanding about yourself, through making links between what you already know about yourself and your difficulties, and what is outside your conscious awareness. Gaining such insights can be relieving in itself, whilst giving you the potential to create long lasting changes in your circumstances and identity. Sessions are at least once weekly. If thought to be helpful, Dr Jeewa can offer more frequent sessions too.

 Difficulties and areas of life Dr Jeewa can help you with include : mood and anxiety, interpersonal relationships, conflicts around identity including race, religion and culture, gender and sexuality, self-esteem including concerns about stigma associated with accessing mental health support,

negotiating life events which might include stress, trauma, abuse, loss, bereavement,medically unexplained symptoms.  

 Dr Jeews works with individuals of 18 years old and above. He offers therapy in English and therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.

Nawar Surij
Integrative Psychotherapist

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Nawar is a UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) registered, licensed psychotherapist. She has been working with a diverse range of people of all backgrounds, vulnerable individuals, and ethnic minorities of all ages. Nawar lives in Birmingham, UK and she holds a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy from Birmingham City university as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Leeds university. She is also an NLP, Hypnosis and Time Line Therapy Practitioner. Nawar views therapy as a healing relationship between therapist and client. She supports her clients to figure how their early experiences has lead them to their current situation and she can help them change it.

She provides her clients with a safe, non judgmental space where clients can explore the root cause of their deepest fears and worries that are holding them back from becoming the best possible version of themselves.

Her extensive experience in psychotherapy allows her to help her clients to reach their full potential in life. Nawar speaks English and Arabic fluently.

Sara Salih
Counselling Psychologist

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Sara Salih is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP)- educated and trained in the UK, US and Norway.

Sara holds two Master’s degrees, one in Clinical psychology with family specialisation from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles, USA) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Counselling from Birmingham City University (UK). She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Oslo, (Norway).

Besides adults, Sara also works with children and young people. Sara is experienced in working with a variety of mental health problems in different settings including both public and private sectors.

Sara has an integrated person-centred approach where she has a broad knowledge of various therapy approaches that she adapts to the client’s wishes and needs. Some of those approaches include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Emotional-focus therapy and Solution-focus therapy. In addition to treating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-harm and other difficulties, she offers trauma therapy with the TF-CBT approach.

She also likes to supplement her practice with psychoeducational tools where the client gains greater insight into their difficulties in light of the brain functioning. Her sessions are 50 minutes long. Sara speaks fluent English, Arabic, Norwegian and Swedish and is able to provide therapy in all of the above languages.

Mariam El Saadani
Psychotherapist

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Mariam El Saadani is a licensed Psychotherapist by the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec in Canada. She has completed a Master’s  degree in Counselling and Educational Psychology from McGill University (Montreal, Canada). She then completed a three- year Post-Master’s training program in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Mariam has also completed certificates in Traumatic Stress Studies; Loss Bereavement and Life Transitions and several Cognitive Behavioral Therapy trainings for Depression, Anxiety and Eating Disorders.

Mariam has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field in Egypt and Montreal. Throughout her years of work, she has had the honor of helping people from all walks of life.

Mariam works with individuals 17 years of age and older. Her training allows her to work with any presenting issues, especially trauma. A few of the presenting problems she is able to work with are loss, grief, immigration, relationship difficulties, career uncertainty, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, life transitions and adjustments, identity issues and trauma; acute, chronic or complex trauma.

Mariam’s practice is based on Psychodynamic theory, which she utilizes to develop an understanding of her clients and their presenting issues. Psychodynamic theory operates on the premise that the unconscious part of the mind influences thoughts, emotions and behavior.

Through this lens, Mariam is then able to devise a treatment plan for the therapeutic process to address the root of the presenting problem(s). Oftentimes, the work done in sessions with Mariam is focused on developing insights and emotional awareness to develop the skills you need to be able to resolve and work through difficulties as they present themselves to you throughout your life.

Mariam’s sessions run for 50 minutes and can be conducted in English or Arabic.

Dr.Katy Jackson
Psychotherapist

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Dr.Katy Jackson is a fully qualified chartered health psychologist, psychotherapist and trauma specialist with 25 years’ clinical experience helping people overcome a wide range of physical and emotional problems.

 Dr.Katy has extensive training and experience using a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including trauma-focussed counselling, somatic therapy, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), EMDR, holistic therapy and mindfulness-based interventions.  She draws on these approaches and adapts each session to suit the individual needs of the client.

Her sessions are interactive and collaborative, with the aim of facilitating a deeper understanding of the client’s experiences and behaviour as well as exploring practical and achievable strategies for change. Sessions last 50 minutes.

Dr.Katy’s specialities include work-related stress, anxiety disorders (including phobias and panic attacks), trauma (PTSD, childhood trauma and domestic violence), acute and chronic illness, functional medicine, women’s health (including menopause and fertility), depression, neurodiversity, self-esteem and identity issues, and bereavement. 

Dr.Jackson works with adults (over 18 years). She is a senior member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health andCare Professions Council (HCPC), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP) and EMDR Association UK . She endeavours to apply these standards of practice to her work.

Dr. Katy holds a Doctorate in Health Psychology, from City University of London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, from Goldsmiths University,Certificate in Humanistic and Psychodynamic Counselling, Goldsmiths University, Master’s degreein Health Psychology from City University of London and Bachelor of Psychology, from University of Birmingham.

Yasmine Shirazi Sommers
Psychotherapist

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Yasmine Shirazi Sommers is an integrative psychotherapist educated and trained in the UK at Regent University of London. She holds a Master’s degree in psychotherapy and counseling and is a licensed, registered member of the British Association for Counsellers and Psychotherapists in the UK. She also has a  Post Graduate diploma (PGDip) Psychotherapy & Counselling as well as the Transitions Certification- Re-vision: Counselling & Psychology with a soulful perspective.

As an integrative psychotherapist, she combines various therapeutic tools and approaches to serve the needs and goals of her clients, and helps them identify their core emotional difficulties. Her approach is tailor-made for each client as she tunes into their unique lived experience.

Her practice is grounded in her commitment to creating a safe, confidential, secure and non-judgemental environment where her clients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours at a pace that feels right for them.

Additionally, she has a background in the financial and creative artistic industries, thus she has an in-depth understanding of the specific challenges faced by individuals working in those fields.

Yasmina works with adults, individuals and couples, in short or long-term therapy who are experiencing relationship issues,stress and trauma, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.Her sessions are 50 minutes long and she provides therapy in English.

Mahita El Bacha Urieta
Psychologist, Therapist & Coach

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Mahita is a psychologist, a therapist and a coach, educated and trained in the UK at the Middlesex University in London and the Institute of Psychosynthesis.

She is a registered member of the British Association for Counsellers and Psychotherapists in the UK.

She also has a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, and Diploma in Life Coaching both from the Institute of Psychosynthesis in London.

 Mahita offers psychotherapeutic counselling as well as life coaching sessions.

 She specializes in supporting adults with a variety of challenges, including: stress, anxiety and depression, childhood trauma, narcissistic wounding, family and relationships. Mahita’s other area of expertise are as follows: work-related difficulties, loss, bereavement and grief, mid-life crisis, spiritual and existential crisis, managing chronic health problems emotionally and psychologically, terminal illnesses, working with artists dealing with creativity-related challenges, managing difficulties posed by cultural differences and integrating into a new cultural context. 

Mahita’s approach is based on Psychosynthesis Psychology.

Psychosynthesis includes elements from psychodynamics, CBT, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness among many others.

Psychosynthesis is the psychology of hope, with its eye not only on individuals’ history, but also on envisioning a purposeful future, to reorient their lives in the direction of meaning and values.

Mahita’s approach is integrative and holistic, with a transpersonal perspective, rooted in Psychosynthesis Psychology. In addition to talk-based work, She uses other complementary approaches such as: art, movement, role-play, writing, journaling, breath work, guided meditation, inner dialogue, dream-work, somatic experiencing, shadow work, chakra opening and balancing and Reiki among others.

Her sessions are 60 minutes long and she offers therapy in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Katie Kyriakidou
Counseling Psychologist

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Katie Kyriakidou is a member of the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy(BACP) – educated and trained in
the UK. Katie holds a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from the University of Surrey (Surrey, UK) and a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) with a specialization in anxiety and trauma from the
University of East London (UK). She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Kingston (London,UK).

Besides individuals, Katie also works with couples and families by offering relationship counselling or utilizing the systemic approach. Katie has worked with individuals presenting with difficulties ranging from mild to severe in NGOs, public and
private services. Katie has an integrated approach where the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Psychodynamic approach may be integrated or utilised on their own depending on the
client’s needs. A focus is placed on collaboration and tailoring therapy to specific needs whilst the therapist maintains a safe and confidential space.

Katie has also been trained in trauma-focused approaches with acquired experience in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. Treatment may therefore include trauma processing before addressing other difficulties. Katie also utilizes psychoeducational tools to help clients gain further insight into their difficulties. Other tools may include: timelines, charts, thought records and behavioral experiments.
Her sessions are 50 minutes long. Katie speaks fluent English and Greek and is able to provide therapy in both languages

Julianna A.Pusztai
Psychotherapist

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Julianna is a psychoanalytically oriented psychodynamic psychotherapist and a psychosocial thinker. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Counselling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychosocial Studies from Birkbeck, University of London. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK. (BACP) She is a Doctoral Researcher in psychosocial and psychoanalytic studies at FREEPSY, University of Essex.

She offers support to adults who experience difficulties in life such as depression, anxiety, addiction, sex difficulties, trauma, PTSD, physical illness, loss of creativity, bereavement, low self-confidence, cultural and religious conflicts, immigration, family issues, anger management, academic and performance anxiety, panic attacks, work-related stress, affairs, separation and relationship problems, body dysmorphia, eating disorder and who are on the neurodiverse spectrum (Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties).

Julianna’s therapeutic engagement follows psychoanalytic theory, which offers a rich texture to investigate the impacts of everything around us and before us. She provides a dedicated space to discover the interweaves of past and present, impulses and behaviours, wishes and conflicts.

Julianna has a professional background in social care and mental health, where she worked in community mental health settings, higher education, primary and secondary care in the last decade.

Her sessions are 50 minutes long. Julianna speaks fluent English and Hungarian and is providing therapy in both languages.

Sonal Kadchha
Therapeutic Counsellor

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Sonal Kadchha is a licensed therapeutic counsellor trained in Psychosynthesis, which is known as the “Psychology of Hope”. Whether you’re hoping to make a change in yourself, life, career or relationships; or to manage change in these areas – she is here to help. Sonal is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Member of the European Psychosynthesis Association (EPA). She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis Psychology from the Institute of Psychosynthesis in the UK, Masters in Psychosynthesis Psychology (Thesis in progress) from the  Institute of Psychosynthesis in affiliation with Middlesex University, in the  UK. Bereavement Support Foundation. Foundations of Jungian Analytical Psychology.

Sonal gives you the space to explore what is really going on, process difficult emotions, develop healthy coping strategies and restore your mental well-being – so that you aren’t just surviving, but thriving in the world.

Sonal works analytically to help you step behind your thoughts and gain new insights into your inner world. At the same time, she provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to process your emotions. As we gain new insights on why you do the things you do and learn to sit with difficult emotions – they gradually stop having such a strong hold. She also works with you to “connect the dots” to clearly see the bigger picture and themes emerging in your life – giving you direction on where you want to go to next – through inspired action. By growing in self-awareness, learning to pause before reacting and making different choices – you’ll start to feel more inner freedom. It’s these small consistent changes which compound into huge shifts over time and create meaningful changes in your life.

As well as working as a counsellor, Sonal is founder of a charity that empowers young women in East Africa called ETC. Previous to this, she held a number of leadership positions in the Financial Services industry, as well as the start-up world. Her first degree was in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University. Having lived in India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Uganda and the UK – she adept at working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She has an interest in Buddhist psychology and psychedelic psychotherapy (which is the basis of her Thesis). 

Rana Khalaf
Psychotherapist

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Rana Khalaf is a psychodynamic psychotherapist who is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She holds a Master’s degree in Psychoanalytic Studies and a Master’s of Science in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Grounded in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles, Rana’s approach aims to explore and uncover the subjective internal conflicts of each individual, often residing beneath conscious awareness. Rana views therapy as a transformative journey, guiding clients toward a sense of peace and understanding amid their struggles.

With an academic background in philosophy, Rana has an understanding of the existential crises we face and examines them through a psychoanalytic lens. Rana works with clients from various backgrounds and is attuned to the role culture plays in the development and manifestation of psychical intricacies. She offers sessions in both English and Arabic and her sessions are 50 minutes long.

Rana brings a wealth of experience, specialising in assisting individuals facing a diverse range of emotional challenges—from depression, anxiety, and trauma to ADHD, eating disorders, and psychosexual difficulties. If you are seeking a guide for your therapeutic journey, Rana is here to provide support, creating a space for introspection and making sense of life’s complexities.