Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions people most often ask before starting therapy with a psychologist in Dubai.
No referral is needed. You can contact Micheal directly to book an appointment. There is no requirement to go through a GP or specialist first.
The first session is an intake conversation where Micheal learns about you: what brought you to therapy, your personal history, and what you hope to work on. It is also a chance for you to ask questions and see whether the relationship feels like the right fit. No homework, no pressure.
If you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, work stress, burnout, trauma, or simply feel stuck, therapy can help. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support. Many people start therapy as a form of self-investment rather than as a last resort.
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Everything discussed in sessions remains private, with very limited legal exceptions, for example if there is an imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or another person. These limits are explained clearly at the start of your work together.
Yes. Micheal is fully bilingual and offers sessions in both English and Arabic. Many clients find it useful to switch between languages or to use Arabic for emotionally charged topics and English for more analytical discussion, whatever feels most natural.
A psychologist is trained to provide talk therapy and psychological assessment. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Many people work with a psychologist for therapy and consult a psychiatrist separately if medication is also part of their treatment plan. Micheal is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication.
Some UAE health insurance plans cover psychological sessions partially or fully. It depends on your policy and provider. It is worth checking directly with your insurer. Micheal can provide a detailed invoice and relevant documentation to support reimbursement claims.
It depends on what you are working through and your goals. Some people benefit from 8 to 12 focused sessions; others choose to continue for months for deeper personal exploration. There is no fixed rule. You and Micheal will review progress together and adjust the pace collaboratively.
Yes. Micheal offers both in-person sessions at the clinic in JLT, Dubai, and secure online video sessions. Online therapy is equally effective for most concerns and makes support accessible whether you live in the UAE, are travelling, or are based abroad.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy developed specifically for trauma. It uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also effective for anxiety, phobias, and grief.
Brainspotting is a body-based therapy that uses specific eye positions (called brainspots) to access and release trauma held in the nervous system. Like EMDR, it works below the level of conscious narrative, but it is more unstructured and often feels quieter. It is particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, performance blocks, and experiences that feel difficult to reach through talking alone.
Micheal works with anxiety and panic, depression, burnout, relationship difficulties, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, identity and self-esteem concerns, career stress, sexual concerns and performance anxiety, and major life transitions. He sees adult individuals.
Micheal sees clients at the Human Relations Institute & Clinics (HRIC) in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai, conveniently close to Dubai Marina and accessible by Metro (DMCC station).
You can book directly through the HRIC website or send a WhatsApp message to get started quickly. The Start Here page on this site can help you clarify what you want to bring to your first session.
Micheal Salameh holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology and is registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA), the official regulatory body for mental health practitioners in Dubai. He is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and is a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP).