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 a relaxed first conversation where Micheal gets to know you: what brought you to therapy, a little of your history, and what you hope to work on. It is also a chance for you to ask questions and see whether working together 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.
That is completely normal, and you do not need to prepare anything or have the right words ready. Most people feel unsure at the start. Micheal gently guides the conversation and follows your lead, so you never have to figure it out on your own.
No. You are always in control of what you share and when. Micheal will never push you to revisit something before you feel ready. With trauma especially, the pace is set by you, and building a sense of safety always comes first.
Both are completely normal and welcome. Therapy is one of the few places where you do not have to hold it together. Feeling awkward at first, going quiet, or getting emotional are all part of the process, and there is no judgement here.
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.
Yes. Micheal offers couples therapy using the Gottman Method, a research-based approach developed over more than four decades to help partners communicate, manage conflict, and rebuild trust and closeness. He has completed Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. All couples are welcome, whatever your relationship looks like, and sessions are available in both English and Arabic.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation 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 help you access and process difficult emotional experiences. Like EMDR, it works below the level of conscious narrative, but it is more unstructured and often feels quieter. Many people find it helpful for distressing experiences, anxiety, performance blocks, and feelings that are hard to reach through talking alone.
Micheal works with anxiety and panic, depression, burnout, relationship and couples 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 and couples.
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, and Narrative Therapy, has completed Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and is a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP).