Dr. Dalea Alawar

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 years of experience treatment of individuals who are struggling with their mental health. I have expertise in treating issues ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma and addiction. I also work with couples struggling with conflict, infidelity, and distrust in their relationships/marriages. 

In therapy, I base treatment on psychodynamic, insight-oriented, and attachment-based theories as well as the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am also trained in EMDR, which i utilize to help clients work through traumatic experiences. 

Tailoring my treatment to align with my clients’ goals, I use different methods to meet their needs. At times, delving into past unresolved events and relationships and in other phases in therapy, helping clients learn skills to work through challenging thoughts and emotions. 

My Philosophy

Many people enter therapy because they have trouble dealing with difficult emotions such as:

• sadness & hopelessness
• vulnerability
• anxiety
• guilt & shame
• anger & resentment

I spend time guiding my clients in finding where their emotions live in their bodies, teaching them how to make room for them, to learn from them, and to stop fighting with them. This is a somatic approach to therapy, where we focus on the body to help us understand what we are feeling; where we stop being afraid to connect to and be in our bodies.

I also use Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), which is an exposure-centered approach to address a range of traumatic experiences. In TFACT, exposure is the process of turning towards (versus avoiding) thoughts, feelings, or memories that typically produce anxiety or other very uncomfortable feelings with curiosity, flexibility, and openness. TFACT also addresses issues such as:

• emotional numbness
• dissociation
• trauma-related anxiety
• panic attacks
• depression
• suicidality
• shame
• anger
• attachment-related trauma
• issues with trust.

My approach to therapy is also informed by psychodynamic, attachment, and family systems theories. Overall, I aim to provide my clients with a treatment approach that is tailored to their needs. Regardless of the approach I use, my priority is to create an environment of safety, understanding, non-judgment, and compassion. Without this, I do not believe change can happen.

Background

I completed my training in Florida, USA, focusing on psychodynamic techniques. This training centered on understanding how early relationships, traumas, and subconscious emotions impact current life and challenges.

After becoming a licensed psychologist, I expanded my practice by integrating various therapeutic interventions to offer well-rounded services. I received training from Dr. Russ Harris in ACT and Trauma-Focused ACT, as well as training in the use of mindfulness in therapy. In my practice, mindfulness involves being aware of internal and external experiences with curiosity and without judgment.

Educational Qualifications

• B.A. in Psychology from the American University of Beirut
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Psy.D. (Doctorate of Psychology) from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Licenses and Certifications

• California Board of Psychology, California, USA
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai
• EMDR Certification, EMDRIA-approved program