Madeeha Afridi , MA, M.Ed, MFT (US)

We don’t have to wait for things to break down to make therapy part of our plan. While it is true that many of us reach out only when a life transition unbalances us or creates a deep sense of internal disconnection, therapy is ultimately about building a sustainable, meaningful life before burnout or anxiety takes over.

I support adults through these exact turning points - whether you are navigating persistent stress, low mood, emotional exhaustion, career changes, relationship difficulties, or the lingering impact of past trauma. Together, we work through these deep shifts to achieve an internal resetting of your life, re-establishing your sense of stability and clarity. 

My approach is deeply collaborative, encouraging, and open. I hold the view that you already carry a great deal of your own internal wisdom; much of my work is helping you access it, make sense of your choices, and build the confidence to act on them. I balance this by providing you with practical tools for self-inquiry and pattern-awareness, ensuring that the insights we uncover in therapy translate directly into greater resilience and ease in your day- to-day life. 

I am trained in a range of evidence-based psychological modalities, working from an integrated framework rooted in depth psychology. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Narrative Therapy. In our sessions, we explore how your immediate challenges connect to deeper underlying causes, tailoring our approach to your unique needs. Where patterns are longer-standing or deeply ingrained, I work more psychodynamically and relationally to explore where they began and how they continue to shape your present. 

Alongside my core clinical training, I bring extensive experience and a longstanding personal practice in mindfulness and meditation, completed through the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation. I integrate these methods where they are clinically helpful - particularly to strengthen the mind & body connection for clients living with stress, rumination or have difficulty switching off - though I am equally comfortable working without them when a conventional talk therapy is preferred. My work is also informed by a strong interest in neuroscience, which allows me to ground these holistic healing practices in the science of brain and nervous system regulation.

I earned my MA in Counseling with a focus on Marriage & Family Therapy from the Adler School of Professional Psychology and an M.Ed in School Counseling from DePaul University, both in the United States, and have been practicing clinically since 2011. I am licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Community Development Authority (CDA) and see clients at both our Al Manara and Dubai Healthcare City branches.

Works with Clients:
Adults (21 yrs+)

Languages:
English

Services Offered

• Individual Therapy
• Coaching

Treatment Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Schema Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Existential Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Integrative Therapy
• Narrative Therapy

Presenting Concerns

General Concerns: 

• Personal growth and self-improvement
• Adjustment to recent life events or circumstances (Not trauma)
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Low mood or depression

Specific Concerns: 

• Obsessive, repetitive and ritualistic thinking and behaviour

Relationship Concerns: 

• General dissatisfaction or improvement of romantic relationships
• Non-romantic and non-familial relationship concerns
• Family and family relationship concerns

Trauma: 

• Trauma or traumatic events (past or historic)

Qualifications & Memberships

• MA in Marriage & Family Therapy, Adler School of Professional Psychology, US 2009
• M.Ed in K-12 School Counselling, DePaul University, US 2011 
• Oxford Mindfulness Center Mindfulness In the 21st Century
• Mindful Schools Practitioner
• Emotional Intelligence Coach Practitioner  
• Divine Healing Meditation Practitioner and Trainer
• Licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) (Counselor at DHCC branch)
• Licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA)