In The Media

• Building a relationship with yourself: The gift of solitude

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  ‘And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?’ - Rumi
  This journey into the self is rewarding, tortuous, enlightening, excruciating, exhilarating, gut-wrenchingly painful and incredibly liberating

  10/11/2020
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• Avoiding the Comparison Trap

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Today I’m super happy to have the wonderful Dr. Ottilia Brown, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist at The LightHouse Arabia, back on Chasing Zest! I’m sure Dr. Ottilia’s article will resonate with so many of you as it certainly did with me…honestly speaking, I feel the comparison trap has got even worse since COVID-19!

  20/09/2020
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• Boundaries: Why They Are Important And How To set Them

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Boundaries are the limits and rules that we put in place in the context of relationships but also within ourselves regarding what we will allow to filter into our being. Boundaries apply to different areas of life and thus there are different types of boundaries.

  22/08/2020
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• Feel Your Feelings: dealing with a pandemic

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Hi everyone! I hope you’re all doing well and are adapting to the loosening of restrictions. I don’t know about you, but for me personally times are still kind of strange, and are made all the more odd by the fact that we can pretty much go about our daily business now, even though COVID-19 is still very much present.

  30/06/2020
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• Child Safety Department webinar will discuss children’s mental health during COVID-19

  Daniela Salazar

  In light of the unprecedented psychological circumstances the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put families and children in, the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, is organising a webinar titled ‘How to Care for Your Child’s Mental Health During COVID-19

  16/05/2020
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• Funerals over Zoom: how to grieve in the age of the coronavirus

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Psychologists weigh in on how we can tackle grief head-on in an age of travel restrictions and social distancing

  14/05/2020
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• How Do I Thrive In Times Of Uncertainty?

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Clinical psychologist Dr Saliha Afridi shares her strategies for using our universal experience of the global pandemic as an opportunity for personal growth

  13/05/2020
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• Medication Management During Ramadan

  Dr. Valentina Faia

  The religious requirement of fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is of an extraordinary spiritual value to the Muslim community. There are some important considerations for when initiating or revising any medical treatment, and especially for a mental health condition.

  25/04/2020
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• Your Mental Health And Wellbeing Amidst COVID-19

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  We are living in an unprecedented time faced with a global crisis that inextricably affects all of us. This is undoubtedly like nothing we’ve lived before and the sheer scale of effect is still to be completely comprehended. In short, humanity is in crisis.

  05/04/2020
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• Coping and Adapting in the Time of COVID-19: Expert Advice

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to change all of our lives, to say that times are challenging and uncertain is something of an understatement. Like most people, you’ve probably been dealing with staying at home alone, juggling home schooling and working from home, fighting to save your business and worrying over money or dealing with cancelled plans and the anxiety of loved ones possibly getting sick.

  31/03/2020
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• How To Support Someone Who Is Grieving – The LightHouse Arabia

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  It can be difficult to know what to do or say to help someone through their grief. Often, this results in us not saying anything at all for fear of upsetting that person, and then feeling like you maybe have given the impression that you don’t care, when nothing could be further from the truth.

  22/02/2020
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• The Art of Giving… and Receiving

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  My inspiration for this blog came from my current personal journey of learning to receive. I experience the act of giving materially, emotionally and spiritually as one that comes very naturally to me…

  23/01/2020
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• In the year of tolerance, the UAE inspires you to high values

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  When Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2019 as a year of tolerance,he wanted to establish the UAE as a global destination to accept the other and open up and emphasize the value of tolerance as a sustainable business through a set of legislation and policies

  01/12/2019
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• Vogue.me Investigates: Why it’s High Time We Reshape the Definition of Beauty

  Christine Kritzas

  When the 84-year-old Dalai Lama shared earlier this year that if his successor is a woman, she should be “very, very attractive” otherwise she would be “not much use,” it was the cause of much consternation.

  03/12/2019
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• Middle East weighs costs versus benefits of social media influencers

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  DUBAI: In the course of the last decade, social media platforms have evolved from being communication networks into an integral part of nearly every aspect of daily life.

  05/12/2019
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• Designing the right workplace wellness programme

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  For every dollar a company spends on well-being and mental health, they have a US$4 return on that investment – whichever way you look at it, it is in their best interest to be good to their employees.

  17/11/2019
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• Ways To Manage Loneliness

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Loneliness has become the emotional pandemic of our time. A crushing emotion that can sometimes be hard to recognise and causes so much discomfort. It has been defined in many ways

  04/11/2019
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• Morning Rituals With The LightHouse Arabia

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  So we are officially well into November and 2019 is almost over! Having being pregnant for most of the year

  11/11/2019
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• Here’s What It’s Like to Date When You Have Anxiety (Negative Thoughts Included)

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  I'll never forget this moment: I was on a second date with a guy, patiently awaiting the large portion of cacio e pepe I ordered, when he brought up the concept of anxiety

  25/09/2019
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• Val-YOU 2019: A Vision Board Workshop

  Christine Kritzas

  Materializing Your Dreams Through Visualization in a 2-part workshop on Saturday, September 28th and October 12th

  24/09/2019
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• Destigmatising mental health through social media

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Normalising seeking therapy or medication as treatment has become important.

  22/09/2019
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• Why Booking A Holiday For Yourself Is Good For Your Mental Health

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Searches for solo travel are up by 40 per cent. BAZAAR explores the hunch that white noise is to blame, and asks if we all need a solomoon...

  20/09/2019
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• Happiness & Health Coach

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Outsourcing is a business practice that was adopted in the 1980s as a cost cutting measure.

  16/09/2019
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• Settling Back Into Life In Dubai After Summer: Expert Advice From LightHouse Arabia

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  I don’t know how, but September is here! All of a sudden, the city is ‘full’ again, schools have returned, and everyone seems to be eager for winter and a bit more of a routine. Whatever your feelings about the summer just gone (although the humidity would suggest it’s still ongoing!), you may need to take some time to decompress, assess and perhaps breathe a sigh of relief that once again, you survived!

  02/09/2019
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• UAE burn-out: what it is and how to avoid it

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Do you wake up tired? Do you feel anxious? Is your phone on full charge, but your body running on empty? This Wellness Week, consider this expert advice from a Dubai psychologist and make the changes you need to recharge and reset

  22/08/2019
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• SCHOOL PREPARATION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-6 YEARS

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  How To Get An A+Start To School - School Preparation Program

  29/08/2019
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• Marriage counseling can unlock great relationships

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Marriage counselors use a combination of evidence-based tools to help couples improve the quality of their relationship. (iStock)

  26/08/2019
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• 5 ways to prepare your toddler for preschool

  Dr Catherine Frogley

  Here are our top tips for helping children cope with separation anxiety

  27/08/2019
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• Get a ‘balcony view’ of your thoughts

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  High IQ or not, emotional maturity is what defines successful people, says expert

  16/08/2019
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• Tips on Primary To Secondary School Transition

  Ross Addison

  Is your child heading for Secondary school this September and showing increasing signs of stress? If so the advice from these child experts should be hugely helpful in easing that transition.

  08/08/2019
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• UAE and A-levels: Dos and don’ts on exam results day

  Aisling Prendergast

  A psychologist offers up some helpful tips for pupils, parents and teachers

  15/08/2019
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• Makeup, The Tool I Used to Mask My Eating Disorder and Then, Treat It

  Saliha Afridi
  29/07/2019
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• KT calls Dubai Police to stop expat’s suicide bid

  Farah Dahabi

  The letter sender added that he is the only son and he can't face his family because of the financial dilemma he is in.

  30/07/2019
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• DUBAI EXPAT SUMMER SURVIVAL WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  With the start of the school summer holidays approaching at the end of this week for most people, the great Dubai exodus is about to begin! Whether you’re planning on staying in the UAE, traveling every so often, or spending a couple of months away, there’s no doubt that whatever you decide to do, summer can certainly present a few challenges.

  03/07/2019
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• When it comes to compassion, save some for yourself

  Dr Jamilah Motala

  You are your harshest critic. And that's why self-compassion is as important as compassion for others Developing the compassionate self can have a soothing quality on our anger, anxiety and sadness

  30/06/2019
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• School-trip travel etiquette for jet-set students

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  The kids are all right when travelling on school trips so long as they keep their surroundings and others in mind, says LAUREL MUNSHOWER

  25/06/2019
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• Your guide to understanding ADD and ADHD

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Is your child struggling to focus and sit still? It may be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

  15/06/2019
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• The LightHouse Arabia Trains the First Teen Mental Health First Aiders in the Region

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  The Region's Only Teen Mental Health First Aid Training is Launched by The LightHouse Arabia for Teenagers to be 'First-Responders' for Peers

  11/06/2019
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• Emotional impact of online fame on child influencers

  Dr Catherine Frogley

  Risks are higher for child influencers as they are still developing coping skills: expert

  09/06/2019
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• Wellness Wednesday: Advice for Overcoming Low Self Esteem from LightHouse Arabia

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Counselling Psychologist Aisling Prendergast MSc MBACP (reg.) speaks to A&E during the Mental Health Awareness month to provide some advice on dealing with low self-esteem.

  30/05/2019
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• The Ramadan Series Featuring Dr Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and the Managing Director of LightHouse Arabia

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Dr Saliha Afridi sat down with A&E TV to discuss looking after your mental wellbeing while fasting and beyond.

  27/05/2019
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• Enroll today – Ontario International Dubai

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Model tolerance. There is no bigger influence on a child’s mindset and their tolerance for those who are different, than the parent. When you speak about people that are different to you, do so kindly. Being tolerant does not mean you are agreement with that culture, religion or individual. It just means that you respect people who are different to you.

  20/05/2019
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• Ramadan 2019: Born to be kind

  Dr. Saliha Afrid

  Early lessons in generosity ground children to be compassionate individuals

  18/05/2019
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• The importance of addressing men’s mental health

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  It’s a hot topic, but one that men often shy away from. We find help when it comes to improving the mental health of the modern man…

  21/05/2019
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• The Healing Powers Of Gratitude

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life’ - Rumi

  05/05/2019
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• Wellness Wednesday: Tips for Coping with Feelings of Loneliness from LightHouse Arabia

  Christine Kritzas

  Halfway through Mental Health Awareness month, a&e continues its Wellness Wednesday series with the LightHouse Arabia, this week tackling the topic of loneliness.

  15/05/2019
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• How to spot mental health issues and what to do

  Farah Dahabi

  You can’t 'cure' a person with mental health issues, but you can offer healing

  10/05/2019
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• 15 great things to do in Dubai this weekend

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Here are 15 things to do in Dubai this weekend.

  08/05/2019
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• Wellness Wednesday: Tips For Coping With Daily Anxieties from LightHouse Arabia

  Daniela Salazar

  For this week’s Wellness Wednesday instalment, Clinical Psychologist at LightHouse Arabia Daniela Salazar talks through her advice on coping with and soothing daily anxieties.

  08/05/2019
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• Get an introduction to mindfulness and meditation at these 5 spots

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Feel the benefits of mindfulness with these classes…
  We all lead busy lives, especially in a fast-paced city like Dubai. But it’s important to make time for some quality me time and mindfulness’.

  07/05/2019
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• The benefits of equine therapy: how horses can help heal

  Madeeha Afridi

  We find out more about equine therapists in the UAE, who rely on a horse’s ability to pick up on a person’s subconscious patterns and physical reactions

  06/05/2019
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• The Lighthouse Arabia’s Farah Dahabi On Why You Need To Take Note This Mental Health Awareness Month

  Farah Dahabi

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so to bring awareness to the community, we say down with Farah Dahabi, Clinical Social Worker & Mental Health First Aid UAE Lead at The LightHouse Arabia to chat about the common mental health conditions affecting the people around you, and what we can do to help.

  06/05/2019
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• SOCIAL SKILLS PRACTICE GROUP

  Rogaiyah Hamidaddin

  In this program children will focus on putting previously taught skills into practice by applying them to real issues that they face at school and in their lives.

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• How your workplace is killing you: UAE firms are not doing enough to tackle office stress

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Psychological issues such as stress, anxiety and depression are extremely common in UAE

  17/04/2019
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• Drug use can’t be ‘taboo subject’ for UAE families, senior police officer says

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  Exam stress and peer pressure are key factors in substance abuse, Dubai conference hears

  02/04/2019
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• Therapy can be good for mental health despite a lingering, long-held stigma in the Arab world

  Dr Saliha Afridi

  The words mental health seem to strike fear and avoidance from many Arabs in the Middle East.

  01/04/2019
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• WHY JOURNALING CAN HELP INFUSE GRATITUDE AND JOY INTO YOUR LIFE

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Intention and gratitude are very important and Dr. Tara Wyne, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at Lighthouse Arabia explains why she is a great believer in journaling and committing intentions to paper.

  01/04/2019
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• POSITIVE DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES | A MOMMY MONDAYS SEMINAR

  João Lourenço

  Join us for an interactive seminar that will focus on positive ways of parenting and keeping the peace in your family.

  25/03/2019
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• Why we should take Justin Bieber’s cries for help very, very seriously

  Dr Tara Wyne

  The singer opened up about his mental health struggles on Instagram – and we shouldn’t take that lightly

  12/03/2019
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• SILENCING YOUR INNER CRITIC WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  How many times have you really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but have been put off by that niggling voice in your own head?

  14/04/2019
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• A Gift to You: Self-Forgiveness

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  ‘Be melting snow. Wash yourself of yourself’ Rumi

  02/03/2019
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• Breaking the stigma of men’s mental health

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Although mental health issues in young men globally are widely publicised, are there any issues that are specific to this region?

  06/01/2019
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• Why do we cry?

  Juan Korkie

  Experts decode emotional expression that may actually improve mental health

  20/01/2019
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• Can we reset in just one day?

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Wellness studios and fitness instructors often conduct day-long retreats, which typically involve exercise and meditation sessions, and healthy food and conversation

  20/01/2019
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• THE PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF SLEEP

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  It’s no secret that sleep is essential to health, and in today’s 24/7 fast-paced world where everything needed to be done 10 minutes ago, most of us would freely admit that we don’t get nearly enough.

  30/01/2019
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• The Physical & Mental Health Benefits of Forgiveness

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  This topic receives so much attention because the act of forgiveness is commonly viewed as something that human beings struggle with

  20/01/2019
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• SURVIVING THE PRESSURE OF THE FESTIVE SEASON: TIPS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE ARABIA

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Christmas is less than a week away, and those of us who celebrate are busy getting ready. Whether you’re travelling or staying in the UAE; or are expecting guests or spending more time with friends, there’s certainly a lot to be excited about!

  19/12/2018
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• DOWNTIME: NECESSITY OR LUXURY?

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Happy UAE National Day and happy long weekend for those of you who get some extra days off! The latest article from our wellbeing experts, The LightHouse Arabia, is perfectly timed considering its subject matter: that of ‘downtime’. Think about it; when was the last time you took some time out, not only from work but from technology and the general chaos that comes with day to day life?

  03/12/2018
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• VR in mind for pain management

  Farah Dahabi

  Virtual reality has become a tool to manage chronic and acute conditions. Here's how

  13/11/2018
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• Will the trend of virtual influencers alienate us further?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  We are becoming less socially intelligent as we lose touch with the real world

  10/11/2018
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• The LightHouse Arabia: November Event

  LightHouse

  Discover how to find balance, live life with vitality and receive support when you
  need it with a range of paid and free to attend events at LightHouse Arabia this

  26/10/2018
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• Mothers remember lost infant children with Dubai candle-lighting memorial

  Lighthouse

  'This makes my heart extremely happy because I can see they are healing each other', says Alexandra Sullivan, who lost twin boys in late pregnancy

  13/10/2018
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• Why This High-Tech Device is a Healthy Addition to Any Home

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  “If your home is chaotic, cluttered, and uninspiring, your mental health and mood will mirror the environment,” says Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and managing director at Dubai’s LightHouse Arabia Center for Wellbeing.

  22/10/2018
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• Who is the fairest of them all?

  Dr Tara Wyne

  The mirror tells a million tales as women fall victim to the fairness obsession and the whitening creams industry sky rockets by the year

  11/10/2018
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• The psychologist: Considering therapy? Here’s what to expect

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Being sad, anxious, overwhelmed and a host of other difficult emotions are a part of life, and we shouldn’t be “pathologize” them, says Dr Saliha Afridi, a clinical psychologist and managing director at Lighthouse Arabia.

  10/10/2018
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• Test yourself with the tech challenge that will make you a better parent

  Dr Rose Logan

  While we might read about the damaging effects of technology, do we really absorb the impact that phone-use can have on our relationships, our self-esteem and our children? We decided to put ourselves to the test...

  04/09/2018
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• Seven Time-Management Tips To Lower Your Stress

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  How often have you sat in traffic willing the car in front of you to go faster as you nervously glance at the time on your dashboard?

  28/10/2018
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• SELF CARE: IT’S FINALLY TIME TO PUT OURSELVES ON THE LIST!

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Self care has become a bit of a buzzword of late and is often seen hashtagged on Instagram alongside an image of a hot bath, face mask, and candles. But beyond the pretty, Insta-worthy snaps, what exactly is self care, and why is it important?

  27/10/2018
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• Mental Health Awareness – Dr. Saliha Afridi, Director at Lighthouse Arabia

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Today is World Mental Health Day, raising awareness when it comes to mental health issues around the world. This year's theme highlights Young People and Mental Health in a changing world.We asked, what are the signs to look out for in children, family, partners, colleagues etc when it comes to having a healthy mind?We speak to Dr Saliha Afridi, Director of Lighthouse Arabia.

  10/10/2018
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• The LightHouse Arabia announce newly formed multidisciplinary Child & Adolescent Mental Health Team

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  This year, the World Health Organization's Mental Health Day theme was announced as 'Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.

  21/10/2018
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• First aid for the mind

  Farah Dahabi

  We all know the importance of first response care when it comes to our physical health, but what about our mental health? We meet the experts who’ve brought the internationally certified Mental Health First Aid training programme to the Middle East to find out why it should be on all our to-do lists…

  30/07/2018
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• Is gossip harmful in a society?

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  One of the oldest human forms of communication, gossip has the power to undo reputations and damage careers, say experts

  17/08/2018
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• SHE FACTOR: Service beyond the call of duty

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  This entrepreneur does not run her business purely for a financial motive. She has made a commitment to serve the community and make the UAE a healthier place. Meet Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and managing director of The Lighthouse Arabia (TLH), a community mental health clinic in Dubai.

  22/09/2018
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• FYI: We’re in an age of information overload

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  The salvo of content (the articles, the social media posts, the sharing, the retweeting and the stories) we’re trying to manage is coming at us with head-spinning velocity – the Internet has a lot to answer for our satiated minds. What’s available is so visible to us and yet – does anyone else feel like their consumption of it is incomplete?

  21/09/2018
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• Could the UAE benefit from a four-day working week?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Experts say a shorter working week improves well-being and doesn't have to mean less output for businesses

  13/09/2018
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• Stress Management – Pop A Healthy Dose of Realism Into Your Coping Toolkit

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Most of us know the basics of effective stress management; we read about them, our doctors remind us of them, yet we struggle with making the required changes or maintaining them

  09/09/2018
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• Happy Days : Mental Health – The Spinneys Guide To Home and School

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Saliha Afridi from The Light House Arabia (lighthousearabia.com) has the following advice to help children to process and understand their negative emotions

  05/09/2018
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• Back to school anxiety: when is it worrisome?

  Dr. Candace Render

  Dubai psychologist advices parents to identify normal anxiety versus worrisome anxiety before the start of new school year

  02/09/2018
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• The top mental issues in the UAE

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  From stress, adjustment disorder, relationship and parenting difficulties to smartphone addiction, they draw a wide arc, say experts

  07/07/2018
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• Taking Stock Of Your Stress: Coping Toolkit

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Stress is a term we are all too familiar with and one which we bandy about quite often. This quarter my blogs will focus on coping with stress. Often when we think about coping, we think about specific strategies like talking to friends or going to the gym. Although this is not off the mark, coping encompasses more than just this list of strategies. Human beings often underestimate the active role their own thinking plays in the coping process.

  22/07/2018
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• Mental health problems: The silent killer amongst us

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  From stress, anxiety to depression, mental health problems are devastating and need to be flagged up much more, say UAE experts

  30/06/2018
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• Raising awareness is of critical importance

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Productivity and recognition of mental health issues at work are critically relevant, say experts

  30/06/2018
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• Suicide attempters to be treated not punished, say Dubai Police

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  New policy would decriminalise failed suicide bids in the UAE

  27/06/2018
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• Why do we succumb to peer pressure?

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Experts explain the reasons behind our behaviour

  21/05/2018
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• The Power of Self Reflection

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  I want to expand on this process in this month’s blog as it really is the foundation for developing self-awareness and for influencing significant change in the self, and in the way the self relates to others and the world.

  20/05/2018
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• What’s the solution?

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Experts advice taking a break and saying no to multiple tasks

  07/05/2018
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• The Expat Couple: Think Before You Leap

  Dr. Otilla Brown And Juan Korkie

  Why it’s important to think through the challenges faced by a trailing spouse…

  24/04/2018
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• How Anger Management Works : 999 Magazine, May Issue.

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  In 2017, YouGov and jobs portal Bayt.com revealed results of a survey, in which 51 per cent of respondents said that work-related issues were their top stressor.

  01/05/2018
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• Getting to Know Dr. Saliha Afridi

  BITTER-SWEET

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director at The LightHouse Arabia

  24/04/2018
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• Do our children need to manage their relationship with tech?

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  It's not just cyber exposure for which we need to we need to be wary - our environment, in general, has changed.-(Alamy)

  29/04/2018
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• 5 Things to Consider Before Allowing Your Kids to Use Social Media

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  In today’s world, it’s necessary to consider the impact of unmanaged social-media use on our children’s developing minds and personalities. It is also important to look more closely at the impact of the messages they are receiving through these channels.

  23/04/2018
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• Be Kind To Yourself, Mama, You’re Doing An Amazing Job

  Karen Andrews

  Being Kind Starts With You, Mama! Our Friends At Lighthouse Arabia Tell Us How To Change Your Mindset & Be Kinder To Yourself

  08/04/2018
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• Teen suicides can be prevented, experts say

  Farah Dahabi

  Understanding, learning how to spot signs of distress early is key to give the right intervention

  29/04/2018
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• How To Live Your Life With Purpose

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Everyone is talking about it… finding your purpose! People are often engaging in philosophical ‘What is the point?’ discussions

  07/04/2018
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• How To Bounce Forward From Adversity

  Dr. Ottilia Brown

  Every day we interact with a world that is filled with adversity. You may ask yourself, ‘How do people keep going despite all that they are faced with?

  13/03/2018
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• The financial lessons I’ve learnt after a decade in the UAE

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  Expat writer Ann Marie McQueen reflects on her 10 years in the Emirates and asks what she would do differently if she had her time again

  19/02/2018
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• Most U.A.E. LinkedIn Users Describe Themselves With These 10 Words

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  New research by LinkedIn found that U.A.E.-based professionals are more likely to describe themselves as experienced and skilled rather than successful.

  29/01/2018
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• Is She Really Your Friend? Seven Problems Every Friendship Faces

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  She’s your BFF and you tell each other everything, but is your friendship as solid as your think? Keeping secrets, jealousy and even a new love are all threats to even the strongest of friendships, discovers Christine Fieldhouse

  31/01/2018
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• Focus: Intelligent Liars?

  Juan Korkie

  Every parent wants their child to be smart but what should parents do when intelligence is inversely proportional to morality? According to Alex Stone, author of ‘Fooling Houdini: Magicians, Mentalists, Math Geeks and the Hidden Powers of the Mind’, lying is not only normal, it’s also a sign of intelligence. How can parents and educators deal with this apparent paradox? Gulf News readers debate.

  18/01/2018
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• Why you should respect your toddler’s tantrums

  Dr.Rose Logan

  A toddler’s constant refusal to co-operate might drive parents mad, but if your little one says ‘no’ all the time, Angela Boshoff Hundal says that may actually be a good thing…

  09/01/2018
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• The growing problem of negative body image in the UAE

  Aisling Prendergast

  With the rise in popularity of social media, this can be hugely problematic for youngsters when it comes to how they see themselves

  13/01/2018
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• LightHouse Arabia: Should more of us resolve to be kinder to ourselves?

  The Light House

  The event will be suitable for anyone curious about exploring the lighter side of psychology and getting an insight into how it can improve well-being

  08/01/2018
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• Discover Your Light at The LightHouse Arabia

  The Light House

  Discover Your Light – A Wellbeing Event is a full day of interactive wellbeing workshops, informal discussions and activities for all ages taking place on Saturday 27th January from 10am until 3pm at their center for wellbeing located at 821 Al Wasl Road, Al Safa 2, Dubai.

  07/01/2018
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• Parenting debate: Is there anything wrong with dads bathing their daughters?

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  There will come a time when dads and daughters want things to change and that’s only natural, says Dr Wyne. (Shutterstock)

  09/01/2018
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• Can AI-driven chatbots provide effective counselling?

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Human emotions are complex by nature requiring a varied approach that perhaps may not be the forte of technology, says expert

  15/12/2017
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• DUBAI GARDEN GLOW IS ABOUT LEARNING TOO

  Dr. Fazila Gore

  How does the glow garden encourage creativity and understanding?

  02/01/2018
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• Do men and women react to stress differently?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi

  It has been proven that people suffering from depression, which often results from repeated exposure to stress, genuinely feel bad physically.

  12/12/2017
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• Are your intercultural relationships boosting your creativity?

  Dr. Jamilah Motala

  Deep bonds with another culture can boost self-expansion, says a new study, which points to the wonderful opportunities the UAE offers

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• The challenges amid the confluence of cultures

  Dr. Jamilah Motala

  Along with creativity and expanding horizons of thought and learning, multiculturalism can also bring conflict, says expert

  09/12/2017
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• MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE

  The Lighthouse Center for Wellbeing

  THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING COURSES

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• Why anger management classes are important to resolve marital disputes

  Farah Dahabi

  A partner can snap and the moment of rage can be triggered in just a matter of seconds because all the past emotions bottled up will just erupt.

  23/07/2017
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• ‘Plastic Surgery Princess’: How popular games in the Mideast are impacting kids

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  The makeover apps with names such as ‘Plastic Surgery Princess’ and ‘Pimp My Face’ – that are widely gaining popularity. (Screengrab)

  01/07/2017
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• WHAT’S THE SECRET TO MAINTAINING A PHYSICALLY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi
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• Traveling off the beaten track to meet myself

  Yasmine Beydoun, a member of our Lighthouse Community

  I wanted to climb a mountain, be in nature, be alone but most of all, I wanted to feel the new me. I found that in Japan.

  12/06/2017
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• Manchester attacks: How to talk to little ones about the big bad world

  Dr. Rose Logan

  Even from the age of two children will pick up on things. It's important that you don't pretend they aren't happening

  24/05/2017
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• Primary pupils see doctors over stress as school and activities take toll

  Dr. Saliha Afridi & Dr. Tara Wyne
  13/05/2017
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• Dos and don’t for parents

  Dr. Rose Logan

  Facebooking during dinner or using e-devices at a family meal out are bad practices to be ditched

  07/05/2017
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• Parents need to make time for their children

  Dr. Rose Logan

  Image used for illustrative purpose. A student who was evacuated after a shooting at North Park Elementary School is embraced after groups of them were reunited with parents waiting at a high school in San Bernardino, California, U.S. April 10, 2017.

  06/05/2017
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• Humanitarianism: 1 in 4 UAE residents know people in crisis

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Men waiting to be hired for their labour in Yemen.

  29/04/2017
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• How crises can lead to compassion

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Syrian refugees watch convoy of Oxfam chief executive Goldring as he visits Al Zaatri refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq

  29/04/2017
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• Depression affects 4-5% of UAE’s population: expert

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  A woman holds the antidepressant drug Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, in Leicester, central England February 26, 2008 in this posed photograph. Antidepressant medications appear to help only very severely depressed people and work no better than placebos in many patients, British researchers said on Monday.

  28/04/2017
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• Friends At First Sight?

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  We've all spent time and energy deciphering romantic connections, but figuring out if a potential new friend is into you can be just as tricky.

  27/04/2017
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• Meditation & Mindfulness

  Briar Jaques

  We are always looking for ways to incorporate meditation and Mindfulness into our fast paced Dubai lives. We met with Briar Jacques from The Lighthouse Arabia Centre for Wellbeing to give us some insights, hints and tips!

  20/03/2017
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• Some changes can go a long way

  Farah Dahabi

  A lot of things account for employees’ happiness

  06/03/2017
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• Experts opine on combating exam stress

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  Teachers and counsellors on how students should be empowered to grow in knowledge rather than just focus on clearing exams

  05/03/2017
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• Family’s support will help them get through

  Farah Dahabi

  Children should understand the symptoms of depression, says expert

  27/02/2017
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• What type of romantic are you?

  Dr Sheetal Kini

  Do you love grand gestures or are you laid-back when it comes to romancing your partner? Do you keep comparing yourself to others or do you like to take charge of a situation? Take our quiz to find out

  10/02/2017
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• Number of ‘likes’ on social media cause of envy

  Dr. Jamilah Motala

  Study shows 41 per cent of survey takers in UAE admit to feeling envious when they see happier lives of their friends on social media

  10/02/2017
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• Are you a victim of mum-shaming?

  Dr Rose Logan

  We speak to an expert on how to deal with it and how to avoid doing it yourself

  05/02/2017
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• 300 attend LightHouse Arabia’s mental wellbeing workshops

  The Lighthouse Arabia
  28/01/2017
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• A Wellbeing Event We Should All Attend

  The Lighthouse Arabia

  EXPERTS · HEALTH & WELLBEING

  23/01/2017
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• ‘Discover Your Light’ | Interactive Wellbeing Event at The LightHouse Arabia

  The Lighthouse Arabia

  Discover Your Light | Interactive Wellbeing Event

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• Our Picks: 8 Things To Do In Dubai This Weekend

  Emma Day

  The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to make the most of it with new restaurants, hit musicals, free gigs by chart-topping singers, and cut-price hair makeovers…

  19/01/2017
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• 9 amazing things to do this weekend in the UAE

  Gulf News

  Dancing, brunches, insane amounts of cheese and hops and much more - your weekend is sorted

  19/01/2017
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• Benefits of early rising: How to start your day the correct way

  Andrea Anastasiou

  It is apparent that many successful people use morning rituals to help maximise their productivity and energy. Getty Images

  11/01/2017
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• How expats cope with loneliness during the holiday season

  Zaineb Al Hassani

  Jess Macdonald is spending the festive season away from her home country.

  27/12/2016
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• Why are many people unable to fulfill resolutions?

  Rabab Khan

  People underestimate how difficult it will be for them to change a certain behaviour

  26/12/2016
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• How to combat traffic stress in Dubai

  Farah Dahabi

  Having a longer commute time is linked to higher levels of cortisol in the body

  18/12/2016
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• Let it go, already: how to deal with emotional baggage

  Dr. Tara Wyne

  In addition to tiredness and health problems, feeling saturated and at your limit, a lowered tolerance for normal life events, and even projecting this emotion on to other people are all common side effects of holding on to emotional baggage.

  14/12/2016
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• Take aim and aim high!

  Sultan Al- Shaman

  Resilience, fear of failure, ability to learn quickly… these are just a few qualities that set a successful person apart from others. Christine Fieldhouse meets experts who suggest tips on how anyone can set their sights sky high and achieve all their dreams

  07/11/2016
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• UAE parents and psychologists sceptical on new screen time guidelines for children

  The National UAE

  Dr Nida Hussain, a clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia in Dubai, said that the new recommendation from AAP stemmed from "a lot of media interaction happening now and pressure that everyone should be on it".

  27/10/2016
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• How can I protect my kids from beauty pressure?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD (US)

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to Aquarius Magazine about how to protect kids from beauty pressure. In a world of unrealistic beauty ideals, the hard job of raising resilient kids starts with looking in the mirror – literally.

  18/10/2016
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• Patience is the key to dealing with Acute Stress Disorder

  Farah Dahabi,, LCSW (USA)

  Farah Dahabi discusses with the Khaleej Times how grief counselling can often be helpful for sufferers of acute stress disorder.

  17/09/2016
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• Road to health: tricks that can encourage children to eat healthy food

  Andrea Anastasiou

  James and Katrina Wilton make sure that their two daughters Liberty, left, and Capri follow a healthy lifestyle.

  15/09/2016
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• In a healthy state of mind: the link between mental health and overall well-being

  Dr. Tara Wyne, D.Clin.Psy

  Dr. Tara Wyne speaks to Gulf News about nurturing our wellbeing through adequate social support, physical fitness, challenges, accomplishment and meaning.

  11/11/2016
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• 5 top ways to build your paternal bond

  João Lourenço MSc (Portugal)

  João Lourenço speaks with Gulf News about how to build a secure paternal bond with your children by creating special moments.

  17/03/2016
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• How Emirati Shamma Alkhaja used art to cope with depression

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD (US)

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to The National, UAE about how art can be used as a therapy for mental illnesses, including depression.

  26/05/2016
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• How do airlines cope with the fall-out and suffering from air disasters?

  Carey Kirk M.Ed

  Carey Kirk discusses with The National how airlines have to be able to cope with disaster, and be ready to answer questions they hope they will never need to.

  21/03/2016
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• Green with envy: how social media can increase jealousy

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD (US)

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to The National, UAE about how the frequent use of social media can cause harmful jealousy and envy.

  23/03/2016
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• Cash for clicks: are apps bad for you?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi PsyD (US)

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to Arabian Business, about coping with the compulsive behavior and addictions of the digital era

  24/06/2016
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• Term-time traumas: how parents can prevent childhood anxiety

  Madeeha Afridi, M.A., M.Ed (US)

  Madeeha Afridi speaks to The National, about helping children with anxious tendencies, including nervousness, irritability and trouble concentrating.

  24/08/2016
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• Family matters in Brangelina split

  Dr. Sheetal Kini, Ph.D. (USA)

  Dr. Sheetal Kini speaks to 7 Days, UAE about the benefits of a 'good divorce' for children and how it can be a positive decision for the family as a whole.

  22/09/2016
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• Divorce is the new marriage so why is it still frowned upon?

  Dr. Tara Wyne, D. Clin. Psy (UK)

  Dr. Tara Wyne speaks to Al Arabiya about the increasing popularity of divorce and how the end of a marriage can be seen as a healthy and positive decision

  06/09/2016
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• Road to health: tricks that can encourage children to eat healthy food

  Dr. Nida Hussain, PsyD (USA)

  Dr. Nida Hussain speaks to The National about how to discuss the delicate subject of obesity without causing them distress, both in the short and long term.

  15/09/2016
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• Christine Kritzas’s Smart Heart board game is a fun approach to kids’ feelings

  Christine Kritzas, M.A. (South Africa)

  Christine Kritzas speaks to The National about her Smart Heart board game that allows young children to constructively express their feelings without fear.

  13/09/2016
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• Decoding why and how stress affects us and how to deal with it

  Dr. Sheetal Kini, Ph.D. (USA)

  Chronic stress can damage the brain and increase our risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia.

  22/09/2016
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• TLH launches new “Resolutions Series” and additional “Mastery Seminar Series”

  The Lighthouse Arabia

  The LightHouse - Center for Wellbeing is proud to announce the launch of their new Resolutions Sessions on Wednesday the 25th of May.

  22/05/2016
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• Make the world a better place in easy ways

  Dr. Tara Wyne, D.Clin.Psy

  Dr Tara Wyne, a Clinical Director and Psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia, Dubai, gives practical examples on how to include the art of giving in your life.

  26/12/2016
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• Selfies mask the scary picture

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to Gulf News about the neurobiology and other factors behind taking selfies in precarious and dangerous situations.

  07/02/2016
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• What’s your stress personality?

  Carey Kirk, M.Ed

  Our counseling psychologist Carey Kirk speaks to Friday Magazine about how our personality may impact how we react to stress.

  29/01/2016
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• Not a Social World Anymore?

  Carey Kirk, M.Ed

  Carey Kirk comments on how excessive use of technology is affecting the fabric of society.

  08/09/2013
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• Practical Parenting: How to Keep Your Children Active

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD

  Dr. Saliha Afridi shares her knowledge as a parenting expert on the importance of nurturing active children.

  17/09/2013
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• How children move mountains – decoding the magic

  Dr. Tara Wyne, D.Clin.Psy

  Dr. Tara Wyne discusses the nature of children and how they can influence adult decisions and behavior.

  01/02/2016
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• Parents warned against children’s addiction to internet

  Madeeha Afridi, M.Ed, MFT

  Madeeha Afridi speaks to The National about warning signs that a child may have an internet addiction.

  12/02/2016
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• Emoji: the psychology behind the yellow face

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD

  Dr. Saliha Afridi speaks to Gulf News about the psychological science behind our use of emojis.

  10/01/2016
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• High Energy or ADHD?

  Carey Kirk, M.Ed

  Carey Kirk joins a discussion on ADHD. She offers information on causal and contributing factors,

  13/09/2013
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• What’s your vice?

  Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD

  Dr. Afridi and Dr. Wyne discuss the realities of addiction, including addiction to alcohol and sex.

  01/10/2013
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