I’m Mary! I am a Clinical Psychologist at Connect Psychology.
I’m a Clinical Psychotherapist from the UK. I believe that everyone can benefit from a safe space to process life’s challenges.
We all struggle sometimes and speaking to a trained mental health professional can significantly help to support your wellbeing. My clients describe me as a warm, non-judgemental therapist who puts them at ease and works expertly alongside them in their struggles. I am passionate about working with each unique individual in a way which benefits them most.
Can you tell us about you?
Since 2013, I have had the privilege of working with adults and young people as a Clinical Psychotherapist in range of mental health settings. I have practiced as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the NHS (UK) in a specialist eating disorder & personality disorder hospital; within ‘Mind’ mental health charity, as well as a secondary school & 6th form college working closely with the SEN and school welfare teams.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem challenges, parenting, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, grief, identity issues linked to life transitions and trauma related issues.
I take a contemporary person-centred approach to therapy. I have also been trained to deliver DBT skills and Mindfulness techniques for stress reduction, both of which can be very helpful in times of emotional distress and crisis.
I have lived in Dubai since 2020. I feel lucky to live in such a vibrant multicultural city and to be raising a young child here surrounded by so many opportunities and an international outlook. At the same time, I also understand the unique challenges of expat life and living away from your home country.
What will therapy be like?
In our first session, I will spend time getting to know you and your reasons for seeking therapy. Vulnerability isn’t always easy; some people find it easier to talk than others, especially during hard times. My aim is to offer you a non-judgemental space where you feel able to openly discuss your experiences.
Whatever your unique circumstances; whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, I will respect you for who you are and help you to get the most out of our therapeutic alliance. Over the course of our sessions, I am committed to empowering you with the tools and insights to navigate life’s complexities and to create a positive change in your life.
What are your interests outside of psychology?
I love to spend quality time with family and friends. I enjoy keeping active, discovering new travel destinations and spending time in nature.
About me
Qualifications: Communication, BA (Bournemouth University, UK), Contemporary Person- Centred Psychotherapy and Applications, MSc with Distinction (Middlesex University, UK), CDA Licensed – Category: Social Therapist, Psychologist.
Therapies used: Person-Centred Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Counselling for Depression (also known as Person-Centred Experiential Therapy – PCET)
Clients worked with: Young people 8+, Adults, Couples, Families, Neurodivergence
Licensing and Regulation: Community Development Authority (Dubai) Licensed Psychologist, MSc degree accredited by the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Special interests: Trauma, anxiety, low mood, psychosis, depersonalisation, eating disorders, parenting, men’s mental health, corporate wellbeing training and workshops, ADHD, autism support.
My MSc research (Distinction) looks at the experience of family members of individuals with a severe mental health diagnosis, which is a topic of significant personal interest to me. My Viva exam case study (Distinction) focussed on enduring experiences of grief and loss.