Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent
Psychotherapy is a collaborative approach that involves therapeutic conversations and interactions between a therapist and a child or family. It can help children and families understand and resolve problems, modify behaviour, and make positive changes in their lives. There are several types of psychotherapy that involve different approaches, techniques, and interventions. At times, a combination of different psychotherapy approaches may be helpful. In some cases, a combination of medication with psychotherapy may be more effective.
What conditions or challenges does psychotherapy help manage?
- Psychotherapy can help with several issues, including but not limited to the following:
Difficulties in coping with daily life or medical conditions - Lifestyle changes like acculturation, adjustment, relocation
- Stress and relational issues
- Trauma (physical or emotional)
- The death of a loved one and grief.
- School/education-related or family issues
- Specific mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and more.
- Behavioural conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder and more.
How does it work?
Our trained team of specialists notice emotional responses and behaviour whilst naming feelings and carefully attending to what a young person says. This therapeutic process can help children and young people troubled by anxiety or other complex feelings such as aggression, sadness, anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity. The therapist or psychologist creates a safe space that is non-judgemental and curious, helping put into words what has been communicated through various forms of interaction and expression. Talking to a psychologist can help make sense of some of these complex emotions and behaviours linked to anxiety and pain.
What types of therapy and services are offered?
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Bhavna is an embodiment of expression in Hindi, and what better way to convey her feelings than through the art of dance and movement. From the tender age of 5, she has dedicated her life to learning, practicing, and performing various dance forms from around the world. Dance has been her refuge, helping her navigate through pain, hurt, and worries, ultimately leading her to the path of sharing this wisdom through rhythm and movement therapy. With over 22 years of teaching experience, Bhavna has transformed numerous students, spanning kids, adults, and children with autism, using movement as a medium for both enjoyment and meditation. She firmly believes that movement serves as a non-verbal language that connects body, mind, and soul, enabling individuals to express their inner selves. As a Visharad in Indian classical dance and holding certifications in yoga, Pilates, fitness, and a diploma in special needs education, Bhavna is well-equipped to guide others on their transformative journey through dance and movement.
In her professional capacity as the Director at the Child Development Center (CDC) for Special Needs, Kamila’s role involves supervising the provision of multi-disciplinary therapy services for children with autism and related developmental disorders. Kamila strongly believes in the provision of trauma-informed, empathetic, and child- and parent-centered therapy, which includes approaches such as music therapy, play-based ABA therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and occupational therapy. Kamila is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who holds a Masters degree in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, and is currently completing her doctorate in Education with a special focus on mental health and wellbeing of mothers of children with autism. At CDC, Kamila has incorporated approaches such as mindfulness and music therapy for reducing anxiety, stress, and enhancing emotional regulation and overall mental wellbeing among children and parents of children with autism disabilities and therapists.
A pioneer and coach, she is the founder of the be.fit180o team and the QAthletics Academy. She is the first Qatari coach targeting age groups from 4 to 14 years old for running and jumping since 2019. She holds a diploma in sports club and sports institution management and is a Level 3 running and fitness coach.
Iain Tulley spent 35 years in UK Healthcare, 15 years as Chief Executive.
Moses is a Physical Literacy and Physical Activity Champion, with vast experience, of over 18 years in youth empowerment, community development, project planning, project implementation, networking, resource mobilization, and working at different levels from grassroots, national, and international levels. He has extensive experience working with diverse groups of individuals in both local and global capacities.
Amna AlMuhannadi is a certified Ayurvedic lifestyle instructor and a psychological and social counselor with over a decade of experience in the field of health and wellness. She is recognized as an influencer in promoting healthy living and wellness tourism.
Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari boasts a remarkable career as both a General and bariatric Surgeon and a prominent figure in the world of sports administration.
Dr. Ghuloum is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation, Professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and an Associate Professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar.
Joanna, a wife and mom of three boys, spent over a decade calling Qatar home. Transitioning from the corporate world, she recently embarked on a new journey, becoming a business owner specializing in digital marketing. Beyond her professional pursuits, Joanna is a passionate advocate for mental health, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance and prioritizing self-care for mothers, readily sharing her experiences through her blog, “Mama in Transit”.
Shefa, with over 15 years of corporate experience, is a leading figure in coaching and motivation in Qatar. Her background in corporate communications and her roles as a Life & Business Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Wellness Advocate have made her a sought-after expert. She divides her time between consulting, coaching, workshops, and delivering keynotes for various organizations. Shefa is also a prolific writer and editor, contributing to publications like The Conversation by Amanda de Cadenet and a weekly column in Gulf Times, a prominent newspaper in Qatar. Her diverse client base includes organizations across multiple industries.
Dr. Nelli El-Ghazal holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and serves as a Child and Adolescent Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry, with an instructional role at Weill Cornell Medical College. Her extensive background encompasses experience in the U.S. school system and private practice. Since joining Sidra in 2017, her clinical focus has revolved around addressing school-related emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as devising solutions for diverse learning and psychological needs. Dr. El-Ghazal actively collaborates with local schools to establish mental health support programs and frequently conducts training for parents, students, and faculty at educational institutions. She has also contributed as a guest lecturer at HMC and the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, and she holds an associate editor position with an international school psychology journal.
French adventurer and endurance athlete, living in Doha for the past 15 years.
Former Qatar athletic and Coach.