In the UAE, relationship strains are on the rise, as the Gulf News reported that about 28.5% of marriages dissolve within one year. Dubai’s expat-heavy population (88% foreign nationals) adds cultural challenges, so couples commonly face communication breakdowns, trust issues, and infidelity.
However, about 75% of couples report improvement with counseling. Skilled therapists for couples in Dubai use evidence-based methods to rebuild intimacy and understanding. Continue reading to discover the 10 best couples therapists in Dubai, including their credentials, approach, and specialties.
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1. Trevor Brown
Trevor Brown is a licensed clinical psychotherapist (MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) and founder of The Other Therapy. With years of clinical experience, he offers online therapy to individuals and couples in Dubai and worldwide, especially expatriates.
Moreover, Trevor works extensively on intimacy issues and relational conflicts that often arise for those living abroad. His therapeutic approach combines evidence-based counseling skills with a deep understanding of modern relationships. He is trained in Relational Life Therapy and certified in ACT and ISTDP.
This expertise helps him address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship struggles compassionately. Trevor has built The Other Therapy into a trusted therapy platform for expats seeking clarity and confidence in their personal lives.
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Dubai
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
2. Judy Seoud
Judy Seoud holds dual master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology (Teachers College, Columbia University). She is a licensed psychologist in Dubai and a licensed mental health counselor in New York. Based at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, Judy specializes in couples therapy and sex therapy, as well as individual issues like anxiety and trauma.
As the best therapist for couples in Dubai, she uses a client-centered approach combining CBT and mindfulness. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, she tailors sessions to each couple’s culture.
3. Nicola Beer
Nicola Beer is a veteran relationship counselor and coach based in Dubai. With over 20 years of experience, she has guided thousands of individuals and couples through challenges like infidelity, communication breakdowns, and trust issues. Nicola earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Sociology with psychology modules and holds multiple certifications.
Her approach combines therapeutic insight with practical action. So, instead of only talking, she focuses on concrete steps to rebuild the connection.
4. Tracey Samaras
Being one of the best couple therapists in Dubai, Tracey Samaras serves as a clinical psychologist at the American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology (ACPN). She earned an M.A. in Integrative Clinical Psychology & Psychopathology from the University of Paris. Samaras spent over 7 years working with NGOs (Médecins du Monde) in Lebanon.
She specializes in systemic couples therapy (Lien Systémique) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), and also offers parental coaching. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, she helps clients of all ages with communication and relationship issues.
5. Kate Prozeller
Dr. Kate Prozeller is a US-trained clinical psychologist licensed to practice in Dubai. She earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in counseling psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, USA. Moreover, Kate’s specialties include maternal mental health, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.
She also holds certification in perinatal mental health. Using a compassionate approach, Dr. Prozeller incorporates evidence-based methods (CBT, DBT) to meet each couple’s needs.
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Dubai
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
6. Helena El-Haddad
Helena El-Haddad is a clinical psychologist at OpenMinds Center in Dubai (Barsha Heights). She earned her B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Notre Dame University (Lebanon) and an M.Sc. from Anglia Ruskin University. Being the best therapist for couples in Dubai, she is a licensed CBT practitioner.
Her specialties include stress management, family issues, anxiety, and mood disorders. Moreover, she offers individual, family, and couples therapy aimed at improving communication and overall well-being.
7. Jean-Philippe (JP) Arzul
Serving as the best couples therapist in Dubai, Dr. Jean-Philippe works at The MapleTree Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and is licensed by the Dubai Health Authority. Arzul’s approach explores unconscious factors and early relational patterns to address present issues.
He specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, and unhealthy relationship patterns. With over a decade in psychiatric practice, he combines insight with practical coping strategies to help clients achieve lasting change.
8. Sarah Rasmi
As the best couples therapist in Dubai, Dr. Sarah Rasmi holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Guelph in Canada. She has completed multiple couples therapy trainings, including Gottman Institute and HEART Relational Therapy. As a licensed psychologist and managing director of Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, she also treats anxiety and adjustment challenges.
On top of that, Rasmi integrates research-backed techniques with empathy and cultural sensitivity. Her academic background and ongoing research give her a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics in relationships.
9. Maša Karleuša Valkanou
Maša Karleuša is a certified systemic family psychotherapist at Thrive Centre in Dubai. She earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Sheffield and the University of Belgrade. Licensed in Dubai as the best couples therapist, Maša holds certifications from European psychotherapy associations.
Other than that, her expertise covers anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship conflicts. Maša is known for her creative approach that empowers clients through workshops and corporate training.
10. Hanadi Beydoun
Hanadi Beydoun is a Lebanese psychologist at The MapleTree Center in Dubai. Being the best therapist for couples, she provides individual psychotherapy in Arabic and English. Hanadi’s approach is relational and psychodynamic, exploring how past and present relationships shape current emotions.
She also integrates CBT, ACT, and AEDP techniques as needed. Her areas of interest include chronic anxiety, emotional numbing, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues.
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Dubai
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
What type of therapist is best for couples therapy?
Ideally, therapists specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) or licensed counselors with couples training are best. The key is finding a therapist whose expertise and style match the couple’s needs.
What is the failure rate of couples therapy?
Research shows that about 70 to 80% of couples report positive outcomes from therapy, implying roughly a 20 to 30% failure rate. Success often depends on factors like therapist expertise and client commitment.
Are couples therapists worth it?
Yes, most couples who do therapy benefit and report stronger relationships. A good couples therapist can improve communication, rebuild trust, and help resolve conflicts.
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