Dr. Thoraiya Kanafani, PhD
(she/her)
About Me
I am a Dubai-based clinical psychologist and clinical director specializing in young adult and couples therapy. With over 20 years of practice across Canada, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, I bring a global perspective to my work.
Holding a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am licensed in Canada as a psychotherapist and a suicide interventionist as well as am dual-licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Community Development Authority (CDA).
As an adjunct professor at Middlesex University and previously at the American University of Sharjah, Heriot-Watt University, and Canadian University of Dubai, I feel dedicated to educating the next generation of mental health professionals.
My expertise lies in helping individuals and couples with a range of difficulties, from clinical ones (depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders) to daily navigation of life’s challenges. I also provide psycho-educational assessments to students to evaluate learning difficulties as well as ADHD in children and adults. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Education & Experience
PhD in Clinical Psychology
M.A in Counseling Psychology
M.Ed in Educational Psychology
B.A in Psychology and Marketing
Over 20 years of experience in working with young adults and couples in multiple countries.
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Addictions
- Alcohol/Substance Abuse
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
- Domestic Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Family Issues
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Headaches/Migraines
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- Couples
- Expats
- LGBTQ+
- Underserved
Language
- Arabic
- English