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Victoria Shiel | Psychologist in Dubai

Therapy for adults and adolescents in Dubai

Victoria Shiel is an English-speaking psychologist in Dubai offering warm, evidence-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing, delivered in a safe and confidential space.

Therapy that feels human

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I work as a psychologist in Dubai, offering tailored therapy and counselling for adults and adolescents. My particular focus is on trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, and self-esteem, though I also work with clients experiencing burnout, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

My approach brings together Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) with genuine human connection. The goal is always the same: to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and able to make lasting change.

“A space where clients can better understand themselves, build practical tools, and create meaningful, sustainable change.”

What clients say

I felt understood from the very first session. That made all the difference.

Therapy client

The approach felt both practical and supportive. I left each session feeling more grounded.

Therapy client

I noticed a real shift in how I manage anxiety. Things that used to overwhelm me feel more manageable now.

Therapy client

For the first time, I felt like someone was really listening without judgement.

Therapy client

Victoria helped me see patterns I had been carrying for years. Gentle, clear, and incredibly insightful.

Therapy client

I was nervous about starting therapy, but the warmth and professionalism put me at ease straight away.

Therapy client

I finally feel like I have tools I can actually use in my daily life. That was exactly what I needed.

Therapy client

The space felt safe and unhurried. I never felt rushed or pressured to share more than I was ready to.

Therapy client

About Victoria

Victoria Shiel is an English-speaking psychologist based in Dubai with over five years of clinical experience across the UK, Gibraltar, and Spain. I hold a BSc in Psychology from University College London (UCL) and have worked with adults and adolescents in private clinical settings throughout my career.

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) within a trauma-informed, client-led framework. I believe therapy should feel both safe and productive. A space where you can better understand yourself, build practical tools, and create meaningful, sustainable change.

  • BSc Psychology, University College London (UCL)
  • Over 5 years of clinical experience
  • Experience across the UK, Gibraltar, Spain, and Dubai
  • English-speaking therapist in private practice

Therapeutic Approach

My work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), which allows me to tailor each session to you as an individual. I practise in a trauma-informed way, helping clients develop practical coping strategies, emotional awareness, and self-compassion for everyday life.

Therapy and counselling in Dubai

Individual Therapy for Adults

Tailored one-to-one therapy sessions for adults in Dubai, addressing trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, burnout, and life transitions. I use CBT and Compassion Focused Therapy to support your specific goals.

Therapy for Adolescents

Supportive, age-appropriate counselling for adolescents in Dubai navigating anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the pressures of growing up. Sessions are delivered with warmth, patience, and full confidentiality.

Online & In-Person Sessions

I offer both online therapy and in-person sessions in Dubai. Online sessions are conducted via a secure video platform, making therapy accessible wherever you are, whether that’s across the UAE or internationally.

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just the willingness to begin.

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Common questions

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Each therapy session lasts 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to explore what’s on your mind whilst keeping things focused and moving forward.

Yes. I offer both online and in-person therapy in Dubai. Online sessions are conducted via a secure video platform, so you’ll receive the same quality of counselling wherever you are, whether that’s within the UAE or internationally.

I work with adults and adolescents as an English-speaking psychologist in Dubai. My approach is tailored to each person, taking into account your unique circumstances, goals, and where you are in life.

I specialise in trauma therapy, anxiety therapy, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, burnout, and life transitions. If you’re not sure whether what you’re going through is something I can help with, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Therapy can be helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally drained, or looking for support in understanding yourself more deeply. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from working with a psychologist. Many people find it valuable as a space for self-understanding and personal growth.

Insights for your wellbeing

Thoughtful articles by Victoria Shiel on emotional health, self-understanding, and the therapeutic process. Written to help you feel more informed, less alone, and gently curious about the changes you’d like to make.

Anxiety

How to Manage Anxiety When It Feels Overwhelming

Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, or a constant sense of dread. This article explores what anxiety actually is, why it happens, and when professional support can make a real difference.

Read More
anxiety therapist Dubai · how to cope with anxiety · anxiety treatment UAE
Trauma

Signs You May Be Carrying Unresolved Trauma

Trauma doesn’t always look the way we expect. It can surface as hypervigilance, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, or feeling permanently on edge, even years after the event.

Read More
trauma therapy Dubai · trauma symptoms · trauma-informed psychologist UAE
Self-Esteem

Why Low Self-Esteem Follows You Into Adulthood

Low self-esteem often has roots in childhood experiences. Understanding where your inner critic comes from is the first step towards building a kinder, more accurate relationship with yourself.

Read More
low self-esteem therapy · self-worth psychologist Dubai · building confidence adults
Adolescents

When Should My Teenager See a Psychologist?

It can be hard to know whether your teenager is going through a normal phase or struggling with something deeper. This article outlines the signs to look out for and how therapy can support young people.

Read More
adolescent psychologist Dubai · teen therapy UAE · teenage mental health support
Emotional Regulation

What Does It Actually Mean to Regulate Your Emotions?

Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing how you feel. It’s about developing the capacity to notice, understand, and respond to your emotions in a way that feels manageable and intentional.

Read More
emotional regulation skills · managing emotions therapy · emotional awareness Dubai
Relationships

Why Do I Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns?

From people-pleasing to avoidance, many relationship difficulties stem from deeply held beliefs about ourselves and others. Therapy offers a space to understand these patterns and begin to shift them.

Read More
relationship counselling Dubai · relationship therapy UAE · attachment patterns
Burnout

Burnout Is More Than Just Being Tired

Burnout builds quietly through overwork, emotional depletion, and the slow neglect of your own needs. Recognising the early warning signs is often the first step towards meaningful recovery.

Read More
burnout recovery Dubai · burnout psychologist UAE · work stress therapy
Therapy Approaches

CBT and Compassion Focused Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Two of the most effective evidence-based approaches explained in plain language: what they involve, who they help, and how they work together to support lasting change.

Read More
CBT therapist Dubai · compassion focused therapy UAE · types of therapy explained
Starting Therapy

What to Expect From Your First Therapy Session in Dubai

Walking into a first session can feel daunting. Here’s a gentle, honest guide to what typically happens, what you might be asked, and how to get the most from the experience.

Read More
first therapy session · what to expect therapy Dubai · finding a psychologist UAE
Life Transitions

Navigating Major Life Changes Without Losing Yourself

Relocating, changing careers, becoming a parent, or ending a relationship. Life transitions can unsettle even the most resilient among us, and therapy can help you find clarity during uncertain times.

Read More
life transitions therapy · expat psychologist Dubai · coping with change UAE

Book a consultation

If you’d like to enquire about therapy or counselling in Dubai, please get in touch using the form below, by email, or via WhatsApp. Whether you’re looking for trauma therapy, anxiety support, or simply a confidential space to talk, I aim to make the first point of contact as calm and welcoming as possible.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates