Thinking of training to become a counselor would I be able to set up on my own here once I am qualified?

hi, Iam ph.D in psychology, and have experience of working as psychologist in Pakistan , however, i dont have any clinical diploma , Iam new in UAE, Abudhabi , any one please guide me how i can work here as psychologist ? do i need some diploma or only need to pass HAAD? Thanks, DR.Afreen

In Abu Dhabi it is going to be the HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) in Dubai you have the Healthcare City and then the government agencies that govern the rest of Dubai other than the free zones. All these authorities in the UAE are looking for two things: You having a degree, Masters and or Doctorate, in your chosen profession and being licensed in your country. In the UK this because you have a certain degree you are most likely approved by mostly informal organisations. For example, if you have a Masters in Counselling Psychology then you will most likely be approved by the BABCP. The BACP is much more narrow and specific. There is also the UKCP. If you want to work as a mainstream therapist in the UK then first go to one or all of these organisations and see what it takes to be approved by them. That may save you a great deal of time and energy. The US and most other western countries separate your education from your licensing process. Meaning, you are licensed by California or Western Australia. This usually involves doing more than just having a Masters. Most governing bodies in the UAE will honour your degree and licensing approving you as a therapist in another country. The other path is to work as a healer. I am less familiar with this and I believe it to be unregulated and probably not legal in this country. Most who do this work are still connected with a group and are part of a larger organisation. Remember you can't work out of your home and if you accept money you must be part of a legal company ect. Those that do healing work legally are usually part of other recognised professions and thus are not technically or exclusively doing just healing work. Don't rule out volunteer work, starting your own charitable organisation. Their are many ways to use your talents. Start a business helping people sort their house out, these are growing fields in the US and UK. Think where you might be in 5 years and what groups of people you are drawn towards. Try things out like starting your own young mothers support group, healthy eating group ect. Don't just limit yourself to sitting in a room and having people come in and talk to you. Think outside that box!!! All the best, Sheila

Thanks for getting back to me! That was really useful.

Hi Thompson1 I also have the same question as you as i start my counseling diploma next month through Australian Institute professional Counsellors it is all online.. I think in Dubai they may want more than a diploma so im already planning if all goes well to do a BA after.. If you have any info would be great to know. :)

Hi Thompson1, sorry I cannot answer your question about practising here but I wondered if I could ask you a few questions? I have been wanting to train as a counsellor for many years now but found it impossible here in Dubai as all the courses I looked at required me to return to Britain for face to face training ... Can i ask how you are planning on doing your training? Thanks in advance and sorry again for sidetracking a bit.