Dr. Daniel Sheppard
Clinical Psychologist In Dubai
About Me
I am a British Clinical Psychologist, licensed by the DHA (Dubai) and the HCPC (UK). I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, specialising in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) within the NHS. In addition, I hold a PhD in autism, and I have published several papers in peer-reviewed journals (see publications HERE).
Before transitioning into psychology, I was a qualified teacher in the UK, working predominantly in schools for children and young people with additional, complex needs. This experience, as both a teacher and psychologist, provides me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within both home and school environments and how these can impact the mental health and well-being of pupils, teachers, and families alike.
As a compassionate, person-centred clinical psychologist, I employ an integrative therapeutic approach tailored to meet individuals’ needs, with the client/therapist relationship at the core of therapy. Throughout my career, spanning over 19 years as a teacher, researcher, and clinical psychologist, I have worked extensively with both young people and adults, and their wider systems, to help them understand their challenges and navigate everyday life. My focus on neurodiversity has furthered my ability to notice and challenge assumptions, including my own, and to consider the biopsychosocial factors that shape how a person relates to themselves and the world around them.
Areas of Expertise
- Psychological assessment, formulation and therapy with young people and adults
- Neurodivergent conditions (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities) and related behavioural and mental health difficulties
- Anxiety, stress
- Depression
- Bereavement and grief
- Behavioural/emotional regulation difficulties
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Relational difficulties
- Parent/teacher/carer support (e.g., psychoeducation, reflective practice, therapy)
Therapeutic Modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Systemic/relational approach
Professional Affiliations
- DHA licensed Clinical Psychologist (Dubai)
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- General Teaching Council for England (GTC)
Qualifications
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (University of Edinburgh)
- PhD in Autism (Radboud University Nijmegen):
Publications HERE
- MSc in Psychology (University of Hertfordshire)
- UK-Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – 8 years teaching experience
