A Supportive Space to Navigate Your Loss
Compassionate Grief and Bereavement Support in Dubai
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What is Bereavement & Grief?
Grief is a natural, emotional, and physical response to experiencing a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life transition. Psychologically, it is the process of adjusting to a reality that has fundamentally changed. While deeply painful, it is a universal human experience, and with patience and support, the intensity does become manageable.
Signs & Symptoms
Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it rarely follows a neat timeline. You might notice some of the following:
- Profound sadness, crying spells, or emotional numbness
- Anger, frustration, or feelings of guilt
- Brain fog, forgetfulness, or difficulty focusing
- Physical exhaustion, changes in appetite, or disrupted sleep
- A desire to withdraw from social situations
Tip: There is no “right” way to grieve. These reactions are your mind and body processing a massive change, not a sign that you are failing to cope.
What Causes It?
While grief isn’t an illness, professionals can help you navigate it. The process of grief diagnosis at The Psychiatry and Therapy Centre is gentle and supportive:
- An open, compassionate conversation with a grief counsellor or therapist about your loss
- Exploring how the grief is impacting your daily functioning and physical health
- Discussing whether you are experiencing “complicated grief,” which might require specialised therapeutic support
How It’s Diagnosed
A trauma diagnosis must be approached with the utmost care so as not to re-traumatise:
- A trauma-informed professional will guide a gentle assessment, focusing on your current symptoms rather than forcing you to recount every detail of the event.
- Screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD using standardised, evidence-based tools.
- A joint discussion to validate your experiences and outline a safe, paced treatment plan.
Treatment & Support Options
Healing from grief is about integration, not forgetting. Your support plan is tailored to your unique loss:
- Grief counselling or therapy to process complex emotions safely
- Support groups to connect with others who share similar experiences
- Holistic practices like journaling, memorialising, or gentle movement to release physical tension
- Time and self-compassion, honouring that healing happens at its own pace
Living With Grief
While grief changes you, many people find ways to integrate their loss and eventually experience joy and meaning again. It isn’t about moving on, but rather moving forward. Over time, the sharp edges of the pain tend to soften, allowing you to return to work, nurture relationships, and hold onto your memories with love rather than just sorrow.
Is there a 'right' way to grieve, or a timeline I should follow?
It’s a common question, and the answer is a resounding no. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no single ‘right’ way to experience it, nor a set timeline. Your reactions—whether profound sadness, anger, or even numbness—are your mind and body processing a massive change. Be kind to yourself; healing happens at its own pace.
I feel so many different emotions, sometimes all at once. Is this normal when grieving?
Absolutely. Grief often brings a whirlwind of emotions, from deep sadness and crying spells to anger, frustration, or even guilt. You might also experience physical exhaustion, brain fog, or changes in appetite. These varied reactions are completely normal as your system adjusts to a new reality after a significant loss.
I'm struggling to return to my daily routine. Does this mean I'm not coping well with my grief?
Not at all. Grief can profoundly impact daily functioning, making it hard to focus at work, maintain relationships, or even manage simple tasks. This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a natural part of the process. With patience and support, many people find ways to integrate their loss and gradually regain their footing, eventually experiencing joy and meaning again.
When should I consider seeking professional help for my grief?
While grief is a natural human experience, sometimes it can feel overwhelming or become ‘complicated,’ making it difficult to move forward. If your grief feels stuck, is severely impacting your daily life for an extended period, or you’re struggling with intense feelings of hopelessness, seeking support from a grief counsellor or therapist can provide a safe space to process these complex emotions and find healthy coping strategies.
Bereavement & Grief Experts at The Psychiatry and Therapy Centre
English
Dr Mohammed Yaseen Aslam (Consultant Psychiatry)
A Consultant Psychiatrist with over 16 years of mental health experience, including eight years in the NHS and a substantive private sector leadership role.
• MRCPsych (Royal College of Psychiatrists, London)
• CCT (GMC Specialist Register UK No. 4742809
• DHA License Consultant Psychiatrist
English, Urdu
Dr Asad Sadiq (Consultant Psychiatrist)
A UK-trained Consultant Psychiatrist with over 20 years’ experience, formerly a Lead Consultant and Clinical Director in the NHS, before relocating to Dubai in 2016.
• MBChB Medical degree, University of Edinburgh, UK
• Specialist register of General Medical Council, UK (Consultant Psychiatrist)
• Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP)
English, French
Jennifer von Baudissin (Psychodynamic Psychotherapist)
A UK-trained Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in London and Dubai, co-founder of the “Daring to Live” cancer support group.
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapist – UK Council for Psychotherapy
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Licensed Psychotherapist
• Clinical Director
English and Gujarati
Shamim Patel (Assistant Psychologist)
A dedicated Assistant Psychologist with 12 years of experience in Dubai, specialising in psychodynamic psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and mental health support for adults and adolescents.
• MSc Psychology (Distinction) – University of Kent
• Global Skills Award (Gold) – University of Kent
• Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) – British Psychological Society
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) – University of Toronto
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A Safe Space to Begin Your Healing
We understand that reaching out can feel like a daunting step, and you don’t have to have all the answers right now. At The Psychiatry & Therapy Centre, your comfort and peace of mind are our absolute priorities. You don’t have to carry the weight of what you’re going through alone.
When you’re ready, we’re here to listen at your pace and on your terms. You can reach out to our compassionate team in whichever way feels most secure and comfortable for you: