Landmark Tenth Psychology Conference Held at Middlesex University Dubai
- Tuesday, 11 March 2025
The Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai Psychology department held the tenth conference of Applied Psychological Research and Practice in the Middle East on 27 February 2025.
The event, held at the Dubai Knowledge Park, drew more than 160 attendees, including researchers, practitioners, and students from across the UAE.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr Tala Alsoleiman, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder of The Adult and Child Therapy Centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Her address on “Multidimensional approaches to healing Complex PTSD” highlighted the psychological, neurological, and social factors that influence complex post-traumatic stress.
The conference also featured an engaging panel discussion with the theme “Wellbeing research in the UAE” which included Professor Anintha Menon, Head of School of Psychological Services, Curtin University; Prince Kouamelan Kouassi, Chair of the Department of Psychology, AUD; and Rasha Bayoumi, Associate Professor of Psychology, Head of Research, University of Birmingham Dubai.
The panel shared their key findings from recent wellbeing research and how it could be translated into policies and practical interventions.
This was followed by seven research presentations from academics and practitioners from Murdoch University, Canadian University, Amity University and Camali Clinic.
The presentations highlighted a variety of important areas in wellbeing and psychology, including topics such as inclusive education, wellbeing in collectivist cultures, primigravidae and applications of different therapeutic approaches.
The conference proceeded into practitioner's sessions, recognising the need for and importance of incorporating insights alongside research, this addition provided a well-rounded perspective, bridging the gap between theory and application.
Practitioners representing Sage Clinics, Journey Wellness Centre, Dubai Autism Centre, Human Relations Institute and Clinic, and Meer Psychiatry Clinic provided insights into approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Brainspotting, which they integrate into their clinical practice. Drawing from their expertise and case studies, they illustrated the effectiveness of these methods and their practical applications.
Dr Anita Shrivastava Kashi, Head of Psychology at MDX Dubai, said: “The event allowed our attendees to exchange knowledge and hear the latest research in the field.
“The intersection of practitioners and researchers at this platform to further develop psychology in the wider region was an extraordinary experience and brought originality and tremendous success to our conference.”
Applications are open to join MDX Dubai’s Psychology department, apply today and start in September.
