Mental Health AE

MentalHealth AE

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HEALTH & FITNESS
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MHAE is a UAE based mental health and wellness initiative, with the aim to create awareness and provide a safe space as well as access to information and resources. Follow us on our Instagram and check out our website. https://mentalhealth.ae/ https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae/

1D AGO

S04E07 - Coaching - Alaa Hamade

In this episode, Ali Khawaja sits down with Alaa Hamade, an ICF-certified professional coach, educator, and entrepreneur, for a practical and honest conversation about what coaching really is and what it is not. Together, they unpack the difference between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and consulting, while exploring why coaching is not about “fixing” people, but about helping them gain clarity, shift perspective, and uncover their own answers. Alaa shares how coaching changed the way he listens, teaches, leads, and communicates, while Ali reflects on his own journey into coaching and the powerful role of curiosity in meaningful conversations. The episode also covers who coaching is for, how to know whether you need a coach, what to expect from the coaching process, how to choose a properly credentialed coach, and what it takes to become one. Whether you are curious about getting coached, becoming a coach, or simply learning how better conversations can create real transformation, this episode offers a clear and grounded introduction to the world of professional coaching Podcasters: Ali Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com Alaa Hamade | http://alaahamade.com ⁠ MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

44 min
MAY 1

S04E06 - Full Circle Moment - Manahil Ijaz

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Manahil Ijaz, a marketing professional and community builder, to explore the power of authentic human connection, community spaces, and mental health awareness in modern urban life.Manahil shares her journey from graduating during COVID-19 into uncertainty, discovering Mental Health AE through Meetup, and finding a sense of belonging during one of the most challenging periods of her life. What began as attending wellness sessions evolved into contributing blogs, building communities, and eventually creating her own initiative.The conversation highlights the importance of safe, non-judgmental spaces where individuals can simply exist, share, or even just listen without pressure. Manahil discusses her work with initiatives like Dubai Circle, where the focus is on creating intentional, authentic environments for people - especially young professionals and expats - to connect, reflect, and feel seen.Ali and Manahil also reflect on the realities of life in fast-paced cities like Dubai, the emotional challenges of relocation and isolation, and the need to balance ambition with self-awareness. The discussion emphasizes that sometimes the most powerful form of support is simply being present with others.The episode also touches on Manahil’s involvement with community initiatives like Fame, which empowers people of determination through creative expression, reinforcing the theme of service, inclusion, and giving back.The episode closes with reflections on purpose, authenticity, and the importance of building communities that prioritize human connection over performance, reminding listeners that healing and growth often begin with simply showing up. ⁠ #MentalHealthAE⁠ ⁠#CommunityHealing⁠ ⁠#AuthenticConnection⁠ ⁠#DubaiLife⁠ ⁠#Wellbeing⁠ ⁠#EmotionalSupport⁠ ⁠#SafeSpaces⁠ ⁠#PersonalGrowth⁠ ⁠#Mindfulness⁠ Podcasters: Ali Khawaja⁠ | http://alikhawaja.com ⁠Manahil Ijaz⁠ | http://instagram.com/yourstoryquest ⁠MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠ MHAE Instagram | ⁠ http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

48 min
APR 17

S04E05 - Staying Grounded in Times of Uncertainty - Dr. Elif Celebi Adam

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Elif Adam, a clinical psychologist and founder of Bellevue Therapy in Dubai, to discuss the psychological impact of ongoing regional uncertainty and conflict. The conversation explores how ambiguity, fear, and constant exposure to information are affecting individuals, families, and communities across the UAE. Elif explains how uncertainty activates the nervous system, often pushing people into prolonged states of fight, flight, or freeze, which can lead to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and loss of motivation. Ali and Elif discuss real-life challenges people are facing, including concerns about safety, job security, disrupted routines, and the difficult decision of whether to stay in the UAE or temporarily leave. They also highlight the impact of misinformation, social media overload, and WhatsApp rumors in amplifying fear and confusion. A key focus of the episode is practical coping strategies. Elif emphasizes the importance of regulating information intake, maintaining social connections, avoiding isolation, and practicing emotional awareness. The discussion also covers parenting during uncertain times, helping children manage fear, and setting realistic expectations for families navigating disrupted routines. The episode concludes with reflections on acceptance, resilience, and intentional living - encouraging listeners to focus on what they can control, stay connected with others, and adopt a proactive approach to mental wellbeing during challenging times. #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Uncertainty #StressManagement #UAE #Wellbeing #EmotionalHealth #Parenting #Mindfulness #Resilience Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/drelifdubaipsych/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

47 min
MAR 31

S04E04 - The Bowen Method: A Gentle Approach to Healing - Genevieve Godward

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Genevieve Godward, a Bowen therapist based in Dubai, to explore the Bowen Method, a gentle, non-invasive approach to healing that works by regulating the nervous system. Genevieve shares her unconventional journey from the thoroughbred horse racing industry into alternative therapy, explaining how she first encountered Bowen therapy in Australia after years of physical strain and injury. Initially drawn to the method for its application with horses, she became deeply engaged after experiencing its effectiveness on herself and others, eventually training in human, equine, and small animal Bowen therapy. The conversation explains how Bowen therapy uses light rolling movements over specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, helping shift the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a parasympathetic state where healing, repair, and regulation can occur. Unlike invasive treatments, Bowen works by prompting the body to heal itself rather than forcing physical change. Ali and Genevieve discuss the wide range of conditions Bowen can support, including musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, stress-related conditions, chronic illness, mental health challenges, and recovery support. The discussion also highlights Bowen’s effectiveness with animals, emphasizing shared mammalian physiology and the benefits of a gentle approach for pets and horses. The episode closes with reflections on stress, modern lifestyles, mental health, and the growing need for preventative and holistic care. Genevieve encourages greater self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and proactive wellbeing practices, positioning Bowen as a complementary therapy for both physical and emotional health. #BowenTherapy #NervousSystemRegulation #HolisticHealing #AlternativeTherapies #MindBodyConnection #StressRelief #ChronicPainSupport #MentalWellbeing #NaturalHealing Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/dubaibowentherapy/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

33 min
MAR 14

S04E03 - Calm, Clarity, and Connection: The ICAN Collective Approach - Laura Brennan

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Laura Brennan, a family wellbeing and behavior specialist and founder of the ICAN Collective, to discuss a systems-based approach to calm, clarity, and connection in children, families, and schools. Laura shares her extensive international journey across education, therapeutic settings, and family environments in the UK, Japan, Australia, the US, and the UAE. Through this work, she observed a common global issue: children’s behavior is widely misunderstood, and responsibility is often misplaced on the child rather than on the environments surrounding them. Her experience working across education, therapy, movement, and family systems shaped her holistic perspective. The conversation explores the structural challenges within education and mental health systems, including overdiagnosis, lack of communication between schools, families, and service providers, and the pressure placed on children to adapt to systems not designed for them. Laura emphasizes the importance of early intervention, environmental awareness, and consistent strategies across home, school, and community. Ali and Laura discuss cultural dynamics in the UAE, the role of caregivers, stigma around mental health, and the risks of waiting until crisis points before seeking support. Laura introduces the ICAN Collective as a collaborative model that empowers parents, supports schools, and connects professionals to create aligned, child-centered solutions. The episode concludes with a focus on connection, advocacy, and collective responsibility. Both speakers highlight that meaningful change requires shared language, early action, and collaboration across all stakeholders to build healthier systems for children and families. #FamilyWellbeing #ChildMentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #EducationReform #EarlyIntervention #ParentingSupport #MentalHealthAdvocacy #CommunityCare Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/ican.collective.family/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

47 min
FEB 28

S04E02 - Holistic Approach: Balance - Purpose - Harmony - Marina Judd

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Marina Judd, founder of the Holistic Academy in Dubai, to explore a holistic approach to life, work, and personal transformation centered on balance, purpose, and harmony. Marina shares her personal journey from a corporate career in economics into holistic education, a transition sparked by personal loss and deep self-reflection. After experiencing the limitations of logic-based approaches during periods of grief and emotional distress, she discovered the transformative power of art therapy and holistic practices, both for herself and her family. This journey eventually led her to establish the Holistic Academy. The conversation dives into what makes Marina’s programs unique. Built on four core pillars, personal transformation, scientific understanding of stress and the nervous system, structured ethical tools, and professional accreditation, the academy emphasizes that true change takes time and must be lived, not rushed. Participants are guided through extended programs that allow space for reflection, integration, and growth. Ali and Marina discuss the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world, rebuilding community, and creating safe group environments where people can reconnect with themselves and others. The episode also explores gender dynamics in holistic work, the need for more men to engage in emotional and personal development, and how nurturing leadership benefits families, relationships, and society at large. The conversation closes with reflections on transformation as a ripple effect, how personal change impacts households and communities, and why sustainable growth can only happen when people give themselves permission to slow down and reconnect with purpose. #HolisticWellbeing #BalanceAndPurpose #PersonalTransformation #MentalHealthAwareness #ArtTherapy #StressManagement #EmotionalWellbeing #HolisticLiving #PurposeDrivenLife Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/mrn.judd/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

44 min
FEB 15

S04E01 - The Power of Coaching: Creating Positive Workplaces - Faten El Ayache

In the Season 4 premiere, Ali Khawaja is joined by Faten El Ayache, founder of Brightfields, for a deep conversation on coaching, leadership, and creating psychologically safe workplaces. Faten shares her personal journey from pharmacy and corporate sales into learning and development, positive psychology, and coaching. Driven by a desire to make meaningful impact, she founded Brightfields with the mission of helping individuals and organizations thrive through coaching conversations. The episode explores what coaching truly is and how it differs from therapy or consulting. Coaching is described as a goal-oriented partnership that helps individuals unlock their own insights, overcome blind spots, and reconnect with their inner resources. Both Ali and Faten emphasize that coaching works best for people who are willing to be vulnerable, unlearn conditioned beliefs, and step outside their comfort zones. A major highlight is Faten’s SOS Leadership Model, which reframes leadership through three core lenses: creating psychological safety through connection, taking ownership of one’s internal triggers and responses, and recognizing every individual as a “star” with unique strengths. The discussion connects these leadership principles to mental health, innovation, burnout, and loneliness at the top. The conversation closes with reflections on workplace toxicity, stigma around mental health, and the urgent need for more human-centered leadership. The episode reinforces the idea that coaching is not a luxury, but a critical tool for healthier leaders, stronger teams, and more sustainable organizations. #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #PositiveWorkplaces #ExecutiveCoaching #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealthAtWork #HumanCenteredLeadership #PersonalGrowth Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/faten_elayache/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

51 min
10/14/2024

S03E17 - Transforming Educational Support for Dyslexic Learners - Rehab

In this episode, Ali Khawaja hosts Rehab Shahbal, founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, an online center that provides support for children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Rehab shares her journey from a high-ranking corporate role to establishing a center dedicated to personalized learning support after her son was diagnosed with dyslexia. She discusses the emotional impact of navigating stigma and advocating for her child’s needs, underscoring the importance of parental involvement and research-backed educational methods. Rehab explains the services offered by DYStinct Learners, including tailored assessments, remediation, and diagnostic evaluations. She highlights the challenges parents face in securing effective educational support, the need for community awareness, and the evolving inclusion policies in the UAE. The conversation also addresses financial and institutional obstacles, encouraging a community approach for collective progress. Rehab’s story is a powerful reminder that every child deserves an education suited to their needs and abilities. She emphasizes that it’s never too late to start helping children learn in the way that’s right for them. #DyslexiaSupport #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #DistinctLearners #LearningDisabilities #ParentalAdvocacy #EducationReform #CommunitySupport Podcasters- https://www.instagram.com/talktokhawaja/ https://www.instagram.com/dystinctlearners/ MHAE Website | https://www.mentalhealth.ae MHAE Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae

39 min

MHAE is a UAE based mental health and wellness initiative, with the aim to create awareness and provide a safe space as well as access to information and resources. Follow us on our Instagram and check out our website. https://mentalhealth.ae/ https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthae/

Creator

MentalHealth AE
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

52
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© MentalHealth AE
Show Website

Mental Health AE