Ms. Zahra Poonawala
MA Clinical Psychology, BA Psychology, Equine Assisted Mental Health Practioner

LANGUAGES

English Hindi Urdu

EXPERIENCE

+9 Years
Toll Free 800-AWCD (2923)

Ms. Zahra Poonawala

Psychology, Counseling

Human behavior is a product of multiple factors in the environment in addition to genetic makeup. Changes in environment bring changes in Human's Behavior.


I am an experienced Mental Health Professional, having dedicated the past five years of my career to serving individuals, families, and educational institutions like Kings School Al Barsha and Creakids Nursery, as well as various special needs centers in the UAE. My practice is deeply rooted in the belief that involving families can significantly impact a child's behavioral improvement, as it encourages working as a unified team where each member plays a distinct, vital role.

Understanding the uniqueness of everyone I encounter, I employ a diverse range of techniques and modalities, meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of my clients. This personalized approach ensures that every therapeutic journey is as unique as the individual it is designed to assist.

My expertise in Animal Assisted Therapy has been recognized on platforms such as TEDx Talks in Dubai in 2016, where I had the honor of sharing my knowledge and experiences in this innovative field. My journey into specialized therapeutic methods began with my certification as an Animal Assisted Therapy practitioner from the Animal Angels Foundation in India in 2013, the same year I became a Clinical Hypnotherapist through the California Hypnosis Institute, also in India.

Further expanding my specialization, I became an Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner in 2018 after completing my studies at the University of Denver, Colorado, USA. This certification has allowed me to incorporate equine-assisted therapy into my practice, offering a unique and impactful therapeutic option to my clients. My commitment to my profession is driven by a passion for fostering healing and growth through innovative and compassionate care.

Working with Children and Families
 
My areas of interest include working with children exhibiting behavior problems and having emotional instability, children’s having autism spectrum disorder and struggling with social relatedness and behavior problems.
 
While working with children I use various evidence-based behavior modifying techniques, incorporate various principles from Behavioral therapy through coaching and counseling the parents and educate them about behavioral expectations and find their solution.
 
I design and implement strategies and interventions to help children adjust to their school environment and other social situations.
 
At present, I am associated with UAE’s first Equine Assisted Support Group for parents of children with special needs at the Al Marmoom Initiative. The support group focuses on building self-care practices and empowering parents to cope with the daily stressors of life.
 
I am also counseling Adolescents and adults and helping them learn healthy coping skills to deal with life stresses. Positive thinking and self-help techniques to overcome daily life challenges. I incorporate client-centered approach and using mindfulness-based practices into their lives to increase the inner potential to its fullest and facilitate a deeper understanding of themselves.
  • Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner, University of Denver, Colorado, USA, 2018
  • Animal Assisted Therapy, Animal Angels Foundation, India 2013
  • Clinical Hypnotherapist, California Hypnosis Institute, India, 2013
  • Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) Fergusson College, Pune. India 2010
  • Bachelor of Arts (Major: Psychology) Fergusson College, Pune, India 2008
  • Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner University of Denver, Colorado, USA, 2018
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