Thank you for your interest in joining the Middle East Psychological Association. This association has mandated a policy of inclusion based on competency (a combination of veriï¬ed education and validated experience). We look forward as a group to working together to positively impact the practice and profession of psychology in the Middle East.
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Sian Jones-Banton
I am an Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor working in a university setting. Graduated in the UK and have been working in the Middle East region for 7 years.
Mohammed Al-Haj Baddar is a well-being psychologist specializing in positive and educational psychology. He is the lead author of Well-being and Flourishing: Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) Practice Guide in Arabic—the first comprehensive guide on PPIs published in Arabic.
Based in Jordan, Mohammed currently serves as a Senior Technical Specialist at the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX). He previously held the role of Senior Technical Advisor at RTI International, where he was an active member of both the technical and well-being teams. He is also a member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) and the International Positive Education Network (IPEN). Mohammed earned his master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Al-Balqa' Applied University in 2013.
Over the past decade, Mohammed has worked as an independent professional—full-time, part-time, and freelance—consistently integrating positive psychology (PP) principles into his practice. He has completed several training programs in PP and well-being delivered by leading scholars such as Martin Seligman and Barbara Fredrickson through world-renowned universities.
Mohammed has designed and implemented numerous PP programs that enhance well-being and resilience among individuals and groups in educational, organizational, and clinical settings, primarily across Jordan. His research contributions include participation in a systematic review of PPIs in Arab countries.
Above all, Mohammed remains deeply committed to advancing human flourishing and supporting the optimal functioning of individuals, groups, and communities.
Malicah Eissa
Licensed Psychologist, Somatic EMDR Practitioner
Malicah Eissa is a licensed psychologist that uses an individualized, collaborative approach to help clients build resilience and nurture a sense of systemic wellbeing.
Drawing on a range of evidence-based and body-centered methods, she specializes in fostering the integration of mind and body towards personal growth.
Her diverse therapeutic toolkit includes Somatic EMDR, Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), various sensory-based techniques and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. This allows Malicah to tailor each session to the client’s unique needs, while fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to honor each client's personal journey.
Malicah is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), the Middle East and North Africa Trauma Alliance (MENATA), and the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP).
Languages: English and Arabic
Areas of Expertise: Somatic EMDR, Integrative CBT, Depression, Grief and Loss, Clinical Trauma, Traumatic Stress Studies
Education: MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London
Licensure: CDA
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an MSc in Forensic Psychology. I currently work as a school counselor and also practice privately at Psycholife, where I provide counseling support to individuals. I am joining MEPA to connect with other professionals in the region and to further develop my knowledge and skills in psychology and counseling.
2 Masters degrees in clinical psychology
University of Jordan 2007
Teachers college at Columbia University 2018 / Global mental health
Director of SOS Amman Children Village
Dedicated psychotherapist with an MSc in Clinical Psychology and a foundation in Social Behavioral Sciences, skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches. With over 24 years of cross-cultural experience in Kuwait, I bring a nuanced understanding of how diverse cultural backgrounds shape psychological needs. Proficient in individual and group therapy, behavioral assessments, and crisis intervention, I am committed to promoting resilience and mental well-being. Known for empathetic listening and a flexible, client-centered approach, I foster strong therapeutic connections to guide clients through transformative personal growth and healing.
Experienced academician and licensed Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in Clinical Psychology and over 8 years of university-level teaching experience alongside 7 years of clinical practice. Registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in the UAE, with a strong commitment to advancing mental health, evidence-based psychological care, and high-quality research. Demonstrated expertise in academic leadership, curriculum development, psychotherapy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Actively contributes to international conferences, research forums, and mental health initiatives across the UAE and Pakistan. Supervised over 200 students during their clinical internships at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, guided approximately 60 undergraduate students in their dissertations, and supervised more than 20 postgraduate research dissertations.