Maryia Oayda is a licensed psychoanalytic psychotherapist and psychologist of law with experience in Belarus and the Middle East. Based in the Middle East since 2016, she helps individuals navigate stress, trauma, relationship challenges, anger, and complex life decisions. As a member of the Association for Psychological Science (APS), Maryia contributes regularly to LinkedIn Middle East News, where she shares thought-provoking articles on mental health, personal growth, and leadership, engaging a broad and diverse audience. Her culturally attuned approach bridges global insights with a deep understanding of regional nuances, making her especially effective in complex and diverse settings. Maryia is the founder of the Human Q Method, a unique framework and online learning platform that integrates psychoanalytic principles with coaching strategies to support personal and professional transformation. She has worked extensively with leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE public and private sectors, including key ministries, providing both individual and group executive coaching.

With over two decades of experience as a Behavioral Neuroscience Psychologist and counseling specialist, my journey began with a passion for transforming lives by addressing the deep-rooted impact of childhood trauma and fostering personal growth. This vision led me to found Bani Consultants, an online global leader in innovative psychological interventions, partnering with Fortune 500 companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple. My work has empowered thousands worldwide, helping them break free from self-limiting beliefs and unlock their true potential. As "CEO of the Year 2023" in the Middle East and recipient of "Innovative Psychological Consultancy of the Year 2024" in Australia, I envision a future where mental health solutions are accessible, transformative, and embedded in every organisation, fostering resilience and high performance. My mission is to create lasting change, not only for individuals but for communities, by ensuring mental well-being is at the forefront of every conversation. I remain committed to supporting underprivileged groups, dedicating 40% of our resources to those in need, and driving a future where everyone can thrive at their fullest potential.

I am an experienced educator currently serving as the Head of Inclusion at the American School of Creative Science in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. My role focuses on providing comprehensive support for students with diverse needs, ensuring their inclusion in mainstream education while promoting mental health and well-being across the school. I specialize in creating inclusive environments, implementing individualized support plans, and collaborating with teachers and parents to enhance student success. My areas of expertise include educational psychology, special education, student counseling, and behavioral intervention. Through my involvement with MEPA, I aim to connect with fellow professionals, exchange knowledge, and contribute to advancing mental health awareness and inclusion practices throughout the Middle East.

I have always been drawn to the healing professions, even before I was familiar with the terms Psychology or Psychotherapy. Guided by an innate desire to aid in healing others and incrementally improve the world, I have remained true to my internal compass. My experinece spans across Asia, Middle East and now Europe. I continually expand my knowledge in the field of mental health awareness, by getting certified in differet modalities thus having a multitude of therapeutic tools to offer clients. This allows for a more gloabl perspective of Psychology. My expertise lie in taking my clients on their journey of self discovery and transformation.

I’m an Egyptian psychotherapist working in Kuwait.

I am an MSc graduate from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, specializing in Affective Disorders. With a solid foundation in psychology, I have conducted research on language strategies in trilingual families and the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adult depression, demonstrating my commitment to advancing mental health. I thrive in dynamic environments and possess strong interpersonal skills, further underscored by my experience as a psychologist assistant, crisis manager, and mentor. These roles reflect my dedication to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. I am eager to bring my expertise to the Middle East, where I aspire to break down the barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health. By fostering greater awareness and understanding, I aim to contribute to the region's mental health landscape and promote well-being in diverse communities.

Membership in your organization - MEPA

An enthusiastic and passionate CDA Licensed Counsellor, Mental Health Professional with 10+ years of experience of having worked with a diverse range of students, parents and staff. I have professional expertise in Counselling, Guidance, Psychoeducation, Interpersonal Therapy, Social Skills Training and Teaching. As a supportive Counsellor, I encourage students to gain more knowledge, confidence and develop their personalities. My aim is to help students in developing skills in recognizing their emotions, developing self-awareness, self-confidence and encouraging students to recognize their capabilities using solution-focused strategies and nurture future leaders.

I'm a passionate psychologist as I gained years of experience dealing with kids and teens.

Seiara completed her master's in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King's College London. She is now doing a full-time position at the University of Birmingham (hybrid) for her PhD in the Philosophy of Psychiatry. Her thesis will focus on perceptions of disorder classification in student populations. Seiara hosts her own podcast, Behind the Stigma, where she speaks with top academics and researchers on all things mental health-related. She is passionate about being an active contributor in bringing conversations about mental health to the forefront in the UAE. She also works as a Student Advisory Committee at Student Minds, UK's biggest mental health charity as an advisor. Her research interests involve philosophical underpinnings of psychology, critical psychiatry, existentialism, AI and mental health and altered states.