Dr Rudy Abi Habib is a clinical psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist at the clinic. He is DHA licensed, sees clients in Business Bay and speaks English, Arabic and French.
What does psychodynamic therapy look at?
The clinic’s psychologist page says psychodynamic therapy looks at unconscious processes and at how past experiences shape present behaviour and emotion. It stresses the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind.
The clinic’s article on the perspectives of psychology traces the idea to Sigmund Freud. It says the work stresses early childhood experiences and the unconscious mind. It also treats interpersonal relationships as part of how behavioural concerns form.
The individual therapy page says one-to-one work helps people uncover learned behaviours and the root causes behind them. Clients gain insight into underlying difficulties and build coping strategies.
How does psychodynamic therapy differ from CBT?
The clinic’s CBT FAQ describes a structured therapy which examines how thoughts, emotions and behaviours influence each other. A therapist teaches practical tools. The clinic’s FAQ on preparation says CBT homework matters as much as the session itself.
Psychodynamic therapy starts from a different place. The psychologist page points to unconscious processes and the past. Neither page ranks one approach above the other.
A clinician selects the method, or blend of methods, best suited to your diagnosis and goals. Ask in the first session why the clinician chose it.
Who might see a clinical psychologist in Dubai for psychodynamic work?
Dr Abi Habib’s profile lists anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, self-esteem and life transitions among his areas of work. It also lists grief and loss, trauma, mood disorders and stress management, plus challenges affecting personal and professional wellbeing.
The profile carries an adult tag. It describes the goal as moving beyond managing difficulties toward resilience and self-understanding.
What does Dr Abi Habib’s background add?
The research page calls him a senior clinical psychologist and psychodynamic psychotherapist. His profile lists a PhD in clinical psychology and psychopathology from Denis Diderot University in Paris. The research page adds a World Certificate of Psychotherapy from the World Council for Psychotherapy.
He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Lebanese American University and directs its Institute of Psychotraumatology. His research interests include personality disorders, trauma, psychosomatic disorders and attachment. The page says he keeps an active clinical practice alongside his academic work.
What happens in a first session?
The clinic’s FAQ says a first session usually focuses on understanding your concerns, personal history and goals for therapy. The psychologist listens closely, asks focused questions and outlines a suggested approach. Sessions stay confidential, and the pace adjusts to your comfort rather than a fixed script.
A psychologist provides therapy and assessment but does not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can. The clinic says many patients see a psychologist and a psychiatrist, depending on their treatment plan.
Book a first session with Dr Abi Habib
Read Dr Abi Habib’s profile and send a booking request, or meet the clinic’s psychologists. Email info@thevalensclinic.ae to ask which clinician fits.