2 days ago
Meet UAE's first Emirati female specialist in addiction treatment psychology
Ayesha Ameri has made history as the first Emirati woman to be officially recognised as a specialist in addiction treatment psychology.
At just 30 years old, Aisha has dedicated the past nine years to her role at Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, where she currently heads the psycho-social section in the rehabilitation department.
Ayesha's passion for psychology began in high school, where she discovered her natural inclination for humanitarian work. "Volunteering and listening to others came naturally, which made psychology an easy choice," she told Khaleej Times.
With a supportive family who believed in the power of therapy, she felt encouraged every step of the way. However, she initially hesitated to pursue addiction treatment due to the stigma associated with it.
'But meeting my first patient changed everything,' she recalled. 'I quickly realised how misunderstood people with addiction are, and I knew I had found my purpose.'
This transformative experience drove her to specialise further, and Ayesha pursued a master's degree in Addiction Science. Completing her studies at Dubai Medical College significantly shaped her understanding of addiction as a complex bio-psycho-social disorder.
'The programme gave me a deeper, holistic understanding of addiction,' she explained, noting how her thesis sharpened her research skills and provided an evidence-based perspective that now informs her daily practice.
Personal approach
Ayesha's approach to treating addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder, is grounded in a personalised, evidence-based method. She centres her treatment around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which she finds most effective for addressing the psychological, social, and behavioural roots of addiction.
'Addiction is a complex disorder, and treatment needs to target all these aspects,' she said. Ayesha's triad CBT-based method, used in both group and individual settings, is unique in its adaptability. By incorporating regular screening tools, she can track each patient's progress and adjust the treatment to suit their specific challenges and strengths.
Ayesha also believes that tackling the stigma surrounding addiction in Emirati society is crucial for progress. 'Addiction is a brain-based medical condition, not just a lack of willpower,' she emphasised. She advocates for raising awareness through schools, media, and healthcare campaigns, stressing the importance of a collective effort to change public perceptions.
Support system in recovery
In addition to medical treatment, Ayesha believes that family and community support play a pivotal role in the recovery process. 'It's important for families to understand that addiction is a disease, and recovery is not a linear journey,' she said.
Ayesha encourages families to prepare for the challenges of recovery, advising them to maintain healthy boundaries while respecting the patient's confidentiality. 'Recovery works best when there is trust between the patient and therapist—and that trust can only grow when families support the process without being overly intertwined,' she noted.
For young Emirati women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Ayesha has a powerful message: 'The sky is the limit. There's a real need for more specialists in this field, whether in psychiatry, nursing, medicine, or mental health.'
She credits the strong support she received throughout her career and is dedicated to offering that same encouragement to others who are eager to enter the field.
Moreover, Ayesha underscores the importance of having more women represented in the field of addiction treatment psychology, particularly in the UAE. 'The UAE has been a strong advocate for women's empowerment, and I'm hopeful to see more women enter the field of addiction psychology,' she remarked.
As the first licensed addiction psychologist in the UAE, Ayesha recognises the responsibility that comes with her role. 'For me, it's not just about breaking ground; it's about paving the way for others to follow.'
In addition to her clinical work, Ayesha is involved in transformative projects at the Erada Centre aimed at addressing substance use disorder on a larger scale. 'We are collaborating with many different entities with the goal of 'not working in silos,'' she explained, feeling privileged to play a part in these ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
Despite the emotional and mental demands of her work, Ayesha has learned to manage these challenges effectively. 'In the beginning, balancing the emotional demands of the work with everyday life was incredibly challenging,' she admitted.
However, with experience, she has developed the ability to offer full empathy during sessions while maintaining her own mental space outside of work. Regular supervision with experienced professionals has been essential in helping her stay grounded, ensuring she provides the best care for her patients.
