In this episode, Ali sits down with licensed psychologist, Amal Abdulcebbar, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, identity, and what it means to live a healthier, more intentional life. Together, they explore why anxiety and stress have become so common, how social media shapes our perception of success, and why younger generations are becoming more open to seeking professional support.
Mental health conversations are becoming more common, but finding the right support can still feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Neelam Laxman to discuss breaking the stigma around therapy, navigating the mental health landscape in the UAE, supporting children and teenagers through rising anxiety, and why finding the right therapist matters. We also explore ADHD assessments, the impact of social media, and practical ways families can build stronger emotional connections.
In this episode, Ali sits down with Rehana Meghani, a clinical and organizational psychologist, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, stigma, generational trauma, parenting, and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing.
Ali and Rehana explore why many people, especially in certain cultural and family systems, delay seeking mental health support until they are in crisis. They discuss how stigma can show up not only in society, but inside families, relationships, workplaces, and even within ourselves.
In this episode, Ali sits down with Sophie Smith, founder and CEO of NABTA Health, to explore one of the most overlooked areas in healthcare: women’s preventative health.
Sophie shares the story behind NABTA Health, the first women’s health tech company in the West Asia and Africa region, and explains why so many women are diagnosed late, dismissed by healthcare systems, or left without access to the care they need.
In this episode, Ali Khawaja sits down with Alaa Hamade, an ICF-certified professional coach, educator, and entrepreneur, for a practical and honest conversation about what coaching really is and what it is not.
Together, they unpack the difference between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and consulting, while exploring why coaching is not about “fixing” people, but about helping them gain clarity, shift perspective, and uncover their own answers.
Ali Khawaja is joined by Manahil Ijaz to discuss the role of authentic connection and community in supporting mental health. They explore life after COVID, the challenges of fast-paced city living, and how safe, non-judgmental spaces like Dubai Circle help people feel seen, heard, and supported.
In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by clinical psychologist Elif Adam to explore the psychological impact of ongoing uncertainty in the region, sharing practical strategies for managing anxiety, regulating information intake, supporting children, and maintaining emotional wellbeing.
The conversation explains how Bowen therapy uses light rolling movements over specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, helping shift the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a parasympathetic state where healing, repair, and regulation can occur. Unlike invasive treatments, Bowen works by prompting the body to heal itself rather than forcing physical change.
Ali and Laura discuss cultural dynamics in the UAE, the role of caregivers, stigma around mental health, and the risks of waiting until crisis points before seeking support. Laura introduces the ICAN Collective as a collaborative model that empowers parents, supports schools, and connects professionals to create aligned, child-centered solutions.
Marina shares her personal journey from a corporate career in economics into holistic education, a transition sparked by personal loss and deep self-reflection. After experiencing the limitations of logic-based approaches during periods of grief and emotional distress, she discovered the transformative power of art therapy and holistic practices, both for herself and her family. This journey eventually led her to establish the Holistic Academy.