Closing the year with lessons on strength and self-growth
As we reach the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on my personal and professional journey. I think about what I achieved, what remains unfinished and what lessons have shaped me. This year, I...
Why do we dream of the dead
Mr A came for therapy following the death of his mother from cancer. She was his main source of support, especially since his father died when he was a child and his mother brought him up on her own....
Rethinking well-being in Omani workplaces
Salim, a 30-year-old employee in a private company, arrives late for his therapy session. He had just finished his evening master’s classes, a degree he had long dreamed of pursuing to advance his...
The amazing world of twins
I have recently travelled on a holiday to Vietnam with my twin sons. It was a great opportunity to enjoy nature, learn about Vietnamese culture and heritage, and equally, get to know my sons a little...
Before the coffee gets cold and the memory fades
Since my mother passed away last January, I find myself driving to her favourite spot on the beach, parking my car, getting out my folding chair, and facing the ocean just the way my late mother...
Why do we take things personally?
Mrs M came to her therapy session a little later than usual. She looked upset, and when asked, she told me that her supervisor had commented on her work, saying that the report she submitted...
Why we should take some data with a pinch of salt
Last week, a friend sent me a video of a psychiatrist citing a study that claimed 11 per cent of the population in Oman is depressed. My friend wanted to know if this was true and, if so, what might...
Cooking as therapy, lessons from a Korean Drama
The South Korean drama “Bon appétit, your majesty” captured my attention not only for its amazing historical setting but for the warmth and subtle emotional lessons embedded within its story. The...
When parenthood becomes a moral dilemma
Mrs A is a 44-year-old housewife and a mother of three daughters. She was diagnosed with depression following the birth of her middle daughter, who had autism. At a recent consultation, Mrs A informed...
The art of dealing with difficult people
At a recent workshop, a colleague shared an incident that caused her frustration. She described a team member who seemed to constantly undermine her during meetings, interrupting her points,...
Why do couples argue, and how do they heal
A few weeks ago, social media platforms shared the story of a man from northern Italy who decided to go out for a walk to calm his nerves after an argument with his wife, but the short walk turned...
Are you for or against delaying retirement age?
I recently met a school friend I had not seen in years. After the usual greetings, the first question he asked was: “Have you retired from your job?” I usually find this question slightly...
Do we need dementia-friendly hospitals?
At a recent workshop, a nurse shared her experience with a 78-year-old patient who had Alzheimer’s disease. He had been admitted with a chest infection, but during his stay, he became increasingly...
Can virtual reality heal the mind?
Last weekend, my son brought a virtual reality headset and suggested that I try it. The game he had installed was a virtual reality roller coaster, and all I had to do was sit in a chair facing the TV...
Love and memory in the shadow of Alzheimer’s
The documentary 'Malcolm and Barbara: Love’s Farewell' captures the painful journey of a man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 51 years old. Over the course of eleven years, the film...
Have you heard of ChatGPT psychosis?
I have recently come across the story of Stein-Erik Soelberg, a 56-year-old former Yahoo technology executive who had a history of alcoholism and mental illness. He killed his 83-year-old mother...
Can meditation be bad for you?
For many years, meditation was presented as a universal solution for a wide range of psychological and physical issues, from managing work-related stress to healing from trauma and alleviating chronic...
Can your phone become a source of stress?
We've all been there: you forget your phone at home and panic about getting reunited with it. When you check into a hotel at your holiday destination, the first thing you ask for is the Wi-Fi...
The quiet struggles behind Alzheimer’s caregiving
Last week, a man came to my clinic to attend his wife’s hospital appointment, as she is now bedridden and unable to talk. The woman had end-stage Alzheimer’s disease and her husband has been the...
From stigma to support: The story of Khosrow
Watching movies can be relaxing during a weekend or holiday, but it can also be a way to learn about other cultures, their customs and geopolitical situations. So when my Iranian friend recommended...