Dr. Elif Celebi Adam

Co-Founder
DHA Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Registered with the HCPC, UK
Former Associate Professor of Psychology

Works with clients

Languages

Dr. Elif Celebi Adam

Co-Founder, DHA Licensed Clinical Psychologist

As a U.S. trained psychologist based in Dubai, I bring over 15 years of experience supporting individuals struggling with a wide range of psychological concerns, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I provide evidence-based therapy for adults seeking effective mental health support in Dubai. I have supported clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds — including many expats living in the UAE.

I hold a masters from Ball State University and a doctorate from the University of Missouri (U.S.), and completed my clinical psychology training at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. In addition to my clinical work, I have served as an Associate professor of psychology and published research in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.

At Belle Vie, my goal is to empower clients to build emotional resilience, develop self-awareness, and improve the quality of their relationships. I specialize in integrative therapy approaches, drawing from CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness all tailored to each client’s specific needs. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, facing emotional challenges, or seeking greater meaning and balance, I am here to support your journey with wisdom and compassion.

Qualifications

Bachelors (BA) in Psychology & Sociology, Bogazici University, Turkey (1999)
Masters (MA) in Clinical Psychology, Ball State University, USA (2003)
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PhD), University of Missouri, USA (2008)
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Primary Care Family Therapy, University of Rochester Medical School, USA (2009)

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness based approaches including MBSR, MBCT, and Unified Mindfulness
Gottman couples approach
Schema Therapy

Licences

Expertise

General Presenting Concerns

Anxiety, fears and phobias
Panic attacks
Low mood or depression
Anger, irritability
Sleep problems
Low self-esteem and confidence
Negative body image
Grief and loss
Identity issues
Adjustment to life events
Personal growth, self-improvement
Mood swings, emotional outbursts
Trauma: recent or past traumatic events

Work related issues

Relationship issues

Health issues

Selected Publications

Bilican, F. I., Çetinkaya, M., Çelebi, E., Gulen, B., & Barham, H. (2022). A pilot study of dialectical behavioral therapy group skills training in patients with substance use disorder: Changes in substance use severity, mood and relationship skills. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 23(3), 327-337.
Çelebi, E., Adam-Troian, J., & Mahfud, Y. (2022). Positive links between exposure to police violence, PTSD, and depression symptoms among yellow vests protesters in France. Journal of interpersonal violence, 37(5-6), 2267-2288.
Smeekes, A. Verkuyten, M., Çelebi, E., Acartürk, C., & Onkun, S. (2017). Social identity continuity and mental health among Syrian refugees in Turkey. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1-8. DOI: 10.1007/s00127-017-1424-7.
Çelebi, E., Verkuyten, M., & Bagci, S. C. (2017). Social identification, discrimination and mental and physical health among Syrian refugees: The moderating role of identity motives. European Journal of Social Psychology. DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2299.