Anxiety Therapy in Dubai: CBT vs. Mindfulness: Which Works for What?

Anxiety Therapy in Dubai: CBT vs. Mindfulness: Which Works for What?

Introduction

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges many people face—in a fast-paced city like Dubai, it can manifest as racing thoughts, tension, restlessness, insomnia, or persistent worry. While experiencing anxiety is normal at times, when it starts to interfere with your daily life, seeking therapy is a wise step.

At Journey Wellness Center, we believe in evidence-based, compassionate care. Two approaches we often use to help clients with anxiety are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. But which works best—and for whom? This guide explores both and helps you understand which might suit your needs better.

About Journey Wellness Center and Its Approach to Anxiety

Journey Wellness Center is a mental health and well-being center in Business Bay, Dubai, offering a suite of therapeutic services, including individual and couples therapy, meditation, coaching, and community support.

We tailor care to each person. For anxiety, our clinicians often integrate CBT, mindfulness/meditation practices, and other modalities to craft a personalized path forward.

Our goal is not to push a single “best” model but to help you find what works for your mind, body, and life circumstances.

Understanding CBT and Its Role in Anxiety Treatment

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach to therapy that helps people identify and shift unhelpful patterns of thinking (cognitions) and behavior. It posits that distorted or negative thoughts fuel anxiety, and by challenging and reframing them, you can change how you feel and act.

How CBT helps with anxiety:

• Thought restructuring: Learning to spot anxious automatic thoughts (e.g. “I’ll fail,” “Something bad will happen”) and re-examining evidence for/against them.

• Behavioral experiments & exposure: Gradually engaging with situations that cause fear or avoidance (in a safe way) to reduce sensitivity.

• Skills development: Stress management, relaxation, problem solving, and coping techniques.

• Homework & practice: Between sessions, clients practice new ways of thinking and behaving in real life.

Effectiveness:

CBT is one of the most researched and empirically validated therapies for anxiety disorders across the world. Many clients gain substantial relief from symptoms and learn tools they carry forward beyond therapy.

At Journey Wellness Center, therapists like Hima Mammen integrate CBT in their practice and also emphasize a trauma-informed lens. Meanwhile, Imane Akhlafa also uses CBT among her modalities. Resha Erheim’s profile shows she draws from CBT, DBT, humanistic, and insight-oriented approaches.

Exploring Mindfulness Therapy for Anxiety Relief

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, intentionally and nonjudgmentally, to the present moment. It helps cultivate awareness of thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions—without judgment or immediate reaction.Meditation, breathing practices, body scans, and mindful movement are typical techniques.

How mindfulness helps with anxiety:

• Increased awareness: Noticing anxious thoughts early before they spiral.

• Decentering from thoughts: Taking a step back and seeing thoughts as transient events, not truths.

• Stress reduction & physiological calming: Activating the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response, reducing the fight/flight arousal.

• Emotional regulation: Learning to observe discomfort without immediately reacting.

• Resilience building: Over time, mindfulness practices can increase tolerance toward uncertainty and discomfort.

At Journey Wellness, the team offers meditation and mindfulness classes and incorporates these techniques into therapy and coaching. Their holistic health coach, Nancy Sarieddine, is a mindfulness teacher on the team.

Comparing CBT and Mindfulness: Benefits & Best Uses

While CBT and mindfulness share overlap (e.g., both encourage observing one’s mind, both are skills-based), they differ in orientation and emphasis. Here’s a rough comparison and guidance:

Feature	CBT	Mindfulness (Mindfulness-Based Therapy)
Focus	Changing thought and behavior patterns	Observing and accepting thoughts, emotions, and sensations
Structure	Highly structured, goal-oriented, homework assignments	Flexible, experiential, practice-based
Best for	Phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, OCD, social anxiety (where distorted thoughts dominate)	Chronic stress, worry, rumination, generalized free-floating anxiety, emotional reactivity
Timeframe	Often shorter-term (e.g. 12–20 sessions protocol)	May complement CBT with ongoing practice; less about “completing” and more about ongoing mindfulness habit
When combined	Very often: coupling CBT with mindfulness or acceptance techniques can yield synergistic benefit	Many “third-wave CBT” approaches (e.g. ACT, MBCT) blend both

Which approach for which situation?

• If your anxiety is dominated by intrusive, catastrophic thoughts that strongly drive your behavior (e.g., you avoid many situations because of catastrophic “what ifs”), CBT may offer a more direct path to transformation.

• If you tend to ruminate, have chronic background anxiety or stress, and want tools to anchor you in the moment, mindfulness-based techniques can reduce your reactivity and build calmer states.

• For many people, a combined approach works best: CBT strategies to challenge and shift unhelpful thinking, with mindfulness practices to regulate emotional states and foster long-term resilience.

How Journey Wellness Helps You Choose Your Path

At Journey Wellness Centre, we don’t force a one-size-fits-all method. Here’s how we approach it:

1. Assessment & discussion In your first sessions or during the free 15-minute intro call, therapists explore your anxiety presentation (thoughts, behaviors, triggers, patterns), your goals, and your preferences.

2. Collaborative plan Based on assessment, the clinician may recommend CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, or a hybrid path. Because many of our therapists are trained in multiple modalities, we can pivot if needed.

3. Flexibility & adjustment Therapy plans at Journey Wellness adapt over time. If you begin with mindfulness and later need more structured CBT techniques, the therapist can adjust.

4. Complementary supports

   • Meditation & mindfulness classes (affordable or free) help clients embed a regular practice.

   • Workshops and community support groups (including anxiety management groups) provide shared learning and reinforcement.

   • Therapeutic supervision and reflection ensure consistency and integrity in care.

Meet Our Experts and Hear From Our Clients

Key team highlights (relevant to anxiety, CBT, mindfulness):

• Imane Akhlafa is a CDA-licensed psychologist who uses CBT and holistic perspectives in her practice.

• Hima Mammen is UK-trained and licensed in Dubai. She uses CBT, mindfulness-based practices, and systemic methods.

• Sara Makke is licensed in Dubai (CDA) and Lebanon; her integrative style includes CBT, among other modalities.

• Resha Erheim incorporates CBT, DBT, insight-oriented, and humanistic approaches. Her profile lists anxiety issues among her specialties.

• Maya Zaghloul also works with anxiety through multiple therapeutic frameworks (including CBT) and complex trauma understanding.

Client voice:

“Resha is really a great professional counselor … she makes me rethink some stuff that has to be solved.” — Client Testimonial on Journey Wellness site

Their trust, combined with the therapists’ credentials, helps build confidence for new clients.

Get Started Today: Book Your Anxiety Therapy Session in Dubai

Here’s how you can take the first step toward managing anxiety more effectively:

1. Book the free 15-minute intro call via the Journey Wellness Centre website.

2. During the call or first session, discuss your anxiety symptoms, preferences, and ask about the clinician’s experience in CBT and mindfulness.

3. Together, choose an approach (CBT, mindfulness, or blending) that resonates with you.

4. Attend sessions regularly and commit to the between-session practices (e.g., mindfulness exercises or CBT worksheets).

5. Reassess periodically with your therapist and adjust the plan as needed.

Conclusion

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Both CBT and mindfulness-based methods offer powerful paths toward relief, each with its strengths. The best fit for you depends on how your anxiety manifests, your personality, and your goals. At Journey Wellness Centre, you’re not locked into one path: we help you find the right mix, with compassion, accountability, and skill.

If you’re ready to begin managing your anxiety more skillfully, book a free intro call or reach out via our website. Your journey toward calm, resilience, and confidence starts with one step—and we’re here to walk alongside you.