Clinical Department
Samineh Izedi Shaheem
PhD cand
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Samineh I Shaheem is an Assistant Professor of Psychology where she lectures on a wide range of courses including Introduction to Psychology, Cross Cultural Psychology, Social Psychology, Pathologies and Business Psychology. She is Canadian but from a Middle Eastern background (Iranian) and has studied and worked in different parts of the world, including the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and the UK. Shaheem appreciates the importance of cultural relativity and tries to find both similarities as well as significant cultural variations in human cognition, emotions and behavior. After all differences should not be deficiencies.
As well as lecturing and counseling, Samineh Shaheem’s on going research, extending from her doctorate, combines her psychology background and academic career. Being a cross-cultural psychologists, and appreciating the importance of uncovering cultural similarities and differences in psychological traits and behaviours, she examines the identity transformation and the adaptation /acculturation process of international students (especially from the Gulf region), studying in the UK, during period of education and upon return.
Therefore her particular area of expertise is in relation to consulting business/academic institutions and individuals in matters regarding cultural adaptation/adjustment, cultural identity challenges, culture shock, effective communication, assertiveness training, self confidence, creativity, stress management, burnout and repatriation concerns of different groups such as expatriates, sojourners and immigrants.
Furthermore she has been working as a consultant and trainer in the UAE, developing and implementing training sessions for both groups and individuals, in an inspired up to date way, on a wide range of topics such as creativity, cultural diversity, bullying, expatriate adjustment, team work, public speaking, business etiquette, recruitment and selection, employee assessment, assertiveness and emotional and cultural intelligence. Complex topics are carefully researched, seminar objectives clearly set and information is effectively transferred to participants in a comprehensible yet enjoyable manner.
In order to reach a wider audience, HRI has assigned Samineh Shaheem to co-hosts a weekly radio program called ‘Psyched Sundays’ on Dubai Eye (103.8 FM), Dubai Today with show host, Suzanne Radford. She also has a unique weekly column in Khaleej Times focusing on the diverse psychological and cultural character of the region. Each week, a different topic is explored, in an informative yet engaging manner to try and shed light on issues relevant to all our lives. She regularly contributes to other magazines and newspapers such as Cosmopolitan Middle East and Gulf News.
In addition, Samineh Shaheem is an author of two books, ‘The Karma Hotel’ and ‘The Gift of Sirr’. Written quite colloquially, those who read between the lines will find that the Karma Hotel's intricate complexity is conceived from its own simplicity; offering readers an amalgamated taste of inspiration, controversial contemplation, and opportunity. These two pieces aim to weave together both scientific discourse as well as spiritual ideas which would capture the imagination of audiences from different backgrounds and faiths with motivating and encouraging messages.