Hend Badawy

I have dedicated the past 15 years to working in the mental health field across Egypt and the UK, gaining invaluable experience in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds on their therapeutic journeys. My practice extends to children, adolescents, and adults, with a focus on developing personalized treatment plans that adapt to each client’s unique needs and pace.

After graduating from Kasr El Aini Medical School in Cairo in 2006, I began my psychiatry residency at Al-Abassia Hospital, one of Cairo’s largest mental health institutions. There, I gained hands-on experience across a range of specialties and age groups, deepening my understanding of various aspects of psychiatry. In 2011, I specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry, dedicating myself to empowering young people and their families through therapeutic intervention. My Master’s in Neuropsychiatry from Ain Shams University further enhanced my understanding of the biological and psychological aspects of mental health. For my thesis, I researched the impact of implementing training programs in the treatment of children with ADHD.

A lifelong passion for creative therapeutic approaches led me to the UK, where I pursued a Master’s in Play Therapy at Roehampton University. My studies focused on Carl Rogers' client-centred approach, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I integrate a range of creative, non-verbal therapeutic modalities—including drama, music, sand play, and narrative therapy—to connect with clients of all ages. This flexible approach allows me to meet individuals where they are, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. During this time, I gained practical experience working with children and their caregivers in school settings.

After graduating in 2019, I worked at the International Clinic London and Waterloo Community Counselling Centre, supporting adults from various ethnic backgrounds, including refugee communities. The opportunity to use creative therapeutic techniques with adult clients was incredibly fulfilling. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, I launched an online private practice. I also co-founded 'Wesal- وصال ', an online support group for Arab parents living abroad, alongside another UK-based Egyptian play therapist. This initiative eventually led to the creation a well-being program in partnership with Lancashire Council, offering creative therapeutic support to Syrian refugee families, helping them foster healing and resilience.

In 2020, I joined Place2Be, a leading UK organization supporting the mental health of students and staff in schools back in London and I resumed now with it in Liverpool managing and delivering therapy in one of their projects in a secondary school in Liverpool. I reconnected with the mental health community in Egypt during a brief return in 2021, collaborating with Maadi Psychology Centres, the outpatient clinics of Behman's Hospital, one of Egypt’s oldest private psychiatric institutions. Along the side of my institutional work, I online on a few projects in the fields of research and journalism as a well-being consultant, supporting their staff members who are exposed to distressing materials.

Throughout my career, I have undergone advanced knowledge in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic approaches. This diverse training allows me to craft personalized treatment plans that empower clients to develop self-awareness and become their agents of healing where I am able to deliver sessions both in Arabic and English.

Beyond clinical practice, I co-founded HadiBadi (حادي بادي), an initiative that promotes quality Arabic literature for children and young adults. Our projects engage young readers in fun and immersive ways, deepening their connection to the Arabic language and culture.

Although I tried to capture most of my journey but I am always happy to meet you to get to know each other better and to explore how we can work together to support your mental well-being. I am here to help you navigate your journey toward healing and self-discovery.