Dr. Afiya Ali

Dr Afiya Ali is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience and a strong background in mental health and development across the life span. Having earned her PG Dip in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Social Sciences majoring in psychology from University of Waikato and PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago, New Zealand, she went on to work in New Zealand and the Maldives, providing evidence-based mental health services to diverse populations.

In New Zealand, she served as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in a hospital setting, where she conducted detailed educational and developmental assessments, provided therapy, and worked with multidisciplinary teams to address complex developmental needs. In the Maldives she was the lead Psychologist at the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), where she was involved in extensive clinical work that ranged from providing therapeutic interventions in both individual and group settings and providing supervision for psychologists and counsellors.

Dr Afiya works both in-person and online with children, adolescents, adults, and families who are experiencing psychological distress and mental illness, including but not limited to: challenging behaviours, ADHD, Autism, intellectual disability, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis. She utilises an integrative approach that relies on evidence-based therapies coupled with her understanding of individual needs and cultural context. Her areas of speciality range from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, and parent training. Dr Afiya also provides comprehensive developmental assessments, tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her approach to therapy is rooted in care and understanding—listening closely to each client’s story and tailoring support to what works best for them, while integrating these needs into evidence-based therapeutic practices that promote lasting change.