Fiona Yassin

Fiona Yassin, MSEd

International Program Director at The Wave

Expertise Psychology, Child Psychology, Personality, Research, Trauma, Eating Disorders

Highlights

Registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor in both the U.K. and UNCG.
Member of the International Chapter of IAEDP, with training in CBTe (Oxford Group), FREED (King’s College, London), TF-CBT, RO-DBT, and GPM.
Member of The Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorders Association.

Experience

Fiona Yassin is the International Program Director at The Wave, holding multiple credentials including being a registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor in both the U.K. and UNCG (Registration number #361609 National and International Council of Psychotherapists). She is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and practices as a Trauma therapist (Registration number #10000054651).

Fiona’s expertise includes being a member of the International Chapter of IAEDP, with training in CBTe (Oxford Group), FREED (King’s College, London), TF-CBT, RO-DBT, and GPM. Her specializations cover the treatment of Eating Disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as families in High Conflict Divorces and Psychiatry across the female lifespan.

Additionally, Fiona holds the distinction of being a Fellow of APPCH, a senior accredited Addiction Professional, and a member of The Association of Child Protection Professionals. She is also trained in MBT (Child and Family and Adult) and Reflective Parenting with The Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, and is a Member of The Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorders Association.

Fiona holds an MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health awarded by King’s College London, where she received The Dean’s Award. She is currently completing an MSc in Psychiatry at Cardiff University Medical School and is a PhD Candidate in Mental Health Research at Lancaster University. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with her three cats, going for long walks on the beach, and appreciating the beautiful animals in her garden.

More from Fiona Yassin

The long-term physical and mental effects of drug abuse

25 February 2019 No Comments

Drugs come in many forms; illegal, prescription and even over the counter medications that, if abused, can lead to a serious dependency. From street drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine to prescribed medications, like Oxycodone and Vicodin and even those bought from a pharmacy, for example, codeine; all alter the chemistry of the brain and create a need, both mentally and physically to continue feeding the addiction.

The long-term physical and mental effects of alcohol abuse

25 February 2019 No Comments

Alcohol is the most readily available drug to society, and as such has long been used and abused. If it were to be invented today the likelihood is that it would be banned and criminalized. According to Professor David Nutt, an English neuropsychopharmacologist specializing in the research of drugs that affect the brain and conditions such as addiction, ‘alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack when the overall dangers to the individual and society are considered’.

Insomnia and Depression

31 January 2019 No Comments

‘Insomnia’ is a word that we use and hear often. How much do we truly understand about insomnia and the links to depression? What can we do to help?
Insomnia comes from the Latin ‘in’ (no) and ‘somnus’ (sleep).
Insomnia is a pattern of severely reduced sleep or no sleep. It is a subjective diagnosis based upon being dissatisfied with the amount of sleep that we are getting.

Drinking and Dependency – The Slippery Slope

31 January 2019 No Comments

Dependency on alcohol can sneak up on you without ever having realised there was a problem. A habit that is hard to break, it becomes all-consuming.

A few harmless drinks or a few too many?

Rewarding yourself with a few drinks at the end of a hard day has become somewhat of a norm. Whether in a social situation or even once home alone, the draw to have a drink or few in order to relax and unwind can quickly become a habit that creates a false sense of security and an ultimate escape from reality.

Hitting Out Against Intimate Partner Violence

20 January 2019 No Comments

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is on the rise. In fact, over 50% of women will experience relationship violence at some point in their life. Violence against male partners is increasing too; with reporting steadily increasing across the globe.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

20 January 2019 No Comments

The jokes and quips like, ‘does my bum look big in this?’ and the length of time it takes to get ready for a night out are often rooted in light-hearted fun. However, for approximately 3% of people, how they feel about their looks, body and image can have severe implications on life, home, work and relationships.

Do violent games cause aggression in teenagers?

19 December 2018 No Comments

Gaming, racing, and high risk on screen behaviors could be adversely affecting your teenagers behavior in real world situations.

In studies examining the influence of violent and risk taking game play in young people aged 9 to 19; Researchers from the department of psychological and brain sciences at Dartmouth College have found that playing such games significantly increases aggressive and unpleasant behaviors in the real world.

Mental Health Relapse – Navigating the not so good times

19 December 2018 No Comments

Sometimes, during times of stress or change, symptoms can prove challenging once again. These times are often referred to as ‘relapses’. Sometimes relapse will require hospital admission or an inpatient stay in a residential facility similar to The Wave. Sometimes the consequences of a relapse or worsening of symptoms can have more serious consequences. Without inpatient support symptoms can escalate requiring a crisis intervention.

Procrastination, Perfection and a Turkey – Why Does Xmas Day Come as a Surprise?

18 December 2018 No Comments

It’s that time of year already. I can’t believe it’s come around so quickly.

We hear and see the countdown to the 25th day of the 12th month just about everywhere. Like it just popped out of the proverbial rabbit hole. However, reality lets us know that we have had a whole year to prepare for the festivities (or not).

Why is Age Specific Treatment Needed for Adolescents and Emerging Adults?

25 September 2018 No Comments

According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. Half of all mental illnesses begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by mid-20s but most cases are undetected and untreated. Emerging adults fare no better. For instance, in any given year, over 40% of U.S. 18 to 29-year-olds meets criteria for psychiatric disorder. This is a higher rate than for any other adult age group. The most common disorders are anxiety (22.3%), substance use (22.0%), and mood disorders (22.0%).

image of a young girl with her eyes closed, accented with green cloth

Difficulty Sleeping in the Teenage Years and the Relationship to Mental Health: Top Ten Sleep Tips for Teens

22 September 2025

This blog offers some information about what causes sleeping problems among teenagers and the impact on teen mental health. We also outline ten tips that can help teenagers sleep longer and more deeply.

young daughter having quality time with father, concept of parenting

Dads and Teenage Daughters: How to Build Connection with Tweens and Teens

19 September 2025

According to family systems theory, every relationship within the family is important. Family relationships affect the well-being of every family member and the dynamics of

Close up of teenage girl crying in therapy session with psychologist supporting

Teenage Drug Use in the UAE: How the Landscape for Parents, Young People, and Schools is Changing

18 September 2025

Despite the prevalence of teen drug use in the UAE, widespread prevention strategies are still lacking. Both adolescents and experts highlight the need for school-based prevention programs and parental support to help young people stay safe and identify and support young people who may be using substances harmfully.