Dr. Sheena Karnani
Clinical Psychologist
About Me
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (USA/HK)
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (USA/HK)
Master of Counselling (Australia)
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology (UK)
Dr. Sheena Karnani is an HCPC (UK) Registered Psychologist practicing in Hong Kong who is passionate about using clinical psychology to help clients from all walks of life. Having lived and worked in various parts of the world, she has experience with the way people from different cultures and backgrounds react to and process life events, such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma or a milestone moment.
Dr. Karnani utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches in her work including Couples Marathon Therapy, Affair Recovery and Couples Addiction Recovery, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Trauma, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and Chronic Pain, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) including emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family System (IFS) informed, addiction counselling, family systems, person-centered and positive psychology.
Dr. Karnani is a Certified Gottman Couples’ Therapist, a recognition of highest achievement by The Gottman Institute – she was personally trained by Drs John and Julie Gottman, world renowned marital researchers. Dr. Karnani is also a Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Therapist and a Certified Addiction Counselor. She is a Leader for the Gottman Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Dr. Karnani also conducts DBT Skills Training Groups.
Dr. Karnani is a Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (BPS), a Registered Member of the Hong Kong Association of Doctors in Clinical Psychology (HKADCP), a Member of Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) and a Member of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Services
Dr. Karnani provides individual, group, couples and family counselling as well as psychological and psychoeducational assessment services.
Sessions
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Individual
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Adults
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Adolescents
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Children
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Couples
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Families
Therapies
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Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Certified Addiction Counsellor
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Emotional Regulation Therapy
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Interpersonal Therapy
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Nutritional Support
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Positive Psychology
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Relaxation Therapy
Languages Spoken
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English
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Hindi
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Sindhi
Clinical Experience
Addiction Counselling
Anger Management
Anxiety including Panic Attacks
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Couple Relationships
Depression
Emotional Blackmail
Emotional Dysregulation
Grief and Loss
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Phobias
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Schizophrenia
Sleep Issues
Stress Reduction
Substance Abuse
Work-Life Balance
FAQs
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment provided by psychologists to help individuals or couples talk about and work on emotional or psychological issues that are bothering them in a confidential, safe, objective, neutral and non-judgmental environment. The psychologist works closely with the client to identify appropriate evidence-based treatments that can help the client modify their thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are keeping them from happier, healthier and more productive lives. Through psychotherapy, clients can learn skills to better cope with life’s challenges.
Why would someone need psychotherapy?
Some people seek psychotherapy because they are dealing with emotional or physical problems that they find difficult to tackle on their own or even with the help of a family member or friend. Others may feel stressed, worried, depressed, anxious or angry for prolonged periods or may have undergone a traumatic experience. Still others may be having difficulty dealing with issues such as divorce, chronic illness, loss of a family member, moving to another city, a new job, etc. With the help of a psychologist, therapy can help clients clarify issues, gain insight and develop collaborative solutions to tackle such issues.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
While both psychiatrists and psychologists specialise in treating mental health issues, psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who can prescribe medications while psychologists tend to focus more on psychotherapy and psychological assessments to help people with their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. However, both professions are able to refer clients to the other if it is needed.
Will the things I discuss in therapy be kept confidential?
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of psychology’s code of ethics. In order for collaborative treatment to be successful, the therapeutic relationship based on trust between the psychologist and client is vital. As such, there are only limited circumstances when psychologists are permitted to disclose what was said in a session without your verbal or written consent such as when mandated by a court order, if there is suspicion of causing harm to yourself or others, or if there is suspicion of child, elder or disability abuse. Any such disclosures will be discussed with you in advance. Other than for these reasons, your information will be kept confidential.
How do I know that you are the right therapist for me?
The only way to know for sure is to come in for a session. However, Dr. Karnani is happy to schedule a free 15-minute telephone consultation to help you better understand her approach and for you to decide if she is the right therapist for you. Please note that you will not receive any diagnosis or treatment as part of this free 15-minute telephone consultation.
How long does therapy last?
There is no specific time frame for therapy and it varies based on the needs of individual clients. In general, most clients have weekly therapy sessions. However, clients may choose to have more frequent sessions to deal with pressing issues or choose to have less frequent sessions based on their own needs or progress.
How long does a session last?
A typical session lasts 50 minutes.
What is your cancellation policy?
Every client with a set appointment may change or cancel an appointment for free by e-mailing the therapist at least 24 hours in advance. Changing or cancelling an appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice will result in the full charge of one session, unless discussed beforehand.
In an emergency who do I contact?
If, for any reason, you feel you need immediate attention, please call:
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The Samaritans (Hong Kong) at 2896-0000 or
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Call 999 for emergency assistance or
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Visit the nearest emergency hospital.