Getting to Know Dr. Anne-Laure Renard

I have been working as a psychologist for over 15 years, alongside adults and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds, including expatriates and nationals in Bahrain and across the GCC.

Originally from Belgium, I have lived in Bahrain for more than 20 years, and previously spent time living in other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which has enriched my understanding of different cultural contexts.

"Through therapy, we begin to understand our story more deeply and develop the resilience to change unhelpful patterns that shape our lives. "

Dr. Anne-Laure Renard

Over time, my work has focused on supporting people through periods of stress, emotional difficulty, and life transitions that can feel hard to navigate alone.

These experiences can take different forms, such as feeling overwhelmed, caught in repetitive negative patterns of thinking, or unsure how to move forward in a certain area of life or relationships. may include

Over the years, I have worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, confidence issues, identity questions, professional issues, and relational difficulties.

My path in psychology was shaped by earlier academic and professional experiences.

I initially completed a Master's degree in Philosophy before spending over a decade working in international corporate environments as an IT project manager.

This experience continues to inform my understanding of stress, responsibility, and the pressure many professionals face today.

I later trained in psychology, completing a Doctorate in Psychology. I am a licensed psychologist in Bahrain, and my work is informed by ongoing training in different therapeutic approaches.

If you would like to know more about my trainings and area of work, you can explore the sections below.

Psychology

Doctorate in Psychology (Summa Cum Magna Laude), CSU, USA
Bachelor in Psychology, Paris 8, France

Academic

Master's in Philosophy (Distinction), UCL, Belgium
Diploma of Associate Professor in Higher Education, UCL, Belgium
Diploma in Human Resources Management and Organization Management, ULB, Belgium

Other Diplomas

Advanced Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, and Counseling, Essex Institute for Clinical Hypnosis, UK
International Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy with Psychotherapy, Essex Institute for Clinical Hypnosis, UK

Therapeutic Approaches

Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy (CBT), USA
Intermediate Intensive Training in Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis, USA
Level 3 – Advanced Ericksonian Hypnosis Techniques and Hypnotherapy, USA
NLP Licence Practitioner Certificate, UK

Trauma

Complex Trauma Certification Level 1 & 2, USA
EMDR, Bahrain
Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness, Bahrain

Mind-Body

Mindfulness Meditation & Stress Management (method Jon Kabat-Zin), Bahrain
Hypnobirthing and Pain Management, Dubai

Relationships

Couples Therapy Conference, USA
Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Dubai
Virginia Satir Counselling Program for Individuals, couples and families, Canada
Professional Diploma in Psychosexual Dysfunction, UK)
“Bringing Peace into the Room: how to mediate disputes”, Bahrain

Beyond my work, I am also a wife and mother.

I find joy in walking in nature, reading, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Our home is shared with rescued animals, creating a lively and loving environment.

In addition to my clinical work, I am involved in supervision and mentoring, supporting therapists and doctoral students in their professional development. I also contribute to mental health awareness through published articles in local media, including Gulf Daily News, and remain engaged in community initiatives such as my work with the Rotary Club of Manama.

If you are considering therapy, you are welcome to get in touch to explore whether this may be helpful for you.

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