Institute of Psychology - BNU

Lecturer, University of Manchester, UK

Dr. Ishba Rehman, an alumna of BNU’s M.Phil in Applied Psychology program, is a Chartered Counseling Psychologist (CPsychol) registered with the U.K. HCPC and BPS. She currently serves as a Highly Specialist Counseling Psychologist at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, where she plays a key role in supporting mental health within the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) and third sector organizations. Alongside her clinical work, she is also a Lecturer in the Professional Doctorate in Counseling Psychology program at the University of Manchester, where she mentors and trains future psychologists.

With over a decade of experience across inpatient, community, and private settings, Dr. Rehman has provided therapeutic interventions to clients with diverse and complex psychological needs. Her clinical approach integrates cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed methodologies, emphasizing evidence-based and culturally sensitive practice. Her research interests focus on trauma, diversity, intersectionality, and social justice, reflecting her deep commitment to promoting inclusive and ethical mental health care.

Dr. Ishba Rehman’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to BNU’s dedication to nurturing professional excellence and making a global impact in the field of psychology.

Clinical Psychologist

Rabia Khan, a distinguished Clinical and Counseling Psychologist, with over 12 years of experience, is a Registered Counselor (MBACP) and has affiliations with the British Psychological Society (BPS), Pakistan Association for Clinical Psychologists (PACP), and American Psychological Association (APA).

Rabia’s career spans roles as a wellbeing advisor, counselor, lecturer, consultant clinical psychologist, and program instructor. She has worked with institutions like Beaconhouse National University, International College Portsmouth, Pulse Therapy Centre UAE, Lahore Autism Centre, and Oasis Trust for Autism. Currently, she is a Counselor for Better Help UK and founder of the Institute of Professional Advancement UK.

As a trainer, Rabia has created impactful programs, including a 90-hour Teacher Licensing Course for Pulse Therapy Centre UAE, autism-focused teaching programs, and structured classrooms with Purbrook Junior School, UK. She has trained educators nationally and internationally, including Pakistan’s Government Special Education Department.

Rabia supervises clinical trainees, moderates a Canadian research group, and develops autism care standards for Pakistan’s Islamabad Health Regulation Authority. Her dedication to innovation and excellence makes her a respected leader in psychology.

Psychotherapist / Couple & Family Therapist, McGill University & Montreal Therapy Center, Canada

Nauveen R. Dubash is a full-time psychotherapist at the Student Wellness Hub, McGill University, where she provides individual therapy, group sessions, and workshops for students. She also serves as a clinical supervisor for graduate interns, delivers CBT seminars, and contributes to supervision and hiring panels for the counseling team.

A graduate of the MS/MPhil Clinical Psychology program at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and holder of a Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy from McGill University, Nauveen is dedicated to evidence-based practice, relational wellness, and the training of future therapists, reflecting BNU’s commitment to global excellence in psychology.

Lecturer, University of Sunderland, UK

Dr. Sidra Afzal is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in teaching, research, and clinical practice. Since 2022, she has been serving as a Lecturer at the University of Sunderland, England, after gaining valuable teaching experience at Dhofar University, Oman. Earlier, she spent six years in Pakistani academia, teaching at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and later as an Assistant Professor at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore.

Her research interests span the biopsychosocial predictors of mental health, scale development, psychometrics, masculinity and men’s psychology, and depression with peripartum onset. She is also deeply engaged in psychopathology, ethical research practices, and the rehabilitation of individuals with psychiatric disorders through behavioral and cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Dr. Afzal’s work exemplifies a strong commitment to academic rigor, ethical integrity, and the advancement of evidence-based psychological practice across cultures.

MBBS, DPM, MRC, FRCS, FCPS
Professor of Psychiatry, Shalamar Medical & Dental College, Lahore

Prof. Dr. Saad Bashir Malik is a distinguished psychiatrist in Lahore, widely recognized for his clinical excellence, compassionate care, and high patient satisfaction rate. With years of experience across leading psychiatry departments, he has successfully treated a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, insomnia, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Malik follows a comprehensive and patient-centered approach, integrating pharmacological treatments, psychotherapeutic interventions, and lifestyle management to promote recovery and long-term emotional well-being. He is particularly skilled in addressing complex behavioral and emotional issues, tailoring each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of his patients.

Throughout his career, Dr. Malik has remained committed to clinical innovation, utilizing advanced psychiatric techniques and evidence-based practices. His extensive experience and dedication to improving mental health outcomes make him one of Lahore’s most trusted and accomplished psychiatrists.

Assistant Professor, Carson-Newman University, Tennessee, USA

Dr. Anita Azeem (PhD Psychology) is a Social and Developmental Psychologist, author, and academic with international teaching and research experience. A gold medalist from Beaconhouse National University (BNU), she completed her MS/MPhil in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in 2012 and her PhD in Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Otago, New Zealand, in 2021.

She has taught Psychology in Pakistan, New Zealand, and the United States, including at BNU, Forman Christian College University (FCCU), the University of Otago, and the University of Denver. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Carson-Newman University, Tennessee.

Dr. Azeem is the author of Words: Spoken and Unspoken Forces and Journey of the Mind. Her research interests include Child Psychology, Development across the Lifespan, and Prejudice Development, while her specialties span Teaching, Research, and Clinical Psychology. An active member of the APA, she continues to advance the field through education, research, and public awareness.

MBBS, DPM, MRC, FRC Psych., MRC Psych.
Psychiatrist, Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)

Dr. Imran I. Haider is a psychiatrist, educator, and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) with extensive experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. He earned his MBBS from King Edward Medical University and completed his MRCPsych and FRCPsych in the UK, along with a Diploma in Psychological Medicine from Ireland.

After returning to Pakistan in 2006, he joined Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH), where he developed key psychiatric services, including Adult, Liaison, Antenatal, and Substance Use Psychiatry, and established counseling and psychotherapy programs.

An advocate of integrated mental health care, Dr. Haider promotes psychiatrist, psychologist collaboration and regularly conducts psychoeducation and awareness programs across Pakistan. He has also been instrumental in teaching Behavioral Sciences and training family physicians. He has 18 research publications and authored two books, “Importance of Communication” and “Psychoeducation for Mental Health Professionals.” Currently, he practices at Connections/Ijaz Clinic, Lahore, providing care for adult mental health, relationship issues, and personality disorders.

Professor of Psychology, Henderson State University
Adjunct Psychology Instructor, Argosy University, USA

Dr. Aneeq Ahmad is a Professor of Psychology at Henderson State University, USA, and an Adjunct Psychology Instructor at Argosy University. He earned his MSc in Psychology from Government College University, Lahore, and later completed his MS and PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With extensive experience in teaching and research, Dr. Ahmad specializes in behavioral neuroscience, neurobiology of emotions, and social psychology.

His diverse research includes localizing purinergic receptors in the developing retina and studying prejudice across cultures, particularly in the United States and Pakistan. Known for his interdisciplinary approach, he mentors undergraduate and graduate students in both experimental and applied research.

Dr. Ahmad also served as the President-elect of the Southwestern Psychological Association (2014) and has led numerous seminars and workshops on data analysis, emotional processes, and mental health. He is an active member of professional bodies including the APA, SFN, ARVO, and SWPA, and continues to bridge neuroscience and cultural psychology to deepen understanding of human behavior.

Director of Clinical and Training Services, Harley Street Psychology Practice, UK
PhD, C.Psychol., AFBPsS., PGCertHE.

Dr. Karen is an accomplished Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). With over twenty years of clinical experience across the NHS, private practice, and voluntary sectors, she has worked extensively with individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties. Her clinical expertise spans anxiety, depression, trauma, personality issues, and complex emotional conflicts.

Rooted in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic traditions, Karen’s therapeutic approach emphasizes the exploration of unconscious processes, early life experiences, and relational patterns that influence present behavior and emotional well-being. She is known for creating a safe and reflective therapeutic environment where clients can understand and resolve deep-seated emotional struggles. Her work is informed by empathy, insight, and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice.

In addition to her clinical career, Karen holds qualifications in Business Management and Higher Education and has been a university lecturer for over a decade. She has contributed significantly to the academic and professional development of students in psychology and psychotherapy, teaching courses on psychoanalytic theory, ethics, and reflective practice. Her combined experience as an educator and clinician enables her to integrate academic knowledge with real- world therapeutic insight, making her a respected figure in both clinical and educational settings.

Professor of Psychology, Forman Christian College University (FCCU), Lahore
PhD in Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab

Prof. Dr. Sarah Shahed is a renowned psychologist, educator, and researcher, currently serving as a Professor of Psychology at Forman Christian College University (FCCU) since 2019. With over 35 years of teaching, research, counseling, and administrative experience, she has made pioneering contributions to psychology and gender studies in Pakistan. She holds a PhD in Applied Psychology from the University of the Punjab and advanced training in Health Psychology from the University of Surrey, UK.

Dr. Shahed has served as the founding Director of the Ruth Pfau Women’s Institute of Leadership and Learning (WILL) and founding Chairperson of Gender and Development Studies at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU). She also led a three-year academic partnership with the Global Gender Program at George Washington University, USA, strengthening international collaboration in gender and development research.

Recognized as a pioneer of Health Psychology in Pakistan, her research focuses on gender, health, gerontology, and well-being. She is the author of Urban Women in Pakistan: Explorations in Health Psychology and several peer-reviewed studies on health behaviors and gender differences. A member of various public and private sector boards, Dr. Shahed continues to promote mental health awareness, gender equality, and academic excellence.

Associate Dean, The Open University, UK
PhD in Psychology, University of Reading, UK

Dr. Jo Rose is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive international experience in Canada, Spain, and the UK. She currently serves as the Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at The Open University (UK), where she was previously the Director of Research for the School of Psychology and Counselling.

Holding a PhD in Psychology from the University of Reading, Dr. Rose’s work centers on social justice, feminist psychology, and digital gender research. Her research explores how gender and identity are shaped in digital spaces, focusing on women’s online self-presentation, mothering, and online safety.

She has led and contributed to major international projects funded by Research England, ESRC, and the European Union, addressing gender equity and digital well-being. A leading voice in feminist psychology, Dr. Rose has served as Chair of POWES (BPS) and Co-Editor of Feminism & Psychology, which received the APA Distinguished Leadership Award under her editorship. She is also affiliated with AWP, ISTP, and SPSSI, and remains committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and gender research globally.

Professor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh, USA

Dr. Irene Hanson Frieze is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Business Administration, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at the University of Pittsburgh (USA), where she has served since 1972 and played a pioneering role in establishing the Women’s Studies Program.

A UCLA graduate, Dr. Frieze’s influential research spans intimate partner violence (IPV), the psychological aspects of migration, and cross-cultural studies examining evolving attitudes toward gender, family, and work across Central and Eastern Europe and the United States.

She has held several leadership positions within the American Psychological Association (APA), including President of the Divisions of General Psychology, Social Issues, and the Psychology of Women. A former Editor of Sex Roles and the Journal of Social Issues, Dr. Frieze is also the author of Dynamics of Family and Intimate Partner Violence. She received the 2014 Iris Marion Young Award for Political Engagement for her lifelong commitment to feminist scholarship, cross-cultural psychology, and social justice.

Director of Postgraduate Studies, The Open University, UK

Dr. Lindsay O’Dell is a distinguished scholar and Professor of Critical Developmental Psychology at The Open University (UK), where she also serves as the Director of Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Health and Social Care. Her teaching and research focus on exploring how children and young people who are in some way “different” including those with autism, visible differences, experiences of abuse, caring responsibilities, or working lives are understood and represented in society.

Her work critically examines the social constructions of child development, particularly in relation to migration, culture, gender, ethnicity, geography, and disability. Dr. O’Dell takes a critical and inclusive approach to developmental psychology, consistently emphasizing equality, diversity, and social justice. She is known for her leadership in the field of critical developmental and childhood studies, and has contributed to various collaborative research networks such as the Critical Autism Network.

Through her scholarship, Dr. O’Dell challenges traditional narratives of childhood and development, offering profound insights into how identity, culture, and neurological differences intersect. Her publications including the influential edited volume Different Childhoods reflect her commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized children and reimagining developmental psychology as a discipline that is both socially aware and inclusive.

Professor, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, Leeds Trinity University, UK
PhD, University of Ulster, UK

Dr. Christopher Alan Lewis is a Reader in Psychology at Leeds Trinity University (UK), serving in the School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies. He holds a PhD from Ulster University and has extensive expertise in education, cultural psychology, and spirituality.

His research examines how religion, culture, and spirituality influence mental health, psychological well-being, resilience, and coping, especially in cross-cultural contexts. He has conducted studies on stress, resilience, and quality of life among parents of children with physical or intellectual disabilities, and his work explores religious experience and implicit religion in cultural settings. Dr. Lewis is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Mental Health, Religion & Culture and has published extensively on spirituality, coping, and wellbeing across diverse populations.

In addition to his research, Dr. Lewis is active in academic leadership and supervision, including PhD supervision and external examination. He is involved in professional committees such as the British Psychological Society’s Transpersonal Psychology Section. His interdisciplinary approach combines faith, culture, and psychology to promote cultural inclusivity and advance understanding of mental health across diverse communities.