Professional training:
Holistic wellbeing programmes in Dubai and online
Students in a holistic therapy training circle at The Holistic Academy in Dubai

Turn your passion into a career with purpose - and transform lives, including your own

Professional training for aspiring art therapy practitioners, meditation teachers, holistic counsellors and wellbeing professionals.

Not sure? Experience the Academy first.

38 countries where qualifications are recognised View countries →
4 international professional associations
100% professional insurance eligible

Internationally recognised professional training

Approved by IICT and IPHM, giving graduates of eligible programmes a pathway to professional membership and practitioner insurance internationally.

IICT Seal of Excellence 2023 — Approved Training Provider
IICT — International Institute for Complementary Therapists
M&A Today Global Awards 2022 Winner
IMTTA — International Meditation Teachers & Therapists Association, Approved Training Provider
IPHM — International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine
Mind Body Education — Best Global Holistic Therapy Training Provider 2022
IICT Accredited Course — Seal of Excellence
Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2025 — Holistic Therapy Training Provider of the Year
Global Health and Wellness Awards 2026 Winner — Best Global Holistic Therapy Training Provider
GHP Mental Health Awards 2023 — Best Holistic Training Provider
GHP Mental Health Awards 2022 — Best Online Creative Arts Therapy Training Provider

The Academy difference

Why this training stands out

Holistic Academy tutor leading a small-group learning session.

Why The Holistic Academy

A place to learn, grow and become

Holistic Academy tutor speaking with students in a bright learning space.

More than a qualification

We’re here to help you grow into the practitioner you want to become — with the confidence, self-awareness and practical skills to take your next step professionally.

From choosing the right training pathway to completing your programme, you’re supported by real people who know you, understand your goals and are there when you need guidance.

Learn alongside like-minded people who share your interest in wellbeing, personal growth and helping others. Many of the connections made at the Academy continue long after the course ends.

Whether you’re changing careers, adding to an existing profession or pursuing something you’ve felt drawn to for years, our flexible learning pathways are designed to fit around real lives and real responsibilities.

Start with a workshop, develop your skills through professional training, and continue into more advanced areas as your interests and career evolve.

Real impact

Real impact

Our students come to us with different goals, backgrounds and ambitions — and leave with new skills, greater confidence and professional possibilities.

1,200+

Students trained

38

Countries where qualifications are recognised

4

International professional associations

6+ years

Delivering professional holistic education in Dubai

Our Tutors

Learn from people who practise what they teach

Explore upcoming experiences ↗
Ola Sinno

01

Ola Sinno

Creative Arts Therapy Facilitator

Brings design, creative direction and experiential learning to the Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy programme.

Laila Cassis

02

Laila Cassis

Creative Arts Therapy Facilitator

Combines a background in art and education with creative practices that support self-discovery and personal growth.

Nahla Elbanhawy

03

Nahla Elbanhawy

Creative Arts Therapy Facilitator

Brings expressive arts, mindfulness and reflective spaces to learning, encouraging clarity, healing and meaningful change.

Isabelle Caron

04

Isabelle Caron

Creative Arts Therapy Facilitator

Creates warm, supportive learning environments through art, movement and reflection, encouraging students to explore and learn from within.

Insaf Mami

05

Insaf Mami

Sandtray Therapy Facilitator

Combines experience as an educator and mentor with creative expression, guiding students to build skill, authenticity and confidence.

Samrina Mapara

06

Samrina Mapara

MTHC Facilitator

Uses creative and holistic practices to nurture self-discovery, resilience and growth in a compassionate, supportive learning space.

Sara Alhendi

07

Sara Alhendi

Academy Facilitator

Supports self-discovery and resilience through creative expression, while helping future practitioners find their own voice and purpose.

Portrait of Sura Al Tahhan

Sura Al Tahhan

HICAT English & Arabic Online Facilitator

Combines creative practice and HICAT experience to support self-discovery, expression and personal growth.

Portrait of Shoug Alsayegh

Shoug Alsayegh

HICAT & MT Online Facilitator

Brings together fine arts, education and holistic practice to support connection, confidence and growth.

Our Programmes

Choose where your training takes you

Whether you're starting a new career, developing a specialist area or adding new skills to your existing practice, find the pathway that fits your next step.

01

Start a new profession

Professional qualifications designed to help you step into a new area of practice.

Become a Creative Arts Therapy Practitioner

Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy

Explore this pathway →

Train as a Meditation Teacher with holistic counselling skills

Meditation Teacher & Holistic Counselling Skills Training

02

Develop a specialist area

Deepen your knowledge and learn to support specific wellbeing needs.


Support women through menopause with greater knowledge and confidence

Women’s Wellbeing & Mental Health During Menopause


Help men navigate life’s more challenging moments

Men’s Wellbeing & Mental Health

03

Expand your existing practice

Add new approaches and practical tools to the work you already do.

Add Sandplay Therapy to your professional toolkit

Sandplay Therapy Course

Not sure where to begin?

You don't have to figure it out alone.

Tell us a little about your interests, experience and where you'd like your training to take you, and we'll help you find the pathway that feels right for your next step.

Upcoming Experiences

Experience the Academy first

Explore upcoming webinars, workshops and short courses. Meet our tutors, discover subjects that interest you and experience our approach to learning before choosing a full qualification.

Knowledge for your journey

Explore expert insights on holistic wellbeing, therapy, professional practice and personal growth.

Explore all articles →

COMING SOON

Meditation teacher vs. holistic counsellor: which path fits you

COMING SOON

Building a wellbeing practice in the UAE

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you take the next step

For most of our holistic training programmes, no previous experience or professional qualification is required. Our courses support students at different stages — whether you are exploring a new career in holistic wellbeing, developing a specialist area, or expanding your existing professional practice.Some of our specialist short courses are designed specifically for existing therapists, counsellors, coaches, wellbeing professionals or other practitioners who want to add new tools to their work. These programmes may have specific entry requirements.Any prerequisites will be clearly explained on the individual course page and confirmed with you before enrolment, so you can be confident that the training is appropriate for your experience and professional goals.

Yes. In Dubai, The Holistic Academy operates under The Holistic Training Institute DMCC, and our programmes are approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).KHDA is the government authority responsible for overseeing private education and training in Dubai. Training institutes must be appropriately permitted to operate, and their programmes must be approved within Dubai’s educational framework.For our students, this means you can study with confidence knowing that your programme is delivered through an authorised Dubai training institute and has received KHDA approval.

Yes. Many of our programmes can be studied from anywhere in the world through live online Zoom sessions, allowing you to join interactive classes, ask questions and learn directly with your tutor in real time.Some programmes also offer a self-study option, giving you even more flexibility to learn at your own pace.The available study format varies by programme, so check the individual course page or speak with our team before enrolling.

For most of our main programmes, which run for approximately 3–6 months, live classes take place once a week and usually last between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the programme.In addition to the live sessions, we recommend allowing around 30–60 minutes per day for reading, homework, reflection or practical exercises.The exact study commitment varies by programme, and full details are provided on each course page so you can plan your learning around work, family and other responsibilities.

Our study schedules are designed to be flexible. If the majority of students in a group would prefer to take a break during school holidays, we can usually adjust the timetable accordingly.The same applies to public holidays. Any changes to the class schedule are discussed and agreed within the group in advance, helping everyone plan their studies around work, family and other commitments.

If you are travelling but still able to attend, you can usually join the live class via Zoom from wherever you are.If you are unable to attend a live online session, the class can be recorded for you to watch afterwards, where available.To successfully complete the programme, a minimum of 80% attendance is required. Attendance via Zoom counts towards this requirement, giving you flexibility to continue your studies while travelling.

Yes. The Holistic Academy’s professional training programmes are industry-recognised and approved by leading international professional bodies, including IICT and IPHM.Many holistic and complementary therapy modalities are regulated through professional industry standards rather than a single government qualification framework. This means that professional recognition comes through established associations that assess training quality, course content, practitioner standards and eligibility for professional practice.For graduates, this recognition is important because it can provide a pathway to:

  • Professional association membership
  • Professional indemnity and liability insurance
  • Greater professional credibility when working with clients
  • Recognition of eligible qualifications across multiple countries
One of the most practical benefits is professional insurance. Graduates of eligible accredited programmes can apply for practitioner insurance through recognised professional bodies and their insurance partners, subject to the modality, country and insurer requirements.This is why choosing an industry-accredited holistic therapy course matters. A course may provide a certificate of completion, but professional accreditation helps demonstrate that the training meets recognised industry standards for practitioner education.Our programmes are also evidence-based, combining scientifically supported methods, practical application and professional standards with a heart-centred approach to holistic wellbeing.Please note that professional recognition is not the same as a government licence to practise. Requirements can vary by country, modality and professional title, so we always recommend checking the local requirements where you intend to work.

Yes—graduates of our eligible professional training programmes are prepared to begin practising within the scope of the modality they have studied.Our industry-recognised programmes are designed to meet professional standards and can provide a pathway to professional association membership and practitioner insurance, which are important steps when working with clients professionally.Requirements can vary depending on the country, modality and professional title you intend to use, so you should always check any local licensing or registration requirements before beginning practice.We also place strong emphasis on ethical practice, professional boundaries, evidence-based methods and practical application, so you graduate with more than a qualification — you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to begin practising responsibly.

Yes. Instalment payment options are available through Tabby, allowing eligible students to spread the cost of their programme over several payments.You do not need to already have a Tabby account. Simply select Tabby at checkout, and if you are a new customer, you can create your account as part of the payment process.Tabby will show you the available payment options before you confirm your purchase. Eligibility and payment terms are subject to Tabby’s approval and conditions.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Ready to start your holistic career?

We prepare you not just for a career, but for a balanced and fulfilling life. Apply in a few minutes, or talk it through with admissions first.

Recognised in 38 countries

A year of IMTTA membership included

Onsite in Dubai or live online

Internationally recognised training

Graduates of our programs eligible for professional insurance in the following countries:

Country flags and names grouped across the UK and Europe, Oceania, North America and Canada, and South Africa