With 18 years of experience in mental health, Dr Zaafan has practised and volunteered across numerous countries.
Dr Zaafan earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatry and qualified as a psychiatrist overseas in 2017. In Australia, he holds general registration and is in the final stage of completing his second degree in psychiatry, Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Zaafan teaches medical students at Griffith and Bond Universities and serves as an accredited examiner for the Australian Medical Council (AMC), assessing internationally trained doctors seeking registration in Australia.
With a focus on adult mental health, he supports people experiencing a wide range of concerns. These include mood disorders such as depression and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD); anxiety-related conditions including anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); trauma-related conditions including complex trauma and PTSD; personality disorders; psychotic disorders; and occupational stressors such as burnout and work-related stress.
Dr Zaafan takes a balanced, integrative approach to treatment, drawing on medication and/or psychological therapies as appropriate. Trained in CBT, DBT, MI and mindfulness, he is also advancing his skills in Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).
Outside of work, Dr Zaafan enjoys cycling, reading, travelling, and exploring Australia’s off-road tracks. He is also active in volunteering and sits on the board of several local and international charities and NGOs.