My Approach to Helping
"Hell is proximity without intimacy". If you are physically close to your partner but feel like thousands of miles away, then you can certainly relate to this definition. I recognize that one of the hardest decisions in your relationship is to decide whether to give up or try harder! If you are stuck, counseling might help you get clarity. My passion is to bring couples emotionally closer and to help them connect again. I work with individuals and couples going through life transitions (i.e. birth of children) or difficult issues such as affairs, ethical nonmonogamy, trust, jealousy, and communication issues. It is crucial to create a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment. I base my work on evidence-based therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy as well as works from well-known colleagues like Ester Perel, John Gottman, and Brene Brown. I supplement our work with podcasts, worksheets and other homework to supplement our work.
Being originally from Istanbul, Turkey, I cherish working with clients from diverse backgrounds. I am a full Professor at CSULA, teaching courses on intimate relationships. As a therapist, I can promise you this: I deeply care, I listen with my heart, and I give my insight generously. I don’t ever just nod, and you will never have to wonder what I am thinking.
More Info About My Practice
My therapeutic style is collaborative, open, and yet directive. A lot of my clients complain about passive therapeutic styles and report feeling like they were 'talking to a wall' in their previous counseling experiences. While the more passive approach may work with some clients, I have a more active style. In your work with me, you will always get honest and open feedback, and you will never wonder what I am thinking. I am offering virtual online sessions with flexible scheduling options. I appreciate your consideration to work with me.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Over the last 20 years, I have spent countless hours working with couples recovering from affairs, or other important relational transitions and crises such as transition to parenting, work issues, trauma, and anxiety and depression among many other topics.
My Role as a Therapist
Depending on what brings you to therapy, my role as a therapist covers many areas including giving you emotional support, skill building, conflict resolution, self exploration and behavioral change.
Overall, my purpose as a therapist is to be an active witness and a guide to your journey towards mental and emotional well-being, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a better quality of life. And lastly, in times where I can't offer comfort, I always try to offer hope to my clients.
One of my strengths is to be a very active and hands on therapist. I see therapy as a two way street where the magic happens outside of the therapy room as much as in. I complement our work by suggesting books, articles, podcasts, TED talks from colleagues that I follow and look up to.
