One of us is a clinical psychologist, the other a psychological counsellor and family counsellor. We work in the same office and think through every case together.
We set up İkimiz to be a room where both sides of a relationship can be heard.
The sentence we hear most often when working with couples and families is "He does not listen to me." Everyone who comes into the room wants, a little, to prove they are right. We are not referees; we try to build a place where both of you can speak without raising your voice.
Being two counsellors lets us do this: we discuss every case together in a weekly review, hold joint sessions when needed, and when different members of a family need to see different counsellors, we can plan that under one roof.
Deniz Özer
Clinical Psychologist (MSc)
Couples therapy and relationship-focused individual sessions; couples in crisis or at a crossroads.
After studying psychology at Hacettepe University, Deniz completed an MSc in clinical psychology at Ankara University. They worked on the adult psychiatry ward of a university hospital and then at a private therapy centre.
Since 2015 Deniz has worked with couples, mostly on recurring cycles of conflict, breaches of trust and periods of deciding about the relationship’s future.
Approach
Draws on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman method; in individual sessions works with cognitive behavioural and schema-focused approaches. Values not taking sides and making sure both partners can find their own words.
Education
2007BSc PsychologyHacettepe University
2010MSc Clinical PsychologyAnkara University
Certificates and training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy foundation training
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and 2
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training
Schema Therapy foundation training
Memberships
Turkish Psychological Association
Turkish Psychological Association Couples and Family Therapy Working Group
Family counselling, parenting through separation and premarital counselling.
After graduating in Guidance and Psychological Counselling from Middle East Technical University, Can worked for many years as a school counsellor and completed the family counselling certificate programme.
Working with students and parents at school showed Can that the family needs to be seen as a whole. Today Can works with families with teenagers, separating parents and couples preparing to marry, and gives parenting seminars at schools and organisations.
Approach
Works with a systemic family approach: looks for the problem not in one person but in the pattern the family builds together. Takes care that children and teenagers are heard and that parents are strengthened without being blamed.
Education
2004BSc Guidance and Psychological CounsellingMiddle East Technical University
2012Family Counselling Certificate ProgrammeMinistry-approved university programme
Certificates and training
Systemic family therapy training
Counselling parents through separation and divorce
Parenting education facilitator training
Play-based family session training
Memberships
Turkish Psychological Counselling and Guidance Association
In a session we do not talk about who is right, but about where each of you is stuck. If one of you feels alone in the room, we ask you to say so openly.
We are open about secrets
In the first session we agree in writing how we will handle what is shared in separate sessions, so there are no surprises later.
We keep children out of the middle
In separation and family work, a child is not a party. If we need to see a child, it is planned in an age-appropriate way and with both parents’ consent.
We know our limits
We do not diagnose or recommend medication. When needed, we refer you to psychiatric, legal or social support services.
In Kavaklıdere, on a tree-lined street.
Our office is on the third floor of a 1960s apartment building. There is a room for couples and families, a small consulting room and a play corner for children.
A three-minute walk from Tunalı Hilmi Street
A separate waiting area, so clients do not run into each other
Building with a lift and step-free entrance
Ethics and confidentiality
Confidentiality
What is said in sessions is confidential. No information is shared with third parties, except where the law requires it or there is a serious risk to you or someone else.
Recording
Sessions are not recorded in audio or video. Counsellors keep only their own session notes.
Referral
If what you need is outside our area of work, we will tell you plainly and refer you to a suitable colleague.
