Elif Todd MCouns

I practise from an integrative, pluralistic perspective, drawing from humanistic models such as person-centred therapy, Gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and TA (transactional analysis) as well as behavioural models such as schema therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).

I work with individuals, couples, and families on life challenges including anxiety, depression, grief, identity and belonging, relational dynamics, attachment and trauma-based issues, and cultural complexities. I have certification in family therapy, and I also facilitate anxiety and trauma psychoeducation and support groups and personal growth groups.

My experience and background

I have a master’s degree in counselling as well as a post-graduate diploma in the same, in addition to various long- and short-term professional development courses. My strong academic foundation combines with a wealth of professional and life experience (I have lived and worked in 8 countries, raising a family in 5 of these) to inform my practice.

I am a member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and Turkish Psychological Counselling and Guidance Association (TürkPDRDer), and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and uphold these organisations' ethical codes and guidelines.

About the therapeutic frame

Pluralistic practice takes the position that there are many effective ways that help clients who are dealing with life’s challenges. It is a collaborative approach which recognises and respects the client’s knowledge, experience, and preferences around what they think is most likely to be useful (and not useful) for them.

When client preferences and expectations are respected and when a collaborative, caring, genuine, and trusting relationship between client and therapist is formed, therapy is more effective.

We know from research that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important factor in therapeutic outcomes; it is through this safe relationship that client knowledge and insight, often implicit at the beginning stages, starts to come into consciousness, leading towards deeper exploration and understanding, and shifting long-held patterns.

What should you expect?

A safe, compassionate space where you can talk about anything without fear of being judged, invalidated, or criticised.

A strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect for your needs and experiences to enable exploration and growth.

Information and resources on specific topics (for example anxiety or trauma) as well as coaching for skills development (for example communication, stress management, or decision-making).

In our sessions we will identify desired outcomes and set the pace of therapy. We will make use of various counselling and psychotherapy theories, models, and techniques to help us explore challenges and patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. When working with trauma - both PTSD and C-PTSD (developmental trauma), we will integrate somatic, body-based interventions.

Our work together will honour your needs and preferences on the way towards making the changes that you want to make, adapting as our therapeutic work evolves. For psychological and emotional well-being one size definitely does not fit all! Therapy is deeply personal and unique to each client. No problem is too small or too big to bring to counselling, and our work can be short-term or long-term.

More about my Practice

Although I am based in Istanbul, online practice gives me the opportunity to work with clients globally in either language.

I offer a 20-minute free consultation to see if we might be a good fit.