Elif

Elif Todd, M.Couns

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

verified by TherapyRoute

“We all go through difficult times in our lives when we might feel unfulfilled, overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, dealing with loss, facing a major life-change, or struggling with relationship dynamics. Sometimes these feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, sleep disturbances, or fatigue. Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to gain insights into your emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns and leads you to self-discovery, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life. I offer a warm, confidential space where clients can openly explore life's complexities. Through our collaborative work, I help you uncover inner strengths and clarify paths forward. My culturally-respectful approach ensures you feel truly heard and understood. This makes our sessions ideal for those seeking authentic self-discovery and meaningful growth in their relationships and personal lives.”

About Me

A warm, compassionate, and dedicated counsellor, I support clients navigating life's challenges. With a collaborative, client-centered, and culturally-respectful approach, I foster a safe and authentic space for exploration and self-discovery towards personal and interpersonal growth. 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 work with empathy, authenticity, and a genuine belief in the potential for growth. I practise collaboratively, honouring your needs and preferences. Starting counselling can be daunting and overwhelming. It's likely that you will have questions about me and the therapy process. I encourage you to contact me for a free consultation to see if we might be a good fit.

Approach

There are two schools/models that guide my approach, whether with individuals or couples/families: 1. Pluralistic counselling and psychotherapy: I practise from an integrative, pluralistic perspective, drawing from a variety of theories and models such as person-centred, Gestalt, existential, TA (Transactional Analysis), psychodynamic, emotionally-focused, attachment-based, schema, MCBT (Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). 2. Systems theory: My training and academic research in family therapy informs my systemic approach: systems theory is a frame of reference which enables me to hold in context and perspective the social systems relevant to the client, such as family members, friends, work, and other communities. This fundamental understanding of systems helps us uncover what makes change difficult and why people hold on, or revert, to long time behavioural patterns and strategies.
Contact Elif

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Istanbul, Turkey

Services

I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups on life challenges including anxiety, depression, grief, identity and belonging, relational dynamics, cultural complexities. I have further training and experience in working with trauma, both post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and complex-traumatic stress (CPTSD) conditions. I also facilitate anxiety and trauma psychoeducation and support groups and personal growth groups. Although I am currently based in Şişli, Istanbul, online practice gives me the opportunity to work with clients globally, in English or Turkish (and often both, for example in my work with bi-cultural couples).

Services Offered:

  • •Counseling
  • •Relationship Counseling
  • •Family Therapy
  • •Group Therapy
  • •Individual Therapy
  • •Integrative Psychotherapy
  • •Online Counselling
  • •Trauma Counselling

Works With:

  • •Adults
  • •Couples
  • •Individuals
  • •Families
  • •Groups
  • •Elderly
  • •Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •Anxiety
  • •Mood Disorder
  • •Identity Issues
  • •Trauma
  • •Relationship Issues
  • •Family Issues
  • •Life Transitions
  • •Personality Difficulties
  • •Shame
  • •Cross-Cultural

Professional Title:

  • •Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Qualifications

Master of Counselling

Massey University

Postgraduate Diploma

Diploma

Massey University

Registrations

New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)

Counsellor

Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Association (TürkPDRDer)

Psychological Counsellor

Australian Counseling Association (ACA)

International Member

Service Area

Elif Todd Counselling

Sisli

Istanbul, İstanbul

Turkey