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

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

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • •
    Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • •
    Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

    Learn more about Family Therapy
  • •
    Group Therapy

    Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.

    Learn more about Group Therapy
  • •
    Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy
  • •
    Integrative Psychotherapy

    An approach that draws on multiple therapeutic models, tailored to the individual, rather than following a single method.

  • •
    Online Counselling

    Counselling conducted via video, phone, or secure messaging, providing professional support remotely.

    Learn more about Online Counselling
  • •
    Trauma Counselling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counselling

Works With:

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

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • •
    Identity Issues

    A person's sense of who they are, including their values, beliefs, roles, and self-perception, and the distress that arises when this sense is unclear, fragmented, or negative.

  • •
    Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • •
    Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • •
    Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • •
    Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • •
    Personality Difficulties

    Long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that cause persistent distress or problems in relationships and daily life.

  • •
    Shame

    A deep, painful emotion involving the belief that one is fundamentally flawed or unworthy, which can affect self-perception and relationships.

    Learn more about Shame
  • •
    Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

Professional Title:

  • •
    Licensed Mental Health Counselor

    A counselor licensed to provide mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

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

In-person & Online

Sisli

Istanbul, İstanbul

Turkey