About Me

Hello, I am Specialist Psychologist İlayda Dursun.

I began my psychology education at Boğaziçi University; after completing my undergraduate degree with honors, I was accepted to Kadir Has University with a 100% merit scholarship and completed my master's degree with high honors. I wrote my thesis on healthcare professionals' self-efficacy perceptions in sexuality-related issues. This process greatly contributed to developing both my theoretical depth and therapeutic skills in the field.

I added an international perspective to my education through the Erasmus program at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Contact with different cultures formed the foundation of my therapeutic relationships with immigrant clients today.

I currently live in Canada and conduct online therapy sessions with Turkish-speaking adults from different parts of the world. I am particularly interested in the effects of the migration process on an individual's identity, sense of belonging, and relationships. In this area, I accompany my clients not only with theoretical knowledge but also with sincere understanding as someone who has gone through this process.

My main areas of work in therapy are anxiety, self-confidence, emotional regulation, relational conflicts, and life transitions. I shape the process with the client by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Schema Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy approaches. I construct therapy as a safe, non-judgmental, intimate space and believe that everyone can access their inner resources.

A significant part of my academic background was spent in research laboratories. I worked in developmental and social psychology laboratories at Boğaziçi University, and in the communication and relationship research laboratory at Kadir Has University. During this time, I conducted studies on attachment, gender, developmental processes, and close relationships. I gained practical knowledge in experimental design, SPSS, and qualitative data analysis.

I believe that the production of psychological knowledge should not be confined to academic circles. With this motivation, I wrote articles on mental health, relationships, sexuality, and emotional awareness on the Relate platform. I advocate that psychological knowledge should be simple, sincere, and accessible.

Throughout my professional journey, I worked with mentally disabled individuals in Mexico, conducted a peer support project in prison in Istanbul, recorded audiobooks for the visually impaired, and participated in art-based summer schools for children. These experiences allowed not only theory but also contact, creativity, and heartfelt support to be part of my therapy approach.

If you also wish to develop deeper self-awareness, lighten emotional burdens, and restructure your relationships and connection with yourself, I would be happy to accompany you on this inner journey.