I have been innately curious since birth, particularly about people, places, cultures, philosophies, ways of being, art, and experiences. This curiosity led me to Montreal, Canada, where I pursued an undergraduate education at McGill University. After graduating with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, I gained diverse experience working in various settings, including after-school programs, kindergartens, educational institutions, and shelters. I worked in various roles in communities, engaging with people from all walks of life; with neuro-diverse individuals, with indigenous communities, with immigrants, LGBTQ2+ youth and unhoused people. My approach was tailored to various types of neurodiversity, ensuring personalized and effective support.
Additionally, I trained in family therapy at Marmara University in Istanbul and worked with Syrian refugees. Being originally from Turkey, my cultural background has enriched my perspective and deeply influenced my therapeutic practice.
Seeking further education, I moved to Vancouver and enrolled in the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute’s Expressive Arts Therapy Graduate Program. Throughout the program, I assisted in group sessions at the Strathcona Community Center and one-to-one sessions in Upper Lynn Elementary School in North Vancouver. I also conducted online therapy sessions through the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute’s online clinic. Since then, I have opened my private practice specializing in art therapy both online and in person.
I am a licensed Registered Therapeutic Counselor (RCT) in Canada and a member of the Association of Cooperative Counseling Therapists of Canada. Additionally, I am licensed as a family therapist in Turkey. I offer services to clients in both English and Turkish and provide online services regardless of location. I am currently based between Vancouver, BC, and Montreal, QC.
My Approach
Gentle
My approach to therapy is rooted in a gentle, slow and compassionate framework that emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I believe in the power and responsibility of being the compassionate observer of someone’s creative and emotional unfolding. By incorporating evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans, I strive to empower clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves.
Playful
EXA could look very different with every individual each time. Sometimes it could be that the person and the expressive arts practitioner going for a nature walk, or the person describes what they see outside, or that they hold a rock while they talk, or they collect nature objects outside and make an installation, collaging. It could also be person painting, dancing, writing, singing, sculpting, story telling. It is all about playing.
Resource-Oriented
I like to meet people where they are at, understanding their unique perspectives and experiences. I strongly believe in looking into the resources of someone, including their strengths, skills, and support systems, and then going from there. It’s important to acknowledge the individuality of each person and tailor my approach to meet their specific needs, whether it’s in personal growth, professional development, or any other aspect of their lives.
Affirming
I am dedicated to creating a space that is neuro-affirming, anti-colonial, and affirming of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that everyone receives the support, validation, and empowerment they deserve. By embracing an anti-colonial perspective, I aim to dismantle oppressive structures and provide a safe environment for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I believe in acknowledging and addressing the impact of historical trauma and systemic injustices, while fostering resilience and healing.
“The task of therapy is not to eliminate suffering but to give a voice to it, to find a form in which it can be expressed. Expression is itself transformation; this is the message that art brings. The therapist then would be an artist of the soul, working with sufferers to enable them to find the proper container for their pain, the form in which it would be embodied.”
Yağmur Aksu Therapy 