Utku Ucay
Counselling and Psychotherapy, RCC, MSc
About Me
My journey in mental health started years ago when I chose to study psychology in my hometown of Istanbul, Turkey. I continued on to pursue a Master in Mental Health (M.Sc.) in London, UK.. Drawing from various therapeutic and philosophical approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Gestalt therapy, and Buddhism, in my practice, I integrate an anti-oppressive, trauma informed, somatic based approach that is strengths based and person-centred.
Having lived in five countries and now being an immigrant in Canada, I am deeply familiar with people’s struggles with isolation in, and adaptation to, the larger society. Given my diverse background and past experiences, I take a multicultural approach to counselling. I am honored to listen your stories and look forward to connecting with you!
In addition to my private practice, I also work in a non-profit organization with youth at risk who is experiencing substance use issues. The program I work in operates from a harm reduction, attachment-based, trauma-informed model, which helps me to have different perspectives in my private practice. Outside of counselling, I am also a basketball coach and in my free time, I enjoy watching Formula 1, playing volleyball, having deep conversations with friends, reading novels, and feeling awe in nature.
*I offer therapies in English, French and in Turkish.
Education
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King’s College London - MSc in Mental Health Studies
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Istanbul Bilgi University – BA in Psychology
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Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles (Montreal), Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Certifications & Trainings
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BCACC - Registered Clinical Counsellor
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Turkish Psychological Association - Licensed Clinical psychologist
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Canadian Mindfulness Institute - Certified Mindfulness Instructor
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EMDRIA approved EMDR Training: Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice
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IFS Immersion - Integrating Family systems (IFS) across clinical applications
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Dr. Sue Johnson's Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training at University of Jyväskylä
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Certificate in Indigenous studies - University of Alberta
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
-Carl Jung