YAPRAK BAHAR 

MA. Clinical and Counselling Psychology

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I provide counselling and psychotherapy for expats and international students who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, work and life balance, cultural adjustment, relationships, identity and career questions, existential anxiety, dealing with loss and trauma. 

ABOUT 

 
ABOUT ME

I was born in Turkey, a country that is known for its ethnic and religious diversity, and its multiculturalism issues. Raised in a Macedonian – Turkish family, I have become aware of the cultural differences and how they translate into our society at an early age. I developed an interest in understanding social dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and psychological processes of human behavior.

 

I received my bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in psychology and a master's degree in clinical and counseling psychology. I am currently studying for a research master’s degree in social psychology as I am very interested in the influence of social context on human behaviour and psychological wellness.

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I integrate current scientific evidence in psychotherapy research into my practice. My practice is influenced by the following therapy models which I am trained in: humanistic, psychodynamic, Gestalt, existential, cognitive behavioural and psychodrama.

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My approach to therapy is informed not only by my training in clinical and counseling psychology but also my passion for drama, cinema and literature which I enjoy blending into my practice. 

EXPERIENCE

I worked as a psychotherapist in Prague, specializing mostly in working with international students and expats. I did my practicum and internship in the counseling center at my university campus where I had the chance to gain experience working with young adults, international students from various cultures, different religious affiliations and socioeconomic backgrounds. I also co-led group therapies focusing on the issues of cultural adjustment and multicultural relationships. After my graduation, I provided individual psychotherapy in English and in Turkish to expats who live in Prague. I helped my clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, adjustment, relationships, existential and identity questions. Since 2018, I offer therapy in my private practice in Amsterdam as well as online sessions.

EDUCATION

Social Psychology Research Master’s

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2018 – 2020 (Expected) 

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Clinical and Counselling Psychology M.A.

La Salle University, USA / Czech Republic        2011 – 2013

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Sociology B.A. with minor in Psychology         

Boğaziçi University, Turkey                                     

2006 -2011

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Foundations of Psychodrama .                         

Istanbul Psychodrama Institute, Turkey              

Spring 2011

PRACTICE AREAS

  • anxiety and stress

  • depression and mood swings

  • self-esteem issues

  • life-work balance​

  • cultural adjustment

  • relationship issues

  • identity and career questions

  • trauma, abuse, and grief

  • personal growth

  • existential and life-meaning questions

MEMBERSHIPS AND REGISTRATIONS

The Dutch Association of Psychologists (NIP)

Membership number: 228427

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American Psychological Association (APA) 

Membership number: 00222239

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Kamer van Koophandel (KVK) 

Registration number: 72427396

LANGUAGES

I offer therapy in English and Turkish. 

 

CONTACT ME

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session, please use this form. You can also contact me via phone.

PHONE

+31 (0) 625 697 047

ADDRESS

Amsterdam - De Pijp

NETHERLANDS

E-MAIL

TESTIMONIALS

              “Yaprak has guided me through very tight life situations, helped me to identify issues from my past and tackle them, gave me strength to make very difficult decisions, and finally enabled me to develop and grow as a person. She created safe space for me, motivated me, supported me and allowing me to truly be myself. I can list a number of specific real life improvements that came into my life thanks to her and significantly increased the quality of my life. I am talking about behavioral improvements I have been dealing with since childhood, but also increased satisfaction of my relationships, better fitting carrier path, new friends, more fulfilling lifestyle, or healthier self-image. 

                I have worked with Yaprak in different phases of my life. I started as a college student needing help with stress management, came back fresh of the grand school needing to a relationship dilemma, and again years later as a professional in a personal crisis. Yaprak has always helped me to manage the issue I came with, but also helped me to identify side factors that I haven’t seen before. Interestingly, she can make this extra step even though we come from very different cultures. 

                 Another thing I like about her is that she genuinely wants her clients to succeed and learn how to function on their own without having to be in therapy forever. To explain, she creates a schedule for a specific number of sessions, which defines our common target. I believe this approach motivates me to make the best of my sessions and stay focused. Most importantly, though, this approach teaches me how to keep going with my development even after the sessions have finished. 

                 Before I met Yaprak I tried 2 other therapists, but Yaprak was far the best one.  Thanks to Yaprak I have managed crises, found courage to make scary life changes and put my priorities in order. That is why she is always the one therapist I turn to.” 

B, Czech Republic

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© 2018 Yaprak Bahar