Gamze Özkan
Gamze is a Counseling Psychologist licensed in both Turkey and Dubai with the Community Development Authority (CDA). She is specialized in working with Couples and Families, as well as with Individuals. With a rich practice history in both Turkey and the UAE, Gamze’s core focus is in enhancing relationships and promoting stronger emotional connections. Her approach integrates her Turkish background with the diverse cultural context of the UAE.
Credentials and Experience:
Bringing more than 10 years of experience to her practice, Gamze’s primary focus is on Imago Relationship Therapy, complemented by her training in the Gottman Method. Within her range of services, she also offers expertise in Family Counselling, guiding parents in skills development, comprehending child behavior, and enhancing parent-child relationships, especially during key transitions.
Gamze graduated with Honors and received a cholarship in psychology from Izmir University in 2013. She subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in Family Counseling from
Ege University in 2015 and has additional skills in EMDR and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. During her educational journey, she acquired practical skills through internships in diverse clinical settings. Simultaneously, Gamze began her Clinical work, providing specialized counseling services for Adults, Couples, and Parents. Her dedication to working with Couples has been present since the very start of her career. She transitioned into community services, focusing on Women and Family Support. Subsequently, she worked in educational settings, enhancing student’s well-being through emotional support programs. Throughout her career, she completed a comprehensive five-year training program at the Imago Relationship Therapy Institution, earning her Certification as an Imago Relationship Clinical Therapist.
Gamze is also a board member of Turkey’s Imago Relationship Therapy Organization. Her work with Couples aims to strengthen relationships and guide Couples toward mutual understanding, effective problem-solving, and lasting resilience.
Expertise
Couples therapy
Parent counseling
Short and long-term counseling for Adults.
Languages Spoken
Services offered in English and Turkish.
Therapeutic approach:
Gamze’s approach focuses on Imago Relationship Therapy, Which aims at helping couples view conflicts as opportunities for healing and growth. She employs the Imago Dialogue to facilitate meaningful conversations, fostering empathy and deeper connections. When applicable, she incorporates the Gottman Method to further support Couples’ relational journeys.
In her work with individuals, she employs techniques like EMDR for trauma processing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for skill amplification. These evidence-based methods create a supportive and transformative environment, encouraging individual growth and emotional well-being.
Areas of interest:
- Communication challenges
- Intimacy issues
- Infidelity and Trust
- Parent’s guidance and support
- Parental divorce consultation
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Adjustment difficulties
- Relationship difficulties
- Trauma
- Self-Esteem issues
Educational qualifications:
- Master of Science (MSc.) in Family Counselling from Ege University (Turkey), 2015.
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology from Izmir University of Economics (Turkey), 2013.
Publications:
Burhanoğlu, N., Çınar, G., Elibol, M. C., İçağası, B., Karluk, R., & Kuyu, Ş. İ. (2011).
Assessment of Attractiveness and Status in Terms of Hemispheric Asymmetry. Graduation project conducted at Izmir University, Department of Psychology. Mentor: EmineAkman. January 2011.
Çınar, G. (2014). Examination of Behavior Problems of Children Continuing in Preschool
Education After Training Given to Mothers and Mother Attitudes [Master's Thesis]. Izmir-2014. Advisor: Assist. Prof. Nilgül Banu Çengelci Özekeş.
Licenses and Professional Memberships:
Gamze is licensed by the Community Development Authority (CDA) since December 2022, the Imago Relationship Therapy Worldwide (IRW) since 2020, the Imago Relationship Therapy Local Organizations of Turkey (ILO Turkey) since 2022, as well as the Turkish Psychological Association (TPD) since 2013.