Utku Ucay
Counselling and Psychotherapy, RCC, MSc

About Me
I’m Utku, a clinical counsellor based in Vancouver. My path into this work began with supporting young people facing substance use, trauma, and complex life circumstances. Over time, I’ve expanded my practice to include adults of all ages who are seeking not just coping strategies, but a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Before moving into private practice, I helped design and lead harm reduction programs, and worked as part of interdisciplinary teams supporting clients with a wide range of challenges. These experiences shaped my belief that therapy is not about giving quick fixes, but about creating a space where lasting change can take root.
Having lived in five countries and now being an immigrant in Canada, I am deeply familiar with people’s struggles with isolation and adaptation to a larger society. Given my diverse background and past experiences, I bring a multicultural perspective to counselling and value the many ways people make meaning in their lives.
My role is to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and self-trust — so that you can not only understand yourself better but also start living in a way that feels more aligned with who you truly are.
Outside of counselling, I enjoy watching Formula 1, playing volleyball, reading novels, and spending time in nature. I also cherish having meaningful conversations with friends — the same curiosity and openness I bring to my work as a therapist.
*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