Utku Ucay Counseling, RCC, MSc

I integrate an anti-oppressive, trauma informed approach that is strengths based and person-centered.
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. I integrate an anti-oppressive, trauma informed approach that is strengths based and person-centered. The therapeutic and philosophical approaches I draw upon are Humanistic Therapy, Gestalt therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) and Buddhism. 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 counseling.
I offer therapies in English, French and in Turkish.
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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 meditating in nature.
Education
Certifications
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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
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Turkish Psychological Association - Licensed Clinical psychologist
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Canadian Mindfulness Institute - Certified Mindfulness Instructor
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Certificate in Indigenous studies - University of Alberta