Ilkay Alici

Ilkay Alici is a counsellor and psychotherapist who helps people facing grief, loss, relationship strain, anxiety and stress. She also supports those dealing with trauma, addictions, low self-esteem and life changes. Ilkay offers a calm, steady presence for people who are unsure where to start.

She uses plain conversation first. Sessions give space to talk about what matters most and to name what feels hard. Ilkay listens closely and helps people notice patterns that keep problems repeating. Together, she and the client set small, practical steps to try between meetings.

Her approach draws on client-centred ideas, cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness practices. That means she focuses on the person in front of her, looks at thoughts and behaviours that may be unhelpful, and introduces simple awareness exercises people can use day to day. These tools are chosen to suit each person’s needs rather than applied the same way for everyone.

Ilkay holds an MSc in Psychology and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She brings 14 years of professional experience to her practice and works in English and Turkish. People who are living through bereavement and end-of-life issues may find her experience relevant.

To begin, she asks a few questions about current difficulties and practical goals. Sessions are paced to what a person can manage, with attention to emotional safety and clear next steps between meetings.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on understanding the person and what matters to them. Online sessions using this approach prioritise listening, reflection and building a trusting working relationship. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and uses practical experiments and homework to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and build calm, which people can use between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options with each person and try methods that fit their needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made if something does not feel helpful.

The biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so please confirm the available session types before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. It can also suit people who prefer to use exercises or written notes between sessions. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises, homework and mindfulness practices to work well in remote meetings.