About me
Şebnem Yıldırım
I combine experience from clinical, forensic and special education settings with evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
My story
I graduated from the Department of Psychology at Istanbul Bilgi University in 2017 and completed my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Üsküdar University with honours in 2020. During my studies I trained in the psychiatry and addiction units of Balıklı Greek Hospital, French Lape Hospital and NP Neurology Hospital, in forensic psychology at the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse, and with children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and learning difficulties at Irmak Special Education Institution.
At Mind and More Psychological Counselling Centre I worked on a cognitive skills programme for children, first as a volunteer and later as a part-time psychologist. I then worked as a psychotherapist at the Psikohome and Anadolu psychological counselling centres.
In 2025 I gave a TEDx talk on contemporary perspectives on love, awareness and communication.
Today I see adult clients at my own private practice in Ataşehir, Istanbul, both in person and online.
How I work
I draw on evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and schema therapy, always alongside ethical practice and empathic communication. I believe each person’s story is unique, so I shape therapy around the goals we agree on together.
Therapy training
2024
2021
Schema TherapyISST-accredited trainer Dr. Hasan Alp Karaosmanoğlu
2018
Beck-oriented cognitive therapy in the treatment of depressionDr. Emel Stroup
Experience
My clinical experience began during my undergraduate studies. In 2016 I observed and interviewed patients in the psychiatric ward and addiction units of Balıklı Greek Hospital, and in 2017 I worked with patients diagnosed with dementia and other psychological disorders at French Lape Hospital. In 2018 I took part in individual and group sessions with children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome and learning difficulties at Irmak Special Education Institution; in the same year, at the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse, I supported the preparation of social investigation reports and interviewed families and children involved in legal proceedings. From 2018 to 2020 I worked at Mind and More Psychological Counselling Centre on a cognitive skills programme for children run with non-governmental organisations, first as a volunteer and then as a part-time psychologist, designing activities and carrying out psychological assessments and standardised tests. While working as a psychotherapist at Psikohome Psychological Counselling Centre in 2021–2022, I also joined multidisciplinary case discussions in the psychiatry and addiction units of NP Neurology Hospital. In 2023–2024 I provided individual psychotherapy to adult clients at Anadolu Psychological Counselling Centre.
When you are ready to talk, I am here.
Choose a day and time that suits you, and I will get back to you shortly to confirm your appointment.