Idil Gursoy
I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up as you are, without fear of judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, and I tailor therapy to your unique needs and experiences. If you feel stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by life, disconnected from yourself, or like you've lost a part of who you used to be, you don't have to navigate it alone. Together, we'll explore what's holding you back, work through difficult experiences, and build tools to help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected to yourself. I draw from approaches such as CBT, EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness to help you better understand yourself and develop healthier ways of coping.
I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up as you are, without fear of judgment or pressure to have everything figured out.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don't have to be perfect or have all the answers to begin. My hope is to help you feel safe enough to be yourself, reconnect with your inner strengths, and create a life where you're not just getting through each day, but truly living.
First session
I take a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative approach to therapy. You can expect a space where you are listened to carefully and taken seriously. We’ll work together to understand what may be getting in your way, gain practical insight, and support changes that fit with your values and goals. My role is to support you through challenges with clarity and care, at a pace that feels manageable and realistic for you. In our first session, we’ll go over basic therapy details such as scheduling, policies, and how therapy works, so you know what to expect. I’ll also ask questions about your background, any past experiences you’ve had with therapy, and what has brought you to seek support at this time. This helps me better understand you and what kind of support will be most helpful. Our first meeting is a chance for us to get to know each other, begin building trust, and talk about what you would like to work on in therapy. You are welcome to ask questions at any time. My goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and comfortable as we begin this process together.
Strengths
I strive to create a compassionate, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood, accepted, and supported. I approach each person with empathy, curiosity, and an appreciation for their unique experiences. By integrating evidence-based approaches with trauma-informed care, I help clients recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and cultivate self-compassion. My approach emphasizes collaboration and individualized care, empowering clients to navigate challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to explore their emotional world and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. My passion lies in helping individuals strengthen emotional regulation, increase self-awareness, and feel more empowered in their daily lives. Together, we will address current stressors and patterns that may be holding you back, while creating space for healing, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose as you move forward.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Using approaches such as CBT, EMDR, Solution-Focused Therapy, and psychoeducation, we will explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, process difficult experiences, and develop practical tools to manage emotions, reduce distress, and build healthier relationships with yourself and others. Progress may look like feeling more confident, setting boundaries, responding to challenges with greater resilience, and experiencing less anxiety and overwhelm. Together, we will work toward helping you move beyond survival mode, reconnect with yourself, and create a more fulfilling, balanced life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I can help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns that may be affecting how you feel and act. Together, we’ll work on replacing these patterns with more balanced ways of thinking and healthier behaviors. CBT also provides practical tools and strategies you can use right away to manage stress, anxiety, or low mood. The goal is to help you build coping skills, create lasting change, and feel more in control of your life.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I will encourage you to identify attainable goals for your desired outcomes. I also help you explore your strengths and successes to enhance resilience and foster change. I assist my clients in shifting their focus from problems to solutions. By exploring possibilities and potential solutions, clients cultivate optimism about their ability to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful change.
EMDR
EMDR can help you process difficult experiences and work through the emotions associated with them. Together, we will use EMDR to explore and process past experiences at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. We will also practice grounding techniques and develop coping strategies to help you feel emotionally prepared and supported throughout the EMDR process.
Psychoeducation
I incorporate psychoeducation into my therapeutic work to help clients better understand their mental health challenges and the underlying factors contributing to their symptoms. By providing clear, accessible information about conditions such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma, I empower clients to make informed choices about their recovery. This process not only reduces confusion and stigma but also enhances self-awareness, reinforces coping strategies, and strengthens engagement in treatment. I tailor psychoeducation to meet each client’s needs and readiness for change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based techniques to help clients increase self-awareness, regulate emotions, manage stress and anxiety, and develop self-compassion. Through grounding, mindful breathing, and present-moment awareness, I support clients in responding to challenges with greater clarity, acceptance, and emotional balance.
Location
Virtual sessions