Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 54 ratings

Gulay Ozcan

LMHC, 12 years of experience

Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I am an experienced licensed mental health counselor based in South Florida. With over a decade of dedicated service to the field and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, I possess a robust understanding of psychological principles and therapeutic techniques. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations, spanning adults, adolescents, and children. My practice specializes in providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals grappling with a spectrum of mental health challenges, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, and interpersonal conflicts. My eclectic counseling philosophy draws from various therapeutic approaches to best meet each individual's unique needs. I prioritize tailoring interventions to suit my client's specific goals and preferences, fostering a collaborative and adaptive therapeutic relationship. In addition to English, I am fluent in Turkish, enabling me to connect with and support clients from various cultural backgrounds effectively. I am deeply committed to promoting mental wellness and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling and balanced lives. I aim to alleviate symptoms, facilitate meaningful personal transformation, and cultivate resilience. As a counselor, I am unwavering in my dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality. I am committed to creating a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect, guiding my clients toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Individuals can expect to understand themselves better, their challenges, and practical strategies for navigating them. I provide a supportive environment where people can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. Together, we work towards tangible goals, building resilience and empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives beyond our sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to establish genuine connections with individuals. I am easy to talk to, offering a friendly and professional demeanor that puts people at ease. Individuals often describe me as direct and open, appreciating my honesty and transparency in our interactions. My approachability, honesty, and cultural sensitivity enable me to build strong therapeutic alliances and support individuals in their journey toward growth and healing.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties and who are open to embarking on a journey of personal growth and transformation. I thrive working with individuals motivated to change, resilient in the face of challenges, and committed to self-actualization. I excel in supporting individuals ready to explore their inner experiences, confront obstacles, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. My expertise lies in creating a safe and supportive space for my individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, empowering them to navigate life's complexities with courage, resilience, and authenticity.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

AddictionAnger ManagementSelf Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I provide individuals with a nonjudgmental space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or judgment. I help them feel accepted and valued for who they are, regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. I empower them to recognize their capacity for self-direction and make their own choices. Additionally, I offer empathy, understanding, and support to individuals in their journey toward self-discovery, personal growth, and fulfillment.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I integrate CBT techniques into therapy sessions based on each client's unique needs and goals. I understand the client's concerns, history, and individual cognitive and behavioral patterns. I provide psychoeducation about the principles of CBT, explaining how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence each other. This helps individuals gain insight into their experiences and empowers them to recognize maladaptive patterns. I encourage individuals to identify and challenge irrational or distorted thoughts contributing to distressing emotions. Additionally, I assist people in identifying and engaging in activities that bring them a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, even when they may not feel motivated. For those who appreciate homework, I assign exercises tailored to reinforce skills learned in therapy and encourage them to apply these skills in real-life situations, as these assignments serve as a bridge between therapy sessions, helping them maintain progress and apply new skills in their daily lives.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Individuals are encouraged to identify attainable goals for their desired outcomes. I also help individuals explore their strengths and successes to enhance resilience and foster change. I assist individuals in shifting their focus from problems to solutions. By exploring possibilities and potential solutions, individuals cultivate optimism about their ability to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful change.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 54 ratings

5 ratings with written reviews

June 3, 2025

Working with Dr. Ozcan has profoundly healed many aspects of my being and significantly contributed to my overall growth. In the past, I struggled with trust issues that hindered my ability to communicate my feelings. Dr. Ozcan fosters a judgment-free environment, characterized by logical interpretation and relatable experiences for her clients. I highly recommend her comforting nature to anyone who is struggling, feel skeptical, or concerned about the therapy process.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 26 with Gulay

May 16, 2025

Mrs.gulay is very warm person. She’s solution oriented . I’m looking forward to see her all the time and talk her .i don’t want to miss my appointments .She is the best psycholog I’ve ever seen . Her help is really appreciated . Thank you Mrs Gulay .👏💕

Verified client, age 55-64

Review shared after session 5 with Gulay

May 1, 2025

THE BEST THERAPIST I HAVE EVER HAD! Gulay has changed my life. I’ve seen many therapists, but none truly helped—until her. She listens w/ compassion, challenges me w/ care, & makes me feel safe. I’ve struggled w/mental health for years, & she’s been w/ me every step of the way—through stress, trauma, & everything in between. She’s been my steady support through it all, and I finally feel hope. I leave every session stronger. I’m endlessly grateful. I highly recommend Gulay! She truly cares!

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 13 with Gulay