Gulay Ozcan profile image

Gulay Ozcan

Gulay Ozcan

(she/her)

LMHC
11 years of experience
Virtual

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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

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.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

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.

About Gulay Ozcan

Identifies as

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

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.