- Who it is for
- Families and parents
- Format
- In person (Istanbul) · Online
- Session length
- About 90 minutes
What family counselling is
Family counselling looks at the family as a whole made up of people who affect one another. A difficulty one family member is going through often affects the whole system. The aim of the work is to bring the family’s way of communicating, its roles and its boundaries into a healthier balance.
In this approach the problem is not placed on one person. The behaviour of a family member who is seen as “the problem” is often a sign of an unmet need or a blocked line of communication in the family.
When families seek support
- Conversations at home often turning into arguments, or nobody talking to each other
- Parents handling child-rearing in different and inconsistent ways
- A decision to divorce, the divorce itself and setting up a new routine afterwards
- Adjustment in blended families with a new partner or step-siblings
- Boundary problems with grandparents and the wider family
- An illness, a loss or a major change that shakes the whole family
How I work
We look together at the family’s way of communicating, its roles and its recurring patterns. I plan who takes part in the sessions and how often according to the family’s needs. Some sessions may be held with the whole family, some only with the parents or with individual family members.
It matters that what is discussed in sessions carries over into home life. For this reason, small and concrete steps to try within the family are agreed together where needed.
Support during divorce
Divorce is a major transition not only for the couple but also for the children. The main topics addressed in counselling are:
- How and when to tell the children about the decision
- How to set up the new routine and the moves between two homes
- How parents can keep conflict away from the children
- How to continue co-parenting after the divorce
Blended families
In families formed with a new partner or step-siblings, roles and expectations do not settle on their own. Who has a say in what, the ties between the old and the new family, and children’s conflicts of loyalty are topics that need to be talked about in this process.
In person or online
Sessions take place in person in Istanbul or online. If family members live in different cities, online sessions can make it easier to bring the family together. For matters concerning your teenager, see also Teen and Parent Counselling.
Frequently asked questions
Does the whole family need to come?
It depends. Some sessions are held with the whole family, some only with the parents or with individual family members. We plan this together in the first session.
We have decided to divorce. Can counselling still help?
Yes. Getting support on how to tell the children, how to continue co-parenting and how to manage the transition can make it easier for children to adjust.
How long are family sessions?
Family sessions last about 90 minutes. The length of sessions with the parents only, or with one family member, is planned according to need.
Do you also see young children?
I work with adults and adolescents. For matters concerning younger children I offer parent counselling, and we plan together how you can support your child. Where needed, a referral is made to a colleague who works with children.
This page is general information and is not a diagnosis, assessment or substitute for therapy. If you or someone else is in danger, call 112 in Türkiye or your local emergency number.