In person
Clapham, South West London
5A Clapham Common Southside, London SW4 7AA
Chartered Psychologist · ISST Accredited Schema Therapist
Towards a kinder, more grounded relationship with yourself.
In-person sessions in South West London, as well as online sessions for clients in Turkey and around the world. Sessions are available in both English and Turkish.
10+
years of clinical practice
PhD
Trinity College Dublin
ISST
Certified Schema Therapist
BPS
Chartered Psychologist
About
Dr. Selin
I am a chartered psychologist with over ten years of experience working with adults, and an ISST-accredited Schema Therapist. I see clients in person in South West London and online.
My practice is grounded in Schema Therapy—an integrative, relational approach that addresses deep-rooted patterns formed in childhood through the interplay of early experiences, temperament, parenting, and cultural background. Schema Therapy is an evidence-based framework designed for attachment-based trauma and long-standing challenges in how we relate to ourselves and others.
If you feel caught in repeating emotional patterns or relationship dynamics, Schema Therapy offers a way forward. Together, we will make sense of why these patterns exist and equip you with the tools to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Education and Professional Development
1.
ISST Accredited Schema Therapy Training
Bahar Köse Karaca (2021 - 2023)
2.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training
Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies Association Ankara, Turkey (2015 - 2017)
3.
SilverCloud by Amwell
Clinical Research Associate and Digital Health Scientist (2021 - 2026)
4.
Trinity College Dublin
PhD in (Clinical and Health) Psychology (2018 - 2022)
5.
Middle East Technical University
MSc in Clinical Psychology (2014 - 2017)
6.
Middle East Technical University
BSc in Psychology (2009 - 2015)
Therapeutic approach
Schema Therapy
We all have basic needs as children beyond being fed and dressed, such as feeling safe, loved, and competent. When these core needs are chronically unmet, what we feel about ourselves and others gets distorted. You can think of it as wearing tinted glasses that colour everything you see. We call these kinds of glasses ‘schemas’.
For instance, a child who doesn’t receive the love and understanding they need may grow up believing that no one will ever love them (Emotional Deprivation schema). Someone raised in a perfectionistic family may feel they must do everything to the highest standard and never feel satisfied by their achievements (Unrelenting Standards schema). A child whose parent put their own needs first may believe that they must always sacrifice their own needs to be loved (Self-Sacrifice schema).
As children, we do the best we know to cope when our needs aren’t met. For instance, if expressing your feelings and needs led to rejection or conflict, you may have learned to stay safe by shutting down your feelings or pleasing others at the expense of your own feelings and needs. These coping mechanisms were essential survival tools at the time—they protected you when you were vulnerable.
However, we tend to carry these childhood coping strategies into adulthood without realising it. We don’t automatically change simply because we grow older. While they served a crucial purpose back then, over time these outdated strategies lose their effectiveness and start causing more problems than they solved. They often give rise to distress, anxiety, depression and behavioural or relational difficulties.
Schema Therapy aims to help you weaken your early maladaptive schemas and strengthen your Healthy Adult side so that you can feel safe, enjoy fulfilling, loving relationships, and feel at peace with your life. Whatever brings you to therapy, you will find a warm, supportive, and safe space with me to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Sessions
In person or online
Online
From anywhere in the world
Secure video sessions, in English or Turkish
Professional memberships
British Psychological Society (BPS) — Chartered Psychologist (763804)
International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) — Full Member (70061539)
Turkish Psychological Association (TPD) — Full Member
Schema Therapy Association of Türkiye (ŞTD) — Full Member
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does each session take?
Each session lasts about 50 minutes. I also offer a limited number of sliding-scale slots for clients with financial concerns. Please inquire about current availability.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session serves as an initial consultation—a chance for us to connect before committing to regular therapy. We will talk about what brought you to therapy, discuss what you hope to achieve, and see how comfortable you feel working together. If we decide to continue, we will set a regular day and time for your sessions.
How long does the first session take?
The first session lasts an hour.
How often should I go to therapy?
Therapy works best on a weekly basis. Meeting once a week helps build momentum, establish a strong therapeutic relationship, and make steady progress. As we gain momentum toward your goals, we can discuss transitioning to fortnightly or monthly sessions.
How long will our work together take?
Schema therapy focuses on transforming deeply rooted emotional patterns rather than providing quick fixes. For this reason, it is generally a medium- to long-term therapy, with a recommended baseline of at least 6 months to 1 year. Your individual needs and goals will help us determine the exact duration.
How does therapy come to an end?
Ending sessions is a natural and important part of the therapy process. The decision to end therapy may be made at your request or suggested by me. At least one final session takes place before the process is fully completed. In this session, we review the progress you have made, discuss the gains you have achieved, and go over coping strategies with potential challenges in the future.
Is everything I talk about in therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is the foundation of a safe and ethical therapeutic practice. Everything we discuss in our sessions remains strictly confidential. The only rare exceptions to this are if there is an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or if disclosure is legally required.
Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?
Yes. Research consistently shows that online therapy via video is just as effective as in-person therapy for most common mental health conditions. However, for acute crises, severe substance use, active eating disorders, or psychotic illnesses, in-person care is generally recommended.
Do you accept private health insurance?
No, I currently do not work with private health insurance companies.
What is your cancellation policy?
if you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Late cancellations (under 48 hours) or missed sessions will be charged at the full fee.
How can I pay for a therapy session?
Payments are accepted via bank transfer. I’ll provide bank details once your appointment is confirmed.
Contact
Please feel free to use the contact form to get in touch with any queries. Alternatively, you can email me (selinakkol@proton.me). You'll hear back from me within 2 working days.
