Ilkay Alici , BACP

Ilkay Alici is a counsellor and psychotherapist who helps people with relationship difficulties, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma and a wide range of personal challenges. She works with concerns such as parenting strain, addiction, low self-esteem and intimacy-related issues. Ilkay also supports people facing career change, bipolar or depressive episodes, ADHD and issues linked to LGBT identities.

She brings 14 years of clinical experience and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Ilkay uses straightforward, respectful conversations to help people understand what matters most to them. Sessions aim to make sense of patterns, identify small steps and build coping skills that fit day-to-day life.

Her practice draws on client-centred ways of working that put the person’s experience at the heart of therapy. She also uses cognitive behavioural techniques to address unhelpful thinking and mindfulness practices to reduce overwhelm and increase present-moment awareness. These approaches are mixed to suit individual needs.

Work with Ilkay tends to be collaborative and practical. She focuses on clear goals and on what can change between sessions. People often work on communication problems, body image and issues around abandonment and attachment.

Ilkay offers sessions in English and Turkish and accepts international clients. Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, arranged to match each person’s circumstances and schedule.

How Ilkay uses therapeutic approaches online

Client-Centred Therapy puts the person and their experience first. The therapist listens without judgement and follows what matters most to the client, helping clarify feelings and choices. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours link together and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns and reduce distress. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to help lower stress and increase calm in daily life.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Ilkay will talk through options and tailor methods to the person’s goals, preferences and the issues they bring. That collaborative process helps decide whether to focus more on problem-solving, emotional exploration or present-moment skills.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people read facial cues and hold in-depth conversations. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text-based messaging suit those who prefer writing, need a quicker touchpoint or cannot be on camera. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and travel commitments while keeping the focus on progress and practical steps.