Mahmut Bektas

I am a BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Psychological Counsellor with over 27 years of professional experience supporting adolescents, adults and families. I offer therapy in Turkish, Kurdish and English, and I work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, including immigrants and individuals adjusting to life in the UK.

I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, panic, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, family issues and life transitions. I also have a particular interest in working with challenges related to migration, cultural identity, belonging and adjustment.

My approach is warm, collaborative and integrative. I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Transactional Analysis and person-centred principles, tailoring therapy to each client’s individual needs. I aim to create a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space where clients can better understand themselves, process difficult experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.

Before moving to the UK, I worked for many years in educational and counselling settings, supporting young people, adults and families. Since moving to the UK, I have continued to provide therapy in multicultural settings, which has deepened my understanding of resilience, adaptation and the emotional impact of living between cultures and languages.

I hold undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level training in Psychological Counselling and Guidance, and I continue to develop my clinical practice through further professional training, supervision and reflective practice. If you are looking for a therapist who is experienced, thoughtful and culturally sensitive, I would be glad to support you.