Ilkay Alici , BACP

Ilkay Alici is a counsellor and psychotherapist who brings more than a decade of hands-on experience to people seeking support with personal and relationship challenges. She works with both individuals and couples, offering help for concerns such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, parenting difficulties, addiction, and a wide range of relationship and life issues. Ilkay aims to create a compassionate, non-judgemental environment where clients can explore their feelings and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Her practice emphasises practical collaboration - she listens to each person’s story and helps identify goals and strategies that suit their circumstances. Whether the focus is rebuilding connections, managing difficult emotions, improving self-esteem, coping with major life changes, or addressing challenges related to ADHD, bipolar disorder, or chronic illness, Ilkay tailors her approach to each client’s needs. She also addresses family and intimacy-related concerns, adoption and foster-care dynamics, communication difficulties, and stress experienced by caregivers.

Ilkay holds professional qualifications including an MSc in psychology and is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects her commitment to recognised professional standards. She provides therapy in English and Turkish and welcomes clients from the UK and beyond, supporting people through change with empathy and practical guidance.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Ilkay draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices to support people in online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an accepting, empathetic space where the therapist follows the client's lead to explore feelings and personal goals; it is especially helpful for people who need a supportive environment to process emotions and develop self-understanding. CBT is practical and skills-based, helping clients identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learn strategies to manage anxiety, low mood, and stress. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that can reduce reactivity and help with emotional regulation and coping during difficult moments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Ilkay works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best. Together they assess needs, preferences, and goals and adapt techniques so therapy feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy with Ilkay is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules or clients who live at a distance. These options make it easier to attend sessions consistently and to integrate therapeutic work into everyday life while still receiving guidance from a licensed professional.