Maria Shapkina

I’m Maria Shapkina, a Russian-speaking psychologist with over 8 years of professional experience. Since adolescence, I have been deeply interested in psychology, guided by a lasting curiosity about human nature, inner life, and meaning. Over time, this became my professional path. I support adults living abroad who feel emotionally overwhelmed — facing anxiety, inner pressure, self-criticism, relationship stress, parenting challenges, or difficulties with emotional regulation. I also help people who experience difficulties around food, their relationship with their body, and self-worth — from emotional eating and guilt around food to eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating. A significant part of my work is with adults with ADHD and adults on the autism spectrum. You may experience difficulties with executive functioning, sensory overload, emotional intensity, burnout, or an exhausting cycle of trying hard, becoming overwhelmed, and then blaming yourself. Born in Latvia, having lived in Denmark, and now living in Turkey, I have a personal understanding of how migration and life between cultures can affect emotional well-being and one’s sense of stability and support. I also bring lived experience into my work. As a mother of two, a professional with lived experience of ADHD, and someone with personal experience of recovery from an eating disorder, I understand how complex and non-linear the healing process can be. Outside of therapy, I restore through creativity and nature. I love different forms of handcraft — from candle-making and jewellery design to upcycling — as well as travel, animals, and time outdoors. These parts of my life keep me grounded and connected to beauty, care, and renewal. My first degree in Economics and Management adds structure, clarity, and a practical mindset to my therapeutic work. ✦ Over 2,000 hours of professional training ✦ Regular professional supervision and 7+ years of personal therapy