Merve Kan von Zwehl

“This being human is a guest house Every morning a new arrival.”- Rumi I often think of therapy in this way — as a space where different emotions, thoughts, and experiences can arrive, be noticed, and be explored, without needing to be pushed away or fixed immediately. My approach is grounded in expressive arts therapy and is trauma-informed and resource-oriented. Rather than focusing only on talking, I work through creative and embodied processes, such as movement, visual arts, writing, and role play. These allow us to explore experiences in a more direct and lived way. Sometimes, trying something out, moving with it, or giving it form can open up possibilities that are not accessible through words alone. I have extensive experience working with people who have experienced both acute and long-term (complex) trauma. At the same time, I do not approach therapy as a space to analyse trauma in detail. Instead, I focus on creating a safe and structured environment where you can explore your experience while staying connected to your resources and sense of agency. Expressive arts also allow us to access layers of experience beyond our usual thinking. When words feel limited, or when it’s hard to fully trust or make sense of what we think, creative and embodied processes can help us connect with more intuitive, less conscious parts of ourselves. These processes offer a balance between structure and freedom. There is enough guidance to feel safe and held, but also enough flexibility to explore, experiment, and play. You don’t need any artistic skills — this is not about creating something “good" or "beautiful,” but about allowing something to emerge. In a typical session, we begin with a check-in and then move into different ways of exploring what is present. This may include working with the body, creating images, or experimenting with different roles or perspectives. Over time, you may find yourself becoming more familiar with these ways of working, and more able to sense what you need and how you want to engage. Part of the process is moving between experience and reflection — opening up new ways of sensing and perceiving, and then returning to your everyday life with a different perspective. You may begin to notice subtle shifts: feeling more creative, more connected to your senses, and more present in your day-to-day life. You might also find yourself relating to change with more flexibility, approaching challenges with greater tolerance, and engaging with life from a more playful and open place. My role is to hold a space that is grounded, flexible, and collaborative, where you can explore safely and at your own pace. I continue to deepen my practice through areas such as dance and movement therapy, breathwork, and psychedelic integration therapy, as part of an evolving, lived engagement with the arts.

2024 – Present: Private Practice Providing individual and group expressive arts therapy and coaching sessions for adults. 2008 – Present: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist, Researcher, and Facilitator Worked across international and local NGOs and UN agencies, including IOM and UNFPA, in diverse cultural and humanitarian contexts. My work has included programme design and implementation, research, training, monitoring and evaluation, and technical advisory in the field of mental health and psychosocial support. I have supported individuals and communities, as well as trained and supervised professionals. Alongside this, I have consistently integrated creative and arts-based approaches into my work — designing and facilitating workshops, group processes, and therapeutic spaces that support expression, connection, and meaning-making.

2023–2026 – Certificate. Expressive Arts Therapy Program for Mental Health, Education and Social Change, Expressive Arts Institute (Istanbul, Türkiye). 2025 – Certificate. Introduction to Dance and Movement Therapy. (Maya Foundation, İstanbul-Turkey) 2023- Certificate. Expressive Arts in Transition (EXIT) and Community Ritual: Moving Toward Belonging After Trauma and Displacement. (The European Graduate School (Switzerland), Valletta-Malta). 2023 – Introduction to Art Therapy Program & Intensive Art Summer Program (Metafora, Barselona-Spain) 2018- Certificate. Mental Health in Complex Emergencies, Fordham University of New York (Kampala, Uganda). 2016- Certificate. Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development University of Oxford: International Summer School in Forced Migration (Oxford, UK). 2012–2013 – Certificate. The International Trauma Studies Program and The Columbia University Global Center and Bilgi University: International Trauma Studies Certificate Program (Istanbul, Türkiye). 2011–2013 – M.A. Clinical Psychology (Maltepe University, İstanbul-Turkey) 2006–2011- B.S. Psychology (METU/ODTU, Ankara-Turkey)