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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Basic Principles and Approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that integrates the principles of both cognitive psychology and behavioral theory. It aims to enhance an individual's emotional well-being by identifying and restructuring dysfunctional thoughts, managing emotional responses, and modifying maladaptive behaviors. 1. Interaction Between Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors At the core of CBT lies the understanding that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interrelated. According to this model, distorted or unhelpful thoughts can trigger negative emotional states and lead to unproductive behavioral patterns. By intervening in this cycle—particularly at the level of cognition—therapeutic change can be achieved. 2. Role of Cognitive Processes in Learning CBT emphasizes that learning is influenced not only by environmental stimuli but also by internal processes such as interpretation, evaluation, and belief systems. How individuals make sense of their experiences plays a critical role in shaping their psychological responses. 3. Integration of Behavioral and Cognitive Techniques CBT draws upon the structured, goal-oriented methods of behavioral therapy while incorporating cognitive techniques that focus on identifying and challenging automatic thoughts and core beliefs. Behavior change is supported through interventions such as exposure, behavioral activation, and skills training—yet meaningful and sustained change often requires a shift in underlying cognitions. 4. Subjective Perception of Reality Rather than responding to objective reality, individuals react based on how they perceive and interpret events. CBT posits that these perceptions are shaped by cognitive schemas—deep-seated beliefs developed through early experiences. Therapy helps individuals become aware of these schemas and evaluate their accuracy and usefulness. These foundational principles make CBT a widely applied and empirically supported modality for a range of psychological conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related conditions, and more. Its structured nature and emphasis on collaboration and skill-building also make it highly adaptable to different populations and settings.

Private Montessori School Conducting developmental follow-ups for children aged 2-6 using projective tests. Providing parental counseling. Observing children within the institution and conducting sessions with children as needed. Organizing group activities with children (e.g., self-confidence development groups). Supporting teacher-child relationships. Turkish Psychological Association - DEPSDA | April 2023 Volunteered as a psychologist in Malatya for the psychosocial support team of the DEPSDA project following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake on February 6. Online and In-Person Psychotherapy | December 2022 - Present Continuing to provide psychotherapy services to my own clients both online and in person. Utilizing platforms such as Evital and Doktor Sitesi during this process. Damla Taşkın Consulting Office | September 2022 - March 2023 Began seeing clients both online and in person starting in September. Received a total of 50 hours of supervision from Clinical Psychologist Damla Taşkın. Participated in an internship program that included training in interview techniques, case studies, and roleplay applications.

2022-2024 MSc. Family Counselling, Ankara University / Turkey 2021-2022 Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University / Poland (Erasmus) 2017-2022 B.A. Psychology, Başkent University / Turkey Certifications • Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Training - Turkish Psychological Association, Gizem Ateş & Zeynep Erdoğan Yıldırım • Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapies - Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Cathy Malchiodi • Problem-Focused Systemic Family Therapy Training - Ankara University, Veli Duyan • Certificate of Play Therapy Practitioner - Altınbaş University, Damlacan Güneyer • Clinical Interview and Observation Training - Turkish Psychological Association, Sevginar Vatan • Neuropsychological Tests - Başkent University, Elvin Doğutepe • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Application and Interpretation Training - Turkish Psychological Association, Songül Bozkurt & Nursen Oral