İrem Yıldız Yaşar
Psychologist & Family Counsellor
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About me
Hello, I’m Psychologist & Family Counselor İrem Yıldız Yaşar. I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at Başkent University with high honors for five consecutive semesters. During my studies, I was granted the opportunity to study at Kazimierz Wielki University, where I gained valuable international experience in the field of psychology. Following my graduation, I completed a Master's degree in Family Counseling at Ankara University.
Throughout my undergraduate years, I took part in both short- and long-term internships at various nurseries and counseling centers, where I worked with both children and adults. These experiences allowed me to develop practical skills alongside my academic training, and to strengthen my clinical competence through real-world practice.
After graduation, I worked as a psychologist in a private Montessori school as well as in various face-to-face and online counseling centers. I also volunteered in psychosocial support teams during times of crisis and disaster, gaining experience in trauma-focused work.
I have completed trainings in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systemic Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy, and continue to develop my expertise through supervision. To provide a more holistic approach in my practice, I also utilize assessment tools such as the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory), Child Assessment Tests, and Children's Drawing Analysis.
Currently, I provide individual, couple, and family counseling services—both online and in person—at the counseling center I founded in Ankara/Çankaya. My primary goal is to support each individual’s emotional well-being by helping them discover their inner resources and strengthen their personal journey through tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Approach
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
