Aya Mhanna

Counsellor

Available for new clients

I specialise in:

At a glance
Istanbul, TurkeyAvailable online only
Usually responds within 2 hours

About me

I am a psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing therapy, training, and consultancy in English, Arabic, and French. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT for trauma, and art therapy, working with teens, adults, and groups. My approach focuses on fostering insight, resilience, and transformation, helping individuals navigate personal and professional challenges. Beyond clinical work, I have extensive experience designing and delivering training programs, particularly in the human rights sector. In my work, I focus on inclusivity. I consult for organizations and NGOs on staff care, mental health program development, and safety practices, bringing a deep understanding of the intersection between mental health, social impact, and institutional well-being. Currently, I am an expat so I want to establish my online private practice, where I can offer psychotherapy, parental counseling, and group therapy, alongside my consultancy work. I am committed to creating spaces where individuals and organizations can explore, heal, and grow in meaningful ways.

I speak:

ArabicEnglishFrench

Location:

Istanbul, Turkey

Approach

Treatment Approaches
Art therapyRecommended for those who feel more comfortable expressing emotions through creativity and want to explore their feelings through art rather than talking.
Psychodynamic therapyRecommended for those looking to explore their emotions deeply and understand how past experiences shape their present life.
Trauma informed careRecommended for those who have experienced trauma and need a safe, supportive space to heal at their own pace.

My work as a psychologist is grounded in a deep commitment to creating a space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their inner worlds. I primarily draw from a psychodynamic perspective, helping individuals uncover unconscious patterns that shape their emotions, behaviors, and relationships. At the same time, I integrate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for trauma and art therapy, tailoring each session to the unique needs of the individual.

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. Rather than offering quick fixes, I work alongside clients to help them develop a deeper understanding of themselves, build resilience, and navigate life’s complexities with greater clarity. Whether working with teens, adults, or groups, I foster a reflective and supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and meaningful transformation.

In our sessions, I invite clients to express themselves in ways that feel natural to them—whether through conversation, creative expression, or structured techniques. I also recognize the impact of cultural and societal factors on mental health and take an inclusive, sensitive approach to each person’s lived experience. My goal is to help clients gain insight, process past experiences, and develop the tools they need to move forward with confidence and authenticity.

Services

Intro Call

Free • 50 min • Online

Individual Session

€60 • 45 min • Online

Individual Session

Sliding scale
€40 • 45 min • Online

Couples Session

€100 • 1 hr 15 min • Online

Group Session

€300 • 3 hr • Online

Family Session

€100 • 1 hr • Online

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Istanbul, TurkeyAvailable online only
Usually responds within 2 hours

Other recommendations

Ezgi Donmezoglu
Clinical Psychologist
Istanbul, Turkey
I am a Clinical Psychologist with nine years of experience working with adults in individual psychotherapy. My approach is primarily psychodynamic and relational, with a focus on self-understanding, emotional patterns.
Goncagül Karabulut
Clinical Psychologist
Şişli, Turkey
The inner journey is where transformation begins. I am here to accompany you on the path of exploring the experiences, emotional complexities, and recurring patterns that have brought you to this moment.
Cansu Yildirim
Clinical Psychologist
Istanbul, Turkey
I’m focusing on Schema Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, solution-focused therapy and EMDR in my work with adults; I use CBT and mindfulness-based schools with children and adolescents.
Hatice Nur Aslan
Clinical Psychologist
Istanbul, Turkey
I’m an İstanbul-based clinical psychologist and psychotherapist offering therapy in Turkish and English. Sessions can be in person or online.
Dr. Ela Ari
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Psychotherapist & Clinical Psychologist
Istanbul, Turkey
As a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, I help people navigate life's hardest chapters using evidence-based, acceptance-focused approaches. My academic work focuses on resilience and growth.
elif özsoy
Psychologist
Kadıköy, Turkey
You may feel overwhelmed, anxious about the future, or emotionally triggered by past events. I offer a safe and supportive space using EMDR and mindfulness-based approaches.
Gamze Farz
Clinical Psychologist
Istanbul, Turkey
I offer compassion and acceptance for you to explore your inner world, free from judgment or criticism. I welcome you if you want to gain a deeper understanding of who you are, your experiences, and relationships.
BEGUM ENGUR
Psychologist & EMDR Therapist
Istanbul, Turkey
I help children, adolescents and adults overcome anxiety, stress, depression and trauma through EMDR – fostering calm, resilience and lasting personal growth. (EMDR Europe Accredited Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS) 🇬🇧🇹🇷
Usually responds within 2 hours