Seval Birdal Psychologist

I am a psychologist working in the field since 2007, and I actively conduct psychotherapy sessions since 2011. Over the course of my professional journey, I have had the privilege to work with individuals grappling with a diverse range of mental health needs, from obsessive symptoms and anxiety disorders to depression, trauma, and relationship issues. Upon relocating to Amsterdam in 2017, I established my practice, offering therapy in both Turkish and English from my Amsterdam office. A significant focus in my current therapeutic practice revolves around assisting immigrants and expats in their journey to adapt to a new culture.

In addition to offering individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, I conduct Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy sessions. Moreover, I am an EMDR-Europe practitioner and I actively incorporate EMDR into my therapy sessions. In cases where face-to-face therapy is not feasible, I may offer online therapy if it is suitable.

My educational journey includes graduating from Boğaziçi University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Psychology Department, and completing my master’s degree in the Applied (Clinical) Psychology program at Istanbul University. Currently, I’m pursuing my Ph.D. in the Differential Psychology and Psychological Assessment department at Goethe University in Frankfurt. My doctoral thesis is dedicated to investigating the role of mentalization (the capacity to reflect on mental states) in the intercultural interactions of immigrants and its impact on mental well-being.

During the period from 2009 to 2016, I held the role of a clinical psychologist at Bakırköy Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Education and Research Hospital, where I contributed to the treatment of numerous patients with a wide spectrum of concerns, spanning from mood disorders to psychotic conditions. Throughout my career, I’ve actively participated in various training programs, symposiums, and conferences. I’ve also received extensive supervision in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and EMDR therapy from distinguished experts in the field.