Questions people ask

No. If you knew exactly what you wanted to talk about, you would probably have talked about it already. You can begin with a feeling, a question, something that keeps happening, or just the sense that something needs attention.

You can’t know in advance, and nor can I, which is what a first meeting is for. Write to me, tell me what brings you, and ask whatever you like about how I work. What matters is both the kind of work you want and how it feels to talk to me.

I speak Turkish and English at native or bilingual level, and French at full professional proficiency. Please mention your preferred language when you get in touch.

Longer than people hope and shorter than they fear, as a rule. There is no timetable that fits everyone; it depends on your circumstances and on what you want. We talk about it at the start and come back to it as we go.

We talk about what has brought you, how things are for you at the moment, and what you hope to understand. It is also your chance to ask questions, and to see whether working with me seems right.

It is interested in the things nobody is exempt from: having to choose, not knowing what will happen, being responsible for a life, needing other people. I combine this with psychoanalytic thinking, which adds an interest in what we do without knowing why, and in what happens between the two of us.

Sessions take place online via Zoom. I send you a link. Please choose a private, quiet space where you can speak without being overheard or interrupted.

Sessions are usually weekly, at a mutually agreed regular time. If a different frequency is clinically appropriate, we can discuss it together.

Each session lasts 50 minutes. Appointments normally start on the hour, at a time agreed together.

Your sessions are confidential. Anonymised material may be discussed in clinical supervision. Exceptions may arise where required by law or where there is serious risk; wherever possible, I would discuss these with you first.

Please give at least 48 hours’ notice, excluding weekends. For a Monday appointment, notice should be given by the same time on Thursday. The practical arrangements are discussed before we begin.

Please email cpmertulusoy@gmail.com or call +41 79 844 33 51 with a brief outline of your enquiry. You do not need to share sensitive clinical details in your first message.