top of page
ABOUT ME
  • LinkedIn Sosyal Simge

Melisa Sevi Koç was born in Istanbul and graduated from Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, as the valedictorian of her faculty and the salutatorian of her university.

​

After completing her undergraduate studies, she was accepted into the Clinical Psychology master's program at Bahçeşehir University Institute of Social Sciences. She successfully defended her thesis titled "The Adaptation Study of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ) to Turkish Culture and Investigation of Psychometric Properties" and earned the title of "Clinical Psychologist."

​

During her master's education, she received intensive training focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and successfully completed the 62-hour Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Certificate Program led by Dr. Emel Stroup, ABPP, ACT. Additionally, as part of her mandatory clinical internship at Surp Pirgiç Armenian Hospital, she conducted individual therapy sessions for adolescents and adults under weekly supervision for one year.

​

She continued her academic journey in the PhD program in Psychological Counseling at Bahçeşehir University and successfully completed her dissertation titled "The Relationship of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Beliefs About Emotions, and Emotion Regulation with Mental Health: A Model Test," earning the title of "Doctor of Philosophy."

 

Between 2020 and 2022, she worked as a part-time lecturer in the Psychology and Psychological Counseling & Guidance departments at Bahçeşehir University.

​

As part of her professional development, she completed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training organized by the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST)-approved Basic Level Schema Therapy training led by Prof. Dr. Gonca Soygüt.

​

She currently continues her part-time clinical work with adults while pursuing her academic career as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Psychology at a private university. In her clinical practice, she adopts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy approaches.

​

She is fluent in English (C1) and Spanish (B2).

​

She is a member of the Turkish Psychological Association (TPD).

 

Click for a detailed CV.

​

​

IMG_1412_edited_edited.jpg
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
2017- Devam

Doktora Eğitimi

2015-2017

Yüksek Lisans Eğitimi

Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi 

Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Klinik Psikoloji Yüksek Lisans Programı

2011-2015

Lisans Eğitimi

Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi 

Fen-Edebiyat Fakültesi, Psikoloji (İngilizce) Bölümü

2017- 2022

Doctoral Degree

Bahçeşehir University

Institute of Educational Sciences, Counseling Psychology

with %100 High Honors Scholarship

2015-2017

Masters Degree

Bahçeşehir University

Institute of Social Sciences, Clinical Psychology 

with %100 High Honors Scholarship

2011-2015

Bachelors Degree

Bahçeşehir University

Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology

with %100 Tuition Scholarship

Akademi
PUBLICATIONS

Journal Articles​

​

2024​

  • Koç, M. S., & Ateş-Ös, A. (2024). D tipi kişilik özellikleri ve ikincil travmatik stres: Duygu düzenleme güçlüğünün aracı rolü. Humanitas – Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 12(24), 239-261. https://doi.org/10.20304/humanitas.1466242

  • Koç, M. S., & Uzun, B. (2024). Role of mindfulness in the relationship between social interest and psychological health. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 80(1), 15-33. https://doi.org/10.1353/jip.2024.a922702

  • Koç, M. S., & Uzun, R.B. (2024). Investigating the link between dispositional mindfulness, beliefs about emotions, emotion regulation and psychological health: A model testing study. Journal of Rational-Emotive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 42, 475–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-023-00522-1

  • Ozbay, A., Molla, O., & Koç, M. S. (2024). Cognitive behavioral therapy for test anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder: Case report. Current Journal of Medical Research, 4(2), 27-31. https://doi.org/10.52818/cjmr.1447442

  • Koç, M. S. (2024). Integrating Spirituality in psychological counseling: Historical insights and contemporary applications. Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, 9(3), 301-320. https://doi.org/10.37898/spiritualpc.1402791

  • Koç, M. S. (2024). Morality Defined. In Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Religious Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38971-9_1666-1

  • Koç, M. S. (2024). Prisoner’s Dilemma Game. In Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Religious Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38971-9_1726-1

  • Koç, M. S. (2024). Theory of Mind (ToM): False Belief Test for. In Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Religious Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38971-9_1924-1.

​​

2023

​​

2022

  • Koç, M. S., & Uzun, B. (2022). Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Beliefs About Emotions Questionnaire (BAEQ) and a preliminary investigation in relation to emotion regulation. Cognition, Brain, Behavior. An interdisciplinary journal, 26(1), 67-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.24193/cbb.2022.26.04

 

2019

  • Koç, M. S., Aka, T., Doğruyol, B., Curtiss, J., Carpenter, J., & Hofmann S. (2019). Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the interpersonal emotion regulation questionnaire (IERQ). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 41(2), 294-303. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-019-09732-3

  • Koç, M. S., & Korkut-Owen, F. (2019). Öz-duyarlığın vücut algısı, beden kitle indeksi, yaş ve ebeveyn tutumları ile ilişkisi. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 36(1), 130-144. https://doi.org/10.16986/HUJE.2019053979.

 

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

​​

2024​

  • Çetinkaya, R. Ş., & Koç, M. S. (June, 2024). The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and psychological resilience in social media users. Presented at the 2nd International Congress on Humanities, Social, Education and Finance, Baku, Azerbaijan.

  • Koç, M. S., & Abiri-Öner, Y. (May, 2024). Depresif belirtiler ve çevrimiçi alışveriş bağımlılığı ilişkisinde psikolojik esnekliğin aracı rolü. Presented at the 12. Uluslararası Başkent Sosyal, Beşerî, İdari ve Eğitim Bilimleri Kongresi, Ankara, Türkiye.

  • Koç, M. S., & Ceylan, Ü. A. (May, 2024). Yetişkinlerde çocuklukta onaylamayan çevre ve borderline kişilik özellikleri ilişkisinde duygulara ilişkin olumsuz inançların rolünün incelenmesi. Presented at the 3. BİLSEL Uluslararası Truva Bilimsel Araştırmalar ve İnovasyon Kongresi, Çanakkale, Türkiye.

  • Koç, M. S., & Koç, S. N. (May, 2024). Bilinçli farkındalık ve sosyotelizm ilişkisinde yaşantısal kaçınmanın aracı rolü. Presented at the 12. Uluslararası Başkent Sosyal, Beşerî, İdari ve Eğitim Bilimleri Kongresi, Ankara, Türkiye.

  • Nacak, O., & Koç, M. S. (April, 2024). The role of self-compassion in the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and burnout in mental health workers. Presented at the 12th International Congress on Social, Humanities, Administrative and Educational Sciences In a Changing World, İzmir, Türkiye.

  • Önder, Z., & Koç, M. S. (July, 2024). The role of self-compassion in the relationship between parenting stress and marital satisfaction among mothers with young children aged 0-3. Presented at the 10th International New York Academic Research Congress on Social, Humanities, Administrative, and Educational Sciences, Albany, New York, USA.

 

2016

  • Soylu, C., Capan, D., İnci, N., Koç, M. S., Turanlar, T., & Irak, M. (Mayıs, 2016). Relationships between violent video-game addiction and recognition: Findings from an ERP study. Poster presented at the 14th National Neuroscience Congress, Ankara, Türkiye.

​​

2014

  • Koç, M. S., & Uysal Irak, D. (September, 2014). The role of work culture - flexibility and supportive supervision - on job satisfaction. Paper presented at the V. European Conference on Social and Behavioral Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.

  • Mattis, J. S., Kurter, F., Eryurek, K., Koç, M. S., Senturk, M. I., Koçer, D., Tosayeva, F., & Aral, T. (August, 2014). Conceptualizations of culture and cultural sensitivity among psychological counselors in Turkey: Findings from a national study. Poster presented at the 122nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

SERVICES
SKILLS

Individual Therapy

​

Individual therapy is a process conducted in accordance with confidentiality principles between a psychotherapist and a client. During this process, the client shares various life challenges with their therapist, increases personal awareness, and takes steps toward resolving their issues.

​

Individual therapy consists of one-on-one sessions between the therapist and the client, typically conducted face-to-face. However, with advancements in technology, online individual therapy options have also become increasingly common.

Goals of the Process

​

The goals set in therapy are entirely shaped by the client’s needs and the areas they wish to work on. These goals may include:

​

  • Exploring areas where the client feels the need for change,

  • Addressing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties,

  • Developing healthier relationships with oneself and others.

​

Individual therapy helps individuals explore their inner world and strengthen their coping skills in the face of challenges.

The primary goal of individual therapy is to help the client develop coping skills for life challenges, recognize their strengths, and discover unused resources or opportunities to integrate them into their life. Additionally, an essential objective is for the client to actively apply the insights and skills gained in therapy to their daily life.
 

The duration of the process is determined based on the client's concerns and needs. Sessions are typically scheduled once a week, but the frequency may vary depending on the progress of therapy and the client’s requirements. The therapist may adjust session frequency as needed, ensuring that the therapeutic process remains effective and beneficial.

I Work With...

​

  • Anxiety: Managing excessive worry, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorders.

​

  • Depression: Addressing feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, low energy, and lack of motivation.

​

  • Anger Management: Coping with intense anger outbursts, impatience, and emotional regulation.

​

  • Stress Management: Reducing mental and physical stress through relaxation techniques and stress management strategies.

​

  • Self-Confidence Issues: Overcoming feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.

​

  • Adjustment Difficulties: Struggling to adapt to new situations, environments, or people.

​

  • Career/Academic Challenges: Dealing with work or education-related stress, performance issues, and lack of fulfillment.

​

  • Performance Anxiety: Managing anxiety and fear of failure related to exams, presentations, or important tasks.

​

  • Interpersonal Relationships: Addressing communication difficulties, relationship conflicts, trust issues, and attachment concerns.

EXPERTISE
ONLINE THERAPY

Online Therapy

​

Online therapy is an ideal option for individuals who:

​

  • Struggle with time constraints due to a busy lifestyle,

  • Have difficulty finding a suitable specialist in their area,

  • Face physical challenges that make it hard to leave home,

  • Prefer not to attend in-person therapy,

  • Live abroad and experience language barriers in accessing psychological support.

​

This service provides support for work/school and career-related issues, relationship difficulties, moderate anxiety, stress, depression, and personal or professional development goals.

​

Sessions are conducted via Google Meet or Zoom, based on your preference, and each session lasts 45-50 minutes. All consultations are carried out in accordance with ethical guidelines and psychological counseling principles.

​

With online therapy, you can easily integrate psychological support into your daily life.

My Therapeutic Approach

​

In online therapy, I tailor my approach to each individual's unique needs, using scientifically grounded and evidence-based methods. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),and Schema Therapy to provide effective support.

​

  • CBT helps you understand the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

  • ACT encourages you to accept difficulties, reshape your relationship with thoughts, and lead a meaningful life based on your values.

  • Schema Therapy focuses on identifying and transforming negative patterns (schemas) rooted in past experiences.

​

I integrate these approaches in a flexible and holistic manner, adapting them to suit each client’s specific needs. My goal is not only to support you in overcoming present challenges but also to help you cultivate lasting inner resilience.

When Is Online Therapy Not Suitable?

​

While online therapy is an effective and accessible option for many individuals, it may not be suitable for certain situations, including:

​

  • Individuals under 18 years old: In-person therapy is generally more appropriate for children and adolescents.

​

  • Psychiatric crises: Urgent situations requiring immediate intervention (e.g., severe suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors) necessitate in-person therapy or medical attention.

​

  • History of psychotic disorders: Individuals with a history of psychosis require close monitoring, making face-to-face therapy a better option.

​

  • Dissociative disorders: Due to the complexity and need for focused attention, online therapy may not be sufficient.

​

  • Severe depression and PTSD: These conditions often require more intensive, in-person support.

​

  • Experiencing harm from others: Situations involving neglect, abuse, or violence may require a secure in-person environment.

​

  • Risk of harming others: Individuals who pose a risk to others need closer monitoring and specialized intervention.

​

  • Alcohol and substance addiction: In-person rehabilitation programs and support groups are typically recommended for these conditions.

CONTACT
CONTACT ME

 To reach me or book a session, please fill out the contact form below or send an e-mail to info@melisasevikoc.com.

Your message has been sent!

© 2025 By Melisa Sevi Koç.

bottom of page