about sibel
I am a psychotherapist, artist, author, and lifelong spiritual seeker. My work in the field started as a clinical psychologist in Turkey. Following the 1999 Adapazari earthquake, I received training in trauma intervention methods and introductory art therapy, and extended my private practice to serve survivors in the field.
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Subsequent to our move to the United States in 2000, I received postgraduate training in Gestalt therapy and equine assisted psychotherapy. In 2007, I graduated from Naropa University with a master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy.
I counseled refugees who were survivors of war, trauma and torture that led me to further specialize in sensorimotor psychotherapy, a somatic approach to working through traumatic experiences. Over the years I worked with hospice patients, in health care settings, and in private practice.
I started sharing my insights from my life as a therapist, my thoughts on mindfulness, my inquiries into archetypes, and my contemplations on the psyche through blogging. I reside in Ann Arbor, MI with my husband and two sons, enjoy rowing on the Huron River with our hand built rowboat, walking the labyrinth in my backyard, yoga, communing with nature, and traveling.
education
MA, Transpersonal Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy, Naropa University, 2007
MA, Clinical Psychology, Bogazici University, 1998
MS, Genetic Counseling, University of Istanbul, 1994
BA, International Studies, Allegheny College, 1992
post graduate training
Gestalt Faculty Development Program in Group Facilitation, Cleveland, 2012
Digital Storytelling Workshop, Denver, 2010
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Training, Boulder, 2009
“Equine Alchemy: A Dream Retreat with Horses”, Boulder, 2005
EAGALA, level I training, 2004
Gestalt Training Program, Cleveland Gestalt Institute, 2003
Wilderness Therapy Seminar “Learning the Ways of Medicine Women”, 2002
professional affiliations
American Psychotherapy Association member
American Art Therapy Association member
American Mental Health Counselors Association member
EAGALA member
