Yasemin Birmek

Yasemin Birmek is a trainee integrative counsellor working towards a Diploma in Integrative Counselling. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology, and is a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society. Yasemin has several years of experience working with adults as a Psychological Wellbeing Therapist, supporting people experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties through short-term therapy. Her therapeutic approach draws on her background in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness, alongside her training in person-centred approaches. This integrative foundation enables her to draw on different therapeutic perspectives while keeping each client’s individual needs, experiences and goals at the centre of the work.

Yasemin offers a warm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space where clients can explore what is troubling them without feeling that they need to have everything figured out. She works collaboratively, creating space to understand emotions, relationships and patterns of behaviour, while also offering practical support where this feels helpful. Depending on the client’s needs, therapy may involve exploring recurring patterns, developing greater awareness of difficult thoughts and feelings, or finding ways to respond to challenges in a manner that is more aligned with what matters to them. Her culturally tailored approach recognises that experiences of distress, relationships and help-seeking can be influenced by culture, family expectations, identity and social circumstances. Rather than making assumptions about a client’s background, Yasemin takes time to understand what these influences mean for each individual and adapts the language, pace and focus of therapy collaboratively. She offers counselling in both English and Turkish.

Alongside her clinical work, Yasemin is undertaking a PhD researching culturally tailored digital mental health support for economic migrants in the UK. This research contributes to her interest in how migration, language, cultural identity and a sense of belonging can influence wellbeing and access to support. Having moved from Turkey to the UK herself, she brings personal awareness of cross-cultural adjustment while recognising that every person’s experience is unique. Yasemin has experience supporting adults with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, loneliness, life transitions, workplace pressures and trauma. She also works with clients who experience difficulties with boundaries, overwhelming emotions or unhelpful coping patterns. Her aim is to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, feel more connected to their needs and explore ways of living that feel meaningful and authentic to them.