My journey began in Ankara, Türkiye, where I grew up in culturally diverse, vibrant neighborhoods. I spent summers with my farming relatives by the beautiful Black Sea, which exposed me not only to traditional ways of life but also to a deep sense of spirituality in those rural settings. This rich background, along with my love for books, inspired me to explore human relationships and inner worlds, eventually earning a doctoral degree in psychology.

For years, I was a nomadic academic, working in Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, and Türkiye, researching how relationships and cultures shape us. After decades in a logic-driven world, I left academia in 2018 and fully embraced art, immersing myself in printmaking and painting at a Belgian academy of fine arts.

I’ve always loved creative activities, but it was during a ceramic training in Türkiye that I truly felt the healing power of art—especially when shared with others in a supportive space. That experience inspired me to pursue a 3-year advanced bachelor program of art therapy in Belgium. This training also included a 420-hour internship period at a psychiatric hospital's alcohol addiction department. When I graduated with honour degree, everything finally fell into place.

Art therapy now allows me to combine my love for psychology, science, arts, handcrafts, psychotherapy, and culture in a way that feels whole and authentic.

As a member of a multicultural, multilingual family and someone with long international experience, I understand the importance of identity and belonging. At my ANKA art therapy practice, I offer a safe and nurturing space where you can explore these feelings through your unique visual language. Through the healing power of visual expression, we can reimagine and reshape your life path, opening up new possibilities for your future.