For parents

Thinking about taking your child to a psychologist is not an easy decision. Here is what you need to know about the process, school and confidentiality.

Masada çay bardakları, defter ve çocuk resmi

The first meeting

Your child does not come to the first meeting. You talk, I ask; together we decide where to begin.

  1. What to bring?Any school and teacher notes, developmental records and reports from other professionals.
  2. Who should come?Both parents together if possible. If you live apart, separate meetings are fine.
  3. How to tell your child?“You’re going to meet someone who talks about feelings and plays games.” No lies, no surprises, never as a punishment.
  4. What doesn’t happen?No diagnosis, label or promise in the first meeting. We get to know each other first.
  5. LengthThe parent meeting is 50 minutes, followed by one or two sessions to meet your child.
Psikologla görüşen anne ve baba
Kapı önünde babasının elini tutan okul çantalı kız

Working with the school

School is half of a child’s day. When I think it helps, and only with your written consent, I talk to the teacher or school counsellor.

  • Meeting the teacher by phone or at school, with your knowledge
  • Small changes that may help in class (seating, breaks, how instructions are given)
  • A shared language with the counselling service
  • School observation only when needed and with the school’s permission

Only what helps the child is shared with the school; the content of sessions is not.

Confidentiality: what I share and what I don’t

For your child to trust me, part of the sessions has to belong to them. I keep you regularly informed but I don’t pass on every detail of their play.

What I share with you

  • My general observations and where the process is heading
  • Small steps you can try at home
  • Suggestions for working with the school
  • Whether a referral to another professional is needed

What belongs to the child

  • Their exact words in sessions
  • The details of their play and drawings
  • Teenagers’ private conversations (without their consent)

The limit of confidentiality

If I learn of something that puts the child or someone else in danger, I share it with you and, if necessary, with the relevant authorities. I tell the child this from the start.

A mother at home joining a video call on her laptop

Online parent meetings

For parents who cannot come to Karşıyaka or who live outside İzmir. Play therapy with the child is face to face; parent meetings can be online.

Platform
An end-to-end encrypted video link sent by text message on the day. No app needed.
Privacy
I recommend a quiet room with the door closed and headphones, ideally out of your child’s hearing.
Not recorded
Meetings are not recorded and no screenshots are taken. I keep only my professional notes.
Who is it for?
First parent meetings, progress reviews and advice on the preschool years.
Request an online meeting

Parent seminars

Small-group meetings with plenty of questions and answers. Places are limited; fill in the form to book.

  1. 22Nov School mornings: saying goodbye without tearsThe playroom, Karşıyaka · 10:30–12:00 · 12 places Book a place
  2. 20Dec Talking with teens: side-by-side conversationsOnline · 20:00–21:30 · 20 places Book a place

Past seminars: Screen time: a family agreement, not a ban (25.09.2026)

Questions from parents

How do I know whether my child needs a psychologist?

Short-lived struggles are part of development. If a behaviour or feeling lasts more than a few weeks, keeps growing and affects sleep, school or friendships, it is a good idea to talk to a professional. If you’re unsure, we can talk it through in a free 15-minute intro call.

How should I tell my child where we are going?

Simply, without lying and without presenting it as a punishment: “We’re going to meet someone who plays and talks about feelings.” For young children, looking at photos of the playroom together also helps.

What if my child doesn’t want to come?

This is very common. The first meeting is with parents anyway; we plan together how to help the child feel ready. With teens, leaving part of the decision to them makes it easier.

How long does play therapy take?

The child’s needs set the length; I don’t promise a number of sessions in advance. We review the process together in parent meetings every four to six weeks.

Does a developmental assessment give a diagnosis?

No. Screening shows whether a child needs support in an area. If a diagnosis is needed I refer you to the relevant specialist, such as child and adolescent psychiatry or paediatric neurology.

Can you tell me whether my child has ADHD?

ADHD is diagnosed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I carry out assessment and observation, refer to psychiatry if I think it is needed and provide psychological support throughout.

Not sure where to start? Let’s talk for 15 minutes.If you like, let’s just talk for 15 minutes first.

The free intro call is by phone or online; then we decide together.Write with your family, or write first yourself; we’ll decide together how to start.

Request a visit 0232 364 18 27