Tranquil Minds Essex
Therapy
Yelda Gulay
About me and my journey
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I am an experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor and in me, you’ll meet someone who’s easy to talk to, bringing sometimes stillness, sometimes animation, always empathy, always down to earth. I’m often insightful, occasionally wise and willing to be wrong..
My journey into counselling:
I was born and raised in North London, an only child to Turkish and Bulgarian parents. Growing up within a multicultural household taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and holding space for different perspectives, values that now guide my work with clients. I hold a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the complexity of identity.
After studying Business and Finance at university, I spent many years building a stable career in banking. But in my early 40s, a period of significant personal turbulence forced me to pause. That chapter, though deeply challenging, became a turning point. I began my own journey of healing, self-discovery, and growth, which ultimately led me to retrain as a counsellor.
Along the way, I was deeply moved by Carl Jung’s idea of the “wounded healer”, the belief that those who have faced their own pain can offer unique empathy and insight to others. This concept continues to inform and inspire my therapeutic approach.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore life’s challenges, process difficult emotions, and reconnect with their inner resources. I believe it’s never too late to change, heal, or grow—and that the counselling relationship can be a powerful part of that journey.
Outside of my work, I am a mother of 2 amazing children. I stay grounded through movement and time in the gym, a space where I recharge and reconnect with myself.​​
Life has its challenges and can be confusing at times. Whether you are struggling with a particular issue, feel stuck in unhelpful patterns or would like to understand yourself better, I offer a safe, caring, non-judgmental and empathic space to explore your thoughts and feelings.
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My Approach
My approach is warm and down to earth. I offer support in a space where you can feel heard and understood and I also understand that starting therapy can feel scary especially if it is your first time seeking support. My aim is to make you feel comfortable so that together we can begin to work through what is troubling you.
Life has its challenges and can be confusing at times. Whether you are struggling with something particular, feel stuck in unhelpful patterns or would like to understand yourself better, I offer a safe, caring, non-judgmental and empathic space to go through your thoughts and feelings.​
In my work with women, I offer support around stress, anxiety, trauma and the challenges that can arise with navigating parenting and relationships. I will aim to gently guide and empower you to reconnect with yourself, improve emotional regulation, and build confidence in your ability to deal with life’s demands.
With men’s mental health, I help by gently exploring issues around relationships and self-esteem. I provide a supportive and confidential space where you will feel able to explore what’s going on for you. I will support you toward personal growth, self-awareness, and healthier connections with others.
Young people - I have a strong background in supporting young people facing emotional and psychological challenges, including self-harm, anxiety, depression and major life changes. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to talk and be yourself.
With the right support, things can start to feel lighter not carry the load by yourself. It will become easier to make sense of what’s going on and feel more like yourself again. I believe in the strength of the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for real change and lasting emotional wellbeing with compassion and care.
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My practice is integrative and I draw from a range of different therapeutic modalities to best suit your needs.
​Above all, I am committed to supporting you so that you feel empowered to access your own strengths and make the best choices for you. I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to walk beside you, to reflect, and to sometimes gently offer new context or perspective when it may serve your growth.
My sessions are available face to face in Barkingside and Nationally online.
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My pronouns are she/her.
I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcome diversity of all kinds.​
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Counselling can be many things...
feeling comfortable enough to explore & challenge your inner world, core beliefs and to nurture self worth
learning to be curious, congruent & confident
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an opportunity to look to the future & start making positive changes
being supported in the depths of depression, anxiety or grief without fear of judgement
an opportunity to pause, observe and reflect
a chance to explore past trauma or childhood experiences
support during or after a difficult life event or milestone
FAQs
How soon will I feel better?
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Counselling itself does not provide solutions or a ‘cure’. Feeling better, healing and moving forward can take time and work.
Humanistic counselling is gentle, kind and compassionate but the process can be tough mentally, and it is good to be prepared for this.
My hope for you is that you will continue your journey of self-discovery and self-care long after our sessions together have ended.
How do I make contact?
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If you need emergency help, please see the Emergency Services section below.
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You can email, leave a voice message or text in the first instance. We will then arrange a (free) 15 minute chat on the phone in order for me to learn a bit more about what you are looking for and for us both to see if we might be a good fit.
After this, you can decide if you wish to commit to working together going forward - there will be no pressure to make this decision on the spot.
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How do I cancel my appointment
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In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your session I kindly request 48 hours advance notice.
Full payment will be necessary for missed or cancelled sessions where less than 48 hours notice is provided.
Emergency Helplines
If you’re thinking about suicide - or are concerned someone else is, you can get support here:
Immediate Services
Samaritans: call 116123
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If your life, or someone else's, is in immediate danger, call 999
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or
go to your nearest A&E where staff are available 24/7
General services/ Adults:
For immediate (same or next day) mental health help & support:
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Call NHS 111 & select ‘mental health’ option
Call Samaritans on 116 123
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or
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Use Samaritans' 24/7 (free) text support: text 'shout' to 85258
For young people:
All Sorts (for young people identifying as LGBT+)
Childline: 0800 1111 (24/7)
Samaritans: call 116123 (24/7)
text "shout" to 852
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Young Minds: text YM to 85258 (24/7 avaiability & free)
If you are a concerned parent, please contact the Young Minds Parent Helpline at 0808 8025544
Phone
+44 7949193602
Face-to-Face location
Barkingside / Chigwell
Essex
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I also conduct online sessions on Whatsapp and TEAMS.
Availability
My availability is flexible to accommodate your needs, with sessions offered every day of the week. Simply reach out and we'll discuss a time that works best for you.