Meet the Therapist: Esra Kuscu
Esra Kuscu is an online counsellor
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I like to guide people through their personal challenges, helping to ease emotional burdens, and empowering them to achieve a healthier mind. With a new mindset, my clients can pursue new ways to live, both in their professional and personal lives.
Where did you train?
I am fortunate to live in London, and I studied BSc in psychology. This motivated me to do further studies and I undertook a diploma course in cognitive behavioural therapy/autism tutor training. I worked with the NHS to gain a wider range of experiences and build my skills.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I am cognitive behavioural therapist and I also have a life coach diploma. Currently I am working for the NHS and privately. Working best of interest of my clients.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I see adolescent and adults, through video call or telephone.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I like seeing my clients walk away lighter, freer and with ways to resolve obstacles that come their way. It is a rewarding journey to see my clients improve their lives.
What is less pleasant?
Witnessing the struggle, emotions and crying, as sadly I cannot wave a magic wand to resolve problems.
How long have you been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
It is a great opportunity to be on welldoing.org. I joined about a year ago. It is a modern and helpful site for therapists to learn more and gain new experiences. The most amazing part is having the Calm app for free for a year. We can also share if with our clients for two months; this has helped the therapy process.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I can recommend few apps for you to download: the MyCognition app, Calm app and I am app. These help with mindfulness and meditation, and you will receive hourly notifications to remind yourself how amazing you are.
What you do for your own mental health?
I believe in the mind/body connection, doing yoga, and lots of walking and meditation. Once a week I draw and engage in other creative activities. Self-understanding and self-care is very important, as well as accepting what your mind needs.
You are a therapist working online. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this way?
I work online through telephone and Zoom. This gives me flexible working hours as I can best suit my time and clients times. Many of you work long hours and may not able to make time for a therapy session. Doing things online means we can arrange a suitable time for you.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
Therapy is a great time you are giving to yourself. Think about having a headache or belly ache for two days, you have tried remedies and then seen your GP about it. Why would you not see a therapist if you are struggling or feeling stress over things that are going on in your life?
Remember therapy is not only for those who feel suicidal or on the edge. It is also for you to have a non-judgemental space with a professional who can support you to set goals or find ways to work around your phobias or other difficulties.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
In therapy I learned to listen to what my mind is telling me, accept the reality, be kind to myself, give myself space, and learned to forgive myself.
