Education, Experience & Certifications
Hello, I'm Irem Simsar. As a psychologist and psychological counselor, I have been conducting my professional work in Switzerland, where I have been living since 2022. I completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in Guidance and Psychological Counseling at Boğaziçi University with high honors. In my master's education, I graduated as class valedictorian, focusing on "childhood experiences, emotion regulation, and psychological adjustment." My education has been recognized as M.Sc. Psychology by the Swiss Psychology Professions Commission (PsyKo), and I have the official authorization to use the title "Psychologist" in Switzerland.
In my clinical practice, I value approaching my clients' needs with a holistic perspective. I integrate the "Somatic Experiencing" method, which focuses on the nervous system and body awareness, into my work based on the humanistic approach. As of January 2026, while conducting face-to-face sessions in Zurich and Basel (in collaboration with Praxis Evia), I also offer online counseling services.
The experiences I gained as a research assistant at Boğaziçi University in my academic background strengthened my principle of working based on scientific foundations. Additionally, throughout my educational life, I had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults in various schools and counseling centers. I currently serve as a member of FSP (Federation of Swiss Psychologists), ZÜPP (Zurich Society for Psychology and Psychotherapy), and BCAP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), adhering to ethical standards.
Thanks to my proficiency in Turkish (native language) and English (C2), I conduct the therapy process by establishing effective communication with clients from different cultural backgrounds.
2019-2022 • Boğaziçi University
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
GPA: 3.84/4.00 - Valedictorian
2014-2019 • Boğaziçi University
Guidance and Psychological Counseling
GPA: 3.73/4.00 - Third in Class
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner
APA Certified (2024)
2022-Present • Various University Guidance Centers
Humanistic approach and Somatic Experiencing®
2020-2021 • BÜREM, Istanbul
Individual and group counseling