
Merve Kucukoglu
Child and Adolescent Psychologist
Detailed CV
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Play Therapist dedicated to supporting children’s emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. After graduating from Saint Joseph French High School, I completed my BSc in Psychology at Koç University, gaining a solid academic foundation in developmental and clinical psychology.
My clinical training took place at LAPE, one of Turkey’s leading mental health institutions, where I participated in group therapy sessions under the supervision of psychiatrists. Alongside this, I spent four years working as an Assistant Sports Psychologist at Beşiktaş Football Club Academy, providing emotional and psychological support to young athletes experiencing anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
To deepen my expertise, I obtained a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology from King’s College London. During this time, I completed an accredited Play Therapy UK (PTUK) training programme, including a 200-hour clinical placement, where I supported children through therapeutic play interventions in educational and clinical settings.
In my practice, I integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, including art therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), reflective child assessments, and sports psychology, ensuring that every child receives an individualised, holistic, and developmentally appropriate intervention.
In addition, I am trained in ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised), which enables me to contribute to comprehensive autism assessments conducted in line with NICE and NHS guidelines.
I provide therapy and assessment sessions in English, Turkish, and French, allowing children from diverse cultural backgrounds to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable with. My therapeutic approach is child-centred, warm, and nurturing, creating a safe environment where each child can explore emotions, build resilience, and strengthen self-confidence through play.
Through Play Therapy, I aim to help children develop emotional regulation, enhance self-expression, and gain the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and creativity.
