Dr. Ayça Can Uz: A Leading Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist in Istanbul
Dr. Ayça Can Uz is a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist based in Kadıköy, Istanbul, whose extensive education and professional experience have made her a trusted expert in the field of mental health. Known for her dedication to providing comprehensive psychological care, Dr. Can Uz employs a holistic approach to therapy that integrates multiple therapeutic modalities to cater to the unique needs of her clients.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Ayça Can Uz’s academic journey began at Çanakkale Fen Lisesi, a prestigious science high school in Turkey. Upon completing her high school education, she pursued a medical degree at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, where she graduated as a medical doctor (MD) in 2004.
Her passion for psychiatry led her to specialize in this field. She completed her psychiatry residency at the Bakırköy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery in Istanbul, one of Turkey’s most respected psychiatric institutions. During her time there, Dr. Can Uz gained in-depth experience in various psychiatric specializations, which laid the foundation for her future work in the field.
Specialisation in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Dr. Ayça Can Uz is a well-rounded professional with a multifaceted skill set that includes expertise in child psychiatry, addiction treatment, family therapy, and sexual therapy, among others. She has received specialized training in different therapy techniques, including Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Hypnotherapy.
After completing her psychiatry residency, Dr. Can Uz worked at several prestigious medical institutions, including Kartal Yavuz Selim State Hospital, Mardin State Hospital, and the renowned American Hospital in Istanbul. During her tenure at the American Hospital, she also held the position of Clinical Director at the MedAmerikan Medical Center Psychiatry Clinic, where she contributed significantly to mental health care services from 2012 to 2018.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Can Uz’s extensive training in various therapeutic approaches has allowed her to establish her own private practice. At her clinic, she combines her medical knowledge with her deep understanding of psychotherapy to provide holistic care that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of her patients’ well-being.
Therapy Techniques and Areas of Expertise
Schema Therapy
One of Dr. Ayça Can Uz’s core specializations is Schema Therapy, an integrative psychotherapy that combines aspects of cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment theory, and gestalt therapy. This therapy is particularly effective for individuals with chronic psychological conditions or those who have experienced traumatic childhood events. Schema Therapy aims to identify and address early maladaptive schemas—negative patterns of thinking that developed in childhood and continue to affect adult behaviour.
Dr. Can Uz’s training in Schema Therapy, particularly through the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST), enables her to treat individuals dealing with deep-rooted emotional and behavioural issues. By identifying these schemas, she helps clients reconnect with their healthy adult self, resolve emotional wounds, and replace maladaptive coping mechanisms with healthier alternatives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Another important therapy Dr. Ayça Can Uz employs is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a therapeutic approach that encourages individuals to accept negative emotions rather than avoid or suppress them. The therapy helps patients develop psychological flexibility, empowering them to live a meaningful life aligned with their values, despite the challenges they face.
Dr. Can Uz has received certification in ACT from the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and applies it effectively in her clinical practice. This approach is particularly useful in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Dr. Can Uz is also trained in EMDR, a form of therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements) to help clients process distressing memories, often from past trauma. EMDR is particularly effective for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders.
By targeting the root causes of trauma, Dr. Can Uz assists her clients in overcoming emotional blockages and reducing the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. This enables individuals to heal from past wounds and move forward with greater emotional resilience.
Approach to Family and Couples Therapy
Dr. Ayça Can Uz’s approach to family and couples therapy is rooted in systemic thinking. She believes that psychological issues often arise from interpersonal dynamics and the relationships between individuals, particularly within family units or romantic partnerships.
Dr. Can Uz is certified as a Family and Couples Therapist by the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA). Through her work, she helps couples and families navigate complex relationship issues, improve communication, and build stronger emotional bonds. Whether dealing with conflicts, parenting challenges, or other relational difficulties, her therapy sessions aim to restore harmony and understanding within family systems.
In addition, Dr. Can Uz’s extensive training in sexual therapy equips her to address concerns related to sexual dysfunction, low libido, and other intimacy-related issues, helping clients reclaim a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.
Professional Experience and Contributions
Dr. Can Uz’s professional experience extends beyond clinical practice. She has worked in various esteemed hospitals and health centres, including the American Hospital and Mardin State Hospital. During her time at the American Hospital, she contributed significantly to the development of pre-natal psychiatry programmes, focusing on the mental health of expecting mothers.
In addition to her clinical roles, Dr. Can Uz has participated in academic and professional development activities. She was involved in the translation and editorial review of the Turkish edition of the “Kaplan & Saddock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry,” a leading textbook in the field. This demonstrates her commitment to advancing mental health knowledge and ensuring that the latest research and practices are accessible to professionals and patients alike.
A Holistic and Patient-Centered Approach
What sets Dr. Ayça Can Uz apart is her holistic approach to mental health. She understands that mental well-being is not merely the absence of illness but a state of overall balance and resilience. Her therapy is tailored to the individual, considering both the psychological and psychosocial factors that contribute to a person’s mental health.
By combining medical psychiatry with psychotherapy, Dr. Can Uz offers a unique, patient-centred approach to treatment that empowers individuals to address their emotional, psychological, and physical challenges in a balanced way. She is deeply committed to helping her clients achieve lasting change, offering a variety of treatment options that are evidence-based and aligned with their specific needs.
Conclusion
Dr. Ayça Can Uz is a distinguished psychiatrist and psychotherapist whose wealth of knowledge, experience, and compassion has made her a trusted figure in Istanbul’s mental health community. Her expertise spans various therapeutic techniques, including Schema Therapy, ACT, EMDR, and family therapy, all aimed at providing comprehensive care to those in need.
With her solid background in clinical psychiatry and her dedication to patient well-being, Dr. Can Uz continues to make a profound impact on the lives of her patients, helping them overcome mental health challenges and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Whether addressing trauma, relationship issues, or mental health conditions, Dr. Ayça Can Uz’s practice offers a beacon of hope for those seeking professional, empathetic care in the realm of mental health.
