Meet Asli,
Counselling Intern
Areas of Specialty:
• Anxiety/Depression
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Grief & Loss Therapy
• LGBTQ2S+ Affirming Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Veterans | First Responders | Health Care Professionals
Favourite Quote
"We are more often frightened than hurt, and we suffer more in imagination than in reality."
- Seneca
Seneca’s quote captures the essence of how our minds can create unnecessary distress through distorted thinking. Often, the worries and fears we hold exist only in our imagination, yet they have a very real impact on our emotions and behaviour. These patterns are often rooted in deeper maladaptive schemas or core beliefs formed early in life – such as feelings of vulnerability, unworthiness, or lack of control.
When these schemas are triggered, our perception of events becomes skewed, and we react emotionally to imagined threats rather than actual ones. By recognizing and challenging these thought patterns, we can begin to align our emotional responses more closely with reality, reducing unnecessary suffering and
reclaiming a calmer, more grounded state of mind.
Hello, I’m Asli Verel!
I am currently in the final year of the Master of Counselling program at City University of Seattle. I also hold a dual bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Teaching English as a Second Language from SUNY New Paltz and Middle East Technical University. I offer therapy in English and Turkish.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on several evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Existential Therapy, the Grief Recovery Method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
As an immigrant woman who moved to Canada over 12 years ago, I bring a lived understanding of migratory grief, parenthood challenges, and the emotional complexity of living between cultures. Coming from a collectivist background, I also recognize the deep sense of loneliness and disconnection that can emerge when adjusting to a more individualistic society. These experiences enable me to connect with diverse
individuals as they navigate identity, transition, loss, and belonging in culturally sensitive ways.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy art, reading, traveling, listening to music, practicing yoga, and creating simple self-care routines. I also value time spent with family and friends, and find joy in nature and everyday
exploration.
If you’re seeking support on your journey or need a space to be heard, I would be honoured to walk alongside you. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation or book a session. My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to clarify your goals and move toward healing and
growth.