Finding Turkish-Speaking Therapists Abroad: A Guide for Expats
Today, millions of Turkish people live outside of Turkey, building new lives in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. As of 2024, approximately 7.5 million Turkish citizens reside abroad, with around 6.5 million living in Western European countries (Hurriyet Daily News, 2023). While living abroad offers opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges — from adapting to a new culture and language to dealing with feelings of homesickness, loneliness, or identity struggles. In these moments, therapy can be an important source of support. However, many Turkish expats discover that finding a therapist who speaks their native language and understands their culture is not always easy. This blog explores why speaking Turkish in therapy matters, the benefits of working with a Turkish-speaking therapist, and practical ways to find the right support no matter where in the world you live.
Why Language Matters in Therapy?
When it comes to therapy, language is more than just words — it is the bridge to our emotions, memories, and identity. Speaking in your native language allows you to express complex feelings with ease and authenticity, without searching for the “right” word or worrying about misunderstandings. For many Turkish expats, trying to talk about sensitive topics such as family, relationships, or past experiences in a second language can feel limiting or even frustrating. Using Turkish in therapy not only makes communication smoother, but also helps the therapist truly understand the cultural nuances, humor, values, and unspoken meanings that shape your experience. In short, therapy in your mother tongue can feel more natural, safe, and emotionally freeing.
Challenges Turkish Expats Face Abroad
Living in a new country can be exciting, but Turkish expats often face unique challenges that can affect their mental health and overall well-being. Some of the most common difficulties include:
• Language barriers: Struggling to communicate in daily life or in professional settings.
• Cultural adjustment: Navigating differences in traditions, social norms, and values.
• Loneliness and homesickness: Missing family, friends, and the familiar comfort of home.
• Identity struggles: Balancing between Turkish roots and adapting to a new culture.
• Limited access to culturally sensitive support: Difficulty finding therapists who understand Turkish culture or speak the language.
Benefits of Working with a Turkish-Speaking Therapist Online
Working with a therapist who speaks Turkish can make a significant difference for expats living abroad. The benefits go beyond language — they extend into cultural understanding and emotional connection. Some key advantages include:
• Cultural sensitivity: A Turkish-speaking therapist is more likely to understand the nuances of family dynamics, traditions, and social expectations that shape your experiences.
• Easier emotional expression: Talking in your native language allows you to express thoughts and feelings more freely, without filtering or simplifying complex emotions.
• Shared values and background knowledge: Therapists who share your cultural context can relate to your challenges in a way that feels authentic and validating.
• Reduced misunderstandings: Miscommunications are less likely when both therapist and client speak the same language, allowing for more productive sessions.
• Comfort and trust: Feeling understood in your mother tongue can help you feel safer, more supported, and more motivated to engage in therapy.
What to Expect in Online Therapy?
Online therapy offers Turkish-speaking individuals living abroad a convenient and effective means of accessing culturally sensitive mental health support. Most people question if online therapy is as effective as face to face therapy. Research supports the efficacy of online therapy: a meta-analysis by Batastini et al. (2021) found that videoconference therapy yields equivalent outcomes to in-person therapy, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions.
Engaging in therapy from the comfort of one’s home provides a sense of privacy and safety, which can be particularly beneficial when discussing sensitive topics.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of online therapy. At Mare Psychotherapy, all our online sessions are conducted with the same rigorous privacy and confidentiality standards as our in-person therapy sessions.
The importance of a stable internet connection cannot be overstated. A reliable connection ensures that sessions proceed smoothly without interruptions, maintaining the flow of conversation and the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
Ultimately, online therapy mirrors in-person sessions in every essential way — the therapeutic techniques, structure, and professional standards remain the same, ensuring a fully effective and consistent treatment experience.
Take the first step and prioritize your mental health abroad.
At Mare Psychotherapy, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate life as a Turkish expat. That’s why our team is here to support you through Turkish-speaking online therapy, wherever you are in the world. Whether you are an adult seeking personal growth, an adolescent coping with life changes, a parent looking for guidance, or a couple or family hoping to strengthen relationships, we provide professional, culturally sensitive therapy tailored to your needs. Taking the first step towards support is an investment in your well-being — and we are here to walk that journey with you.
Contact us today via WhatsApp at +90 533 838 00 55 or by email at marepsikoterapi@gmail.com for more information about online therapy sessions.
References
Batastini, A. B., et al. (2021). Are videoconferenced mental and behavioral health services just as good as in-person? A meta-analysis of a fast-growing practice. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(1), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X20970794
Hurriyet Daily News. (2023, November 9). 7.5 million Turkish citizens live abroad: Ministry. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/7-5-million-turkish-citizens-live-abroad-ministry-193165