Our Approach

At the UAA Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department, we aim to support students throughout their five-year journey at UAA, helping them develop a deeper awareness of their inner world. Recognizing the uniqueness of every individual, we conduct our work in accordance with the principles of transparency, honesty, confidentiality, and respect for the individual.

Through the activities and programs we plan throughout the year, we aim to help students:

• Develop a deeper understanding of themselves;

• Make sense of and express their emotions;

• Strengthen their peer relationships and social skills;

• Establish and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships;

• Develop coping and problem-solving strategies;

• Shape their academic and career goals.

Our Areas of Work

• Individual psychological counseling

• Student group sessions

• Classroom guidance lessons

• Parent seminars and group sessions

• Programs and activities for faculty and school staff

Examples of Our Programs and Initiatives

• Orientation Program: Designed to support Prep students as they adjust to their new school.

• Mentor Program: Tailored to Prep students’ needs as they settle into life at UAA, this program brings peer support to life through the contributions of our Grade 11 student mentors.

• Addiction Prevention Program: Delivered in collaboration with external specialists.

• Workshops and seminars for students, teachers, and school staff as part of our Child Protection Policy.

• Educational programs on Adolescence and Adolescent Health.

• Future Meets: A career program that connects students with alumni to exchange insights into higher education and professional life.

• Interest and Career Inventories: Assessments that help students explore their interests and make informed career choices.

• Pathway: A program that enables alumni to share their academic and professional journeys with students.

• Parent Academy: An umbrella program encompassing our seminars, workshops, and group sessions for parents.

• “Yansımalar” (Reflections): An article series designed to raise awareness and support parents in their parenting journeys.

• “Ne Konuşalım?” (What Shall We Talk About?): A podcast series exploring parents’ questions about education and psychology.

Our Psychological Counselors

Counselor	Grade Level
Ayşen EKMEKCİ	Prep
Egemen TUNAR	Grade 9
Neriman KOÇ	Grade 10
Serhat KÖSE	Grade 11
Melisa AKBAŞ	Grade 12