Ayhan Alman

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I’m a psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with a deep understanding of how past experiences shape us. My approach is warm and direct, and relational. Therapy with me is an active process—a space to make sense of what’s weighing on you and explore new ways of being.

I work best with people who feel like they don’t quite fit into the world as it is. Whether you’re living with the impact of past experiences, trying to manage anxiety, or feeling like you don’t quite fit into the world around you, I offer a space that is affirming and accessible. My practice is shaped by my own lived experience of neurodivergence and queerness and a belief that therapy should meet you where you are.

I specialise in trauma, particularly PTSD and complex trauma, working with EMDR and body-based approaches to help process experiences that might feel difficult to reach with talk therapy alone. I also support people with Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, as well as the complexities that come from marginalisation—such as anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic shame.

Therapy with me is collaborative—we figure out what works for you, whether that’s structured EMDR or simply having a space to say things out loud for the first time. If you’re curious about working together, feel free to get in touch or visit my website for more information.

Sexual identity:

Gay
Queer

Gender identity: I use another term

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: Yes

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: Yes

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Academic Qualifications

MSc Gestalt Psychotherapy – Middlesex University, London
MA Digital Arts – University of the Arts, London
Post-Graduate Diploma Contemporary Trauma Practice – Relational Change, Oxford
Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counselling – Metanoia, London
Clinical Diploma Gestalt Psychotherapy – Metanoia, London

Continuous Professional Development

Professional Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy – CICS, Herts
Certificate in Contemporary Intimate Partner Therapy – CICS, Herts
Diagnosis, Assessment & Pharmacological Treatment of Adults with ADHD – UKAAN, London
Understanding ADHD: Current Research and Practice – King’s College London
Understanding Autism – University of Kent
The Utilisation of EMDR (and IFS) in Eating Disorders – EMDR Association Sussex & Pam Virdi
Certificate in Couples Counselling – The Cherished Family Project, Birmingham
Part 1, 2 & 3 EMDR Europe Standard Accredited Training – EMDR Academy, Roehampton
Delivering Psychotherapy & EMDR Online – EMDR Academy & EMDR Association

Qualifications - Additional:

Publications & Workshops

A Practical Guide To Trauma-Sensitive Research: Integrating Trauma-Informed Frameworks into the Qualitative Research Lifecycle – Published by Routledge, London
Queering Gestalt Therapy: An Anthology on Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity in Psychotherapy – Published by Routledge, London
Embracing Gender Euphoria: We are not alone! – GPTI Conference, Nottingham
Beyond Words: Embracing the Awkward Silence – UKAGP Conference, Nottingham

Professional Accreditation/Memberships

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society – Senior Accredited
EMDR Association UK & Ireland – EMDR Europe Accredited

I’ve been in private practice since 2017 as a BACP-registered psychotherapist before achieving UKCP registration in 2019. I remained with the UKCP until January 2025 but chose to end my membership due to the growing transphobia within the organisation. I am now registered with the NCPS and the EMDR Association.

Experience and approach:

My core training is in Gestalt Psychotherapy, with further specialisation in trauma and EMDR. My approach is integrative, meaning I adapt different methods to suit each client’s needs.

Approaches: