Ayhan Alman

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I’m a psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with a good sense of how much our past shapes us. My approach is warm, direct, and relational.

I mostly work with people who feel like they don’t quite fit or who feel on the outside looking in. Maybe you’re living with the impact of past experiences, trying to manage anxiety, or just never quite found your place in the world. My practice is informed by my own experience of neurodivergence and queerness, and I believe therapy should meet you as you are.

I work with trauma, especially PTSD and complex trauma. I use EMDR and body-based approaches for things that aren’t easy to talk about or that don’t shift with talking alone. I also work with people who are autistic, have ADHD, or both, and with those dealing with the everyday effects of marginalisation like anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic shame.

Therapy with me is a shared process. We work out together what actually helps, whether that’s EMDR, a more structured approach, or simply having a space where you can say things out loud for the first time. If you want to know more or are curious about working together, you’re welcome to get in touch or visit my website.

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: