Dr. Damla Irez, Clinical Psychologist
About Me

I'm a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience supporting children, young people, and their families.

I currently hold a senior role within a specialist NHS service supporting children in care and their networks, including families, carers, schools, and professionals, to create more stable and nurturing environments.

I see emotional wellbeing as shaped by both our experiences and our relationships, and I bring a relational and trauma-informed approach into therapy. My aim is to create a supportive and reflective space where we can make sense of your experiences together and begin to move towards meaningful change.

Having spent most of my own life between cultures, growing up in Moscow and Istanbul, and studying and making my home in London, I have a particular interest in supporting expats and those navigating life across cultures. Whether you're settling into a new country, adjusting to life away from family and the familiar, or raising children between cultures, I can offer a space to make sense of the unique challenges this can bring, from identity and belonging to grief, isolation, and the practical pressures of starting again. I'm able to offer sessions in English or Turkish.

Who I Support
Common Difficulties

Some of the areas I most often support people with — though every person and family is different, and our work together will always be shaped around your needs.

Anxiety / worries
Low mood
Difficulties in school
Trauma
Anger
Control issues
Family relationship difficulties
Attachment and relationship difficulties
Issues around fostering and adoption
Immigration and life transitions
How I Work

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in understanding your unique story. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change in your life.

I bring a culturally sensitive lens to my work, attending to the diverse contexts, languages, and experiences that shape who we are.

I draw on a range of therapeutic models, guided by what best fits your needs and your goals, including:

  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
  • Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT)
  • Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)
  • Video Feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Attachment-based approaches
  • Compassion-focused approaches
  • Mindfulness-based approaches
Professional Background

Education

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University College London
  • MSc in Mental Health Studies, King's College London
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology, Istanbul Bilgi University

Experience

  • Over 15 years' experience working within the NHS, including specialist child and adolescent mental health services, parenting services, and local authority settings
  • Experience across early years, physical health, community, and inpatient services
  • Special interest in early parent–infant relationships
  • Clinical supervision and line management to trainee and qualified psychologists

Training Delivery

  • Delivering training to parents and carers (Nurturing Attachments, Foundations for Attachment, and Non-Violent Resistance)
  • Training social workers and social care staff in trauma-informed practice

Publications & Research

Research interests include the application of brief mindfulness training to emotion regulation and behaviour change.

Languages

  • English
  • Turkish
  • Russian (limited working proficiency)
Beyond the Therapy Room

A little about me.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and have visited over 60 countries. I enjoy street photography, dipping in and out of art galleries, and trying to learn kite surfing (a work in progress).

60+ Countries
Photography
Art Galleries
Kite Surfing
Get in Touch

If you feel I may be the right fit for you, please send a message below to arrange an initial consultation. I would be happy to explore how we can work together.

HCPC Registered
The British Psychological Society