Hi! My name is Ceyda Kiyak and I am a Psychologist (Cognitive Behavioural Therapist) and academic researcher with 15+ years of experience in mental health. I began my career in 2010 as a Play Therapist at a research hospital under the Turkish Ministry of Health, working with children and adolescents. Over time, I specialised in a range of therapy approaches, expanding my work to support adults facing challenges related to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, trauma, interpersonal issues, and sexual wellbeing.

 

After a decade as a Senior Psychologist in the public health system, I followed my passion for research and moved to UK to join King’s College London as a researcher. This journey led me to further postgraduate study, an MSc in Experimental Psychology in Italy, followed by an MRes in Digital Psychology in UK. I am currently completing a PhD in Psychology at the University of East Anglia in UK, where my research investigated how the experience of loneliness shapes our thoughts and contributes to cognitive biases using immersive technologies such as virtual reality.