You’re here
because you want more for your life.

You’re a high achiever, who sets big goals for yourself.

You have a great education, a successful career, and multiple accomplishments along the way... Yet your inner critic says you're not doing enough. I understand.

Some things are just easier when you're not alone.

• If you are working in a leadership position like most of my clients, you might be struggling with chronic stress or high levels of anxiety that may come with working in a fast-paced environment.
• You might have an endless to-do list that keeps on growing by the day.

• You might even have difficulty deciding where to start as everything seems to be a priority needing your attention right away. This could be making you feel stuck and struggle to get things done. If you could only stop overthinking and take action.

I get it. I have been there myself. The truth is, nothing changes until we do. As someone who has been through burnout and therefore, has a lot of compassion for helping high-achieving leaders prone to anxiety, I'd love to help you have a different perception and experience of your work and life.

It could be easier if you had someone with the knowledge and expertise, who has been through what you are experiencing, to guide you through a process of transformation.

I could empower you to improve your mental health and emotional well-being to reach your true potential in your personal and professional life.

Wondering how? Keep reading.

Δ My clients say I help them transform their whole lives by taking one step at a time.

Δ My superpower is being able to see people’s true potential and guide them in bringing it to life.

Δ I have over 20 years of experience working with people from all around the world, helping them see the possibilities for themselves.

Δ I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University in the United States [so everything I do is based on science].

Δ I am a Professor of Psychology at Istanbul Rumeli University and continue to develop myself through teaching at the university and conducting research studies on psychological well-being and work-life issues.

Δ My background is in trauma work. I've been trained in EMDR [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing] in the US through the EMDR Institute. EMDR is an effective approach to overcoming traumatic life experiences that are keeping you stuck.

Δ I have extensive knowledge on anxiety, trauma, and how unprocessed emotions can show up as psychosomatic issues such as migraines, body aches, skin issues, etc. I am also trained in hypnotherapy, which I find very useful for the treatment of issues by targeting the subconscious mind.

Δ I help people have a stronger relationship with themselves and their partners. I've been trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy through the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy [Ottawa, Canada].

Δ I help people release the anxiety, overwhelm, and stress stored in their bodies through breathwork [Breathwork teacher training in California, USA].

Δ I believe in changing the world one person at a time, starting from ourselves. I'm an SIY (Search Inside Yourself) Global [California, USA] certified trainer on mindfulness-based emotional intelligence for leaders.

Δ My purpose in life is to spread joy. I co-authored a book titled Happiness 2.0 [Elma Publications, in Turkish], which focuses on how to improve your mental and emotional well-being through evidence-based practices.

Above all, as a high achiever myself, I practice what I preach to live a fulfilling life and I want to help you create the transformation you want for yourself.

When I felt like I couldn't take one more step, I decided to restructure my life.

My whole life changed with each decision I made. I took small steps, and with each step I took, I believed more in myself.

I made changes in my environment to support my health and chose to surround myself with those who uplifted me while challenging me to be my authentic self. To this day, I continue making further changes to support my health and well-being.

I am the happiest I’ve ever been and I know that life is much better when you spread the joy. 

Seeing people happy gives me energy. I have an energetic, happy nature and it breaks my heart to see people suffering when a little shift can bring their immense potential. I want to facilitate that shift for you.

I know that life can get really difficult at times. I never gave up on myself and I won’t give up on you as long as you continue striving for a happier and healthier you.

I use my research background in providing cutting-edge executive therapy and training services. Over the years, I've conducted studies on psychological well-being, couples and family relationships, and work-life issues, and co-authored a book on happiness.

Book & Book Chapters

• Bulgan, G. (2024). Multicultural competency and the Theory of Multicultural Counseling and Therapy. In Ş. Poyrazlı, & A. Çiftçi (Eds.). Multicultural issues in counseling and therapy: Global Perspectives, p. 7-22. Anı Publishing. 
• Bulgan, G. (2022). Yakın ilişkilerde affetme. [Forgiveness in close relationships.] In B. S. Özgülük Üçok (Ed.). Yakın ilişkiler [Close relationships], p. 395-416. Nobel Publishing. 
• Koydemir, S., & Bulgan, G. (2019). Mutluluk 2.0: İyi yaşama dair bilmediklerimiz [Happiness 2.0: What we don't know about good life, in Turkish] (3rd Edition). Elma Publishing.

• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2018). Career counseling for international students: Using the framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory. In K. Bista (Ed.). International student mobility and opportunities for growth in the global marketplace, p. 203-213. IGI Global Publishing.​ doi: 10.4018/978-1-5225-3451-8

Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals

• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2018). Work-family balance and psychosocial adjustment of married international students. Journal of International Students, 8(2), 1079-1107. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1231390.
• Bulgan, G. (2018). Children’s perceptions of tests: A content analysis. European Journal of Educational Research, 7(2), 159-167. doi:10.12973/eu-jer.7.2.159.
• Bulgan, G., Kemer, G., & Çetinkaya Yıldız, E. (2018). Marital satisfaction of Turkish individuals: The role of marriage type, duration of marriage, and personality traits. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 8(1), 88-97.​ ​
• Atalay, Z., Aydın, U., Bulgan, G., Taylan, R. D., & Özgülük, S. B. (2017). Bilinçli-Farkındalık Temelli Öz-yeterlik Ölçeği-Yenilenmiş (BFÖÖ-Y): Türkiye uyarlama çalışması [Mindfulness-Based Self Efficacy Scale-Revised (MSES-R): Turkish adaptation study]. İlköğretim Online [Elementary Education Online], 16(4), 1803-1815. doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2017.342994
• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2017). The interplay of work-family life and psychosocial adjustment for international graduate students. International Journal of Human and Behavioral Science, 3(1), 1-10. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.19148/ijhbs.345808
• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2017). Psychological adaptation, marital satisfaction, and academic self-efficacy of married international students. Journal of International Students, 7(3), 687-702. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.570028
• Aydın, U., & Bulgan, G. (2017). Çocuklarda Sınav Kaygısı Ölçeği’nin Türkçe uyarlaması [Adaptation of Children’s Test Anxiety Scale to Turkish]. İlköğretim Online [Elementary Education Online], 16(2), 887-899. doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2017.304742
• Kemer, G., & Çetinkaya Yıldız, E., & Bulgan, G. (2016). Emotional Dependency and Dysfunctional Relationship Beliefs as Predictors of Married Turkish Individuals' Relationship Satisfaction. The Spanish Journal of Psychology. Published Online: November 2, 2016. doi: 10.1017/sjp.2016.78
• Kemer, G., Bulgan, G., & Çetinkaya, E. (2016). Gender differences, infidelity, dyadic trust, and jealousy among married Turkish individuals. Current Psychology, 35(3), 335-343. doi: 10.1007/s12144-014-9298-2
• Canel-Çınarbaş, D., Çiftçi, A., & Bulgan, G. (2013). Visiting shrines: A Turkish religious practice and its mental health implications. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 35(1), 16-32. doi: 10.1007/s10447-012-9162-8​
• Çetinkaya, E., Kemer, G., Bulgan, G., & Tezer, E. (2008). İkili İlişkiler Güven Ölçeği’nin geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmaları [The validity and reliability studies of the Dyadic Trust Scale]. Türk Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Dergisi [Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal], 3(29), 75-77.

Presentations at Peer-Reviewed Conferences

• Deveci, A. N., Toplu-Demirtaş, E., & Bulgan, G. (2023). Cultivating self-compassion to boost body satisfaction and healthy eating behaviors: Evidence from heterosexual and LGBi+ emerging adults. 24th International Psychological Counseling and Guidance Congress, November 17-19, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye.
• Bulgan, G. (2019). Mindfulness, self-esteem, and burnout in counselors and psychologists working at schools. International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends, May 4-6, Zagreb, Croatia. 
• Bulgan, G. (2017). Increasing mental health professionals' self-esteem through mindfulness and happiness. 2nd Eurasian Congress on Positive Psychology, May 12-14, Istanbul, Türkiye.
• Bulgan, G. (2017). Elementary and middle school students' perceptions of tests. International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends, April 29 - May 1, Budapest, Hungary.  
• Bulgan G., Kemer, G., & Çetinkaya Yıldız, E. (2015). Family type, duration of marriage, and personality traits in relation to marital satisfaction. International Association for Counseling Conference, September 3-6, Verona, Italy.
• Çetinkaya Yıldız, E., Kemer, G., &  Bulgan, G.  (2015). Emotional dependency and dysfunctional relationship beliefs as predictors of relationship satisfaction. International Association for Counseling Conference, September 3-6, Verona, Italy.
• Dorantes, D., Küçükaydın, H., Özlem, Ş., Bulgan, G., Aydın, U., Turan, S. S., Karamollaoğlu, N., & Fialho, F. (2015). Improved business model representation of innovation concepts. World Conference on Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, May 28-30, Istanbul, Türkiye.
• Balın, E., Kemer, G., Bulgan, G., & Can, A. (2013). Studying psychological counseling in the U.S.: Narratives from four different journeys. International Association for Counselling 2013 World Congress, September 8-11, Istanbul, Türkiye.
• Bulgan, G. (2013). Counseling Meets Technology: The Story Of A Career Journey. International Association for Counselling 2013 World Congress, September 8-11, Istanbul, Türkiye.
• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2012). The application of Social Cognitive Career Theory to the career needs of international students. 120th Annual American Psychological Association Convention, August 2-5, Orlando, FL, USA.
• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2011). Work-family balance and psychosocial adjustment of international students. 119th Annual American Psychological Association Convention, August 4-7, Washington, D.C., USA.
• Çiftçi, A., & Bulgan, G. (2010). “Thinking outside of the box:” Being an international psychology intern. 118th Annual American Psychological Association Convention, August 12-15, San Diego, CA, USA.
• Bulgan, G., & Çiftçi, A. (2009). Psychological adaptation, marital satisfaction, and academic self-efficacy of married international students. 117th Annual American Psychological Association Convention, August 6-9, Toronto, Canada.
• Duan, C., Çiftçi, A., Joshi, C., & Bulgan, G. (2009). Maximizing international students’ contributions to and training outcome in counseling psychology. 26th Annual Winter Roundtable on Cultural Psychology and Education, February 20-21, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, USA.​
• Çetinkaya, E., Kemer, G., & Bulgan, G. (2008). The old story of marriage: An attempt to understand jealousy in Turkey. XVI World International Family Therapy Association Congress, March 26-29, Porto, Portugal.
• Çetinkaya, E., Bulgan, G., Kemer, G., & Tezer, E. (2008). The relationships of gender, dyadic trust, and dimensions of jealousy in marriage: A study on a Turkish sample. XVI World International Family Therapy Association Congress, March 26-29, Porto, Portugal.​
• Bulgan, G., Ghaffari, A., Donatelli, S., & Çiftçi, A. (2008). Acculturation models: Applications and future directions. 37th Annual Meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, February 20-23, New Orleans, LA, USA.
• Bulgan, G., & Gülerce, A. (2006). 21. Yüzyılın başlarında Türkiye’de ailenin psikolojik yapısına ilişkin çeşitli değerlendirme ve kestirimler [Assessment and presumptions regarding the psychological structure of the Turkish family in the beginning of the 21st century]. 14th National Psychology Congress, September 6-8, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.

Invited Talks​

• Emotional agility. Online workshop conducted with graduate students in the Clinical Psychology Program. August 1, 2024, Istanbul Rumeli University.
• How can we have a healthy relationship with ourselves for our happiness and well-being? Online workshop conducted with graduate students through the Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching. December 2, 2022, Middle East Technical University.
• Mindfulness practices for resilience. Online workshop delivered to graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. November 26, 2021, Özyeğin University. 
• Mental wellness in the new normal. Panelist for Virtual Bite-Size Learning 2.0 with Harini Indiketiya (Moderator), Sahan Dharmatilleke and Sahan Gunasekera. July 7, 2021, Association of HR Professionals Sri Lanka.
• Maintaining psychological well-being for counselors. Online workshop delivered to undergraduate and graduate students in counseling. June 23, 2021, MEF University Guidance & Counseling Club.
• Mindfulness practices. Guest expert for the Mindfulness 101 Class. April 25, 2021, Resilience Within.
• Mindfulness in the workplace. Online workshop delivered as part of Mindful TALKS. April 9, 2021, Mindfulness Institute Turkey.
• Positive psychology practices for mental and emotional well-being. Online workshop delivered to university students in counseling and psychology. April 3, 2021, 6^th Psychological Counseling Symposium, Boğaziçi University.
• Cultivating resilience by mindfulness-based practices. Online workshop delivered to university students studying psychology. March 30, 2021, Psychologists TR Academy.
• Building resilience. Guest expert as part of the Next Generation Mentoring Program. March 6, 2021, Boğaziçi University Alumni Association.
• Life in the future. Guest expert as part of the lecture series on GB 101: Knowledge of the Future Course. February 5 and 12, 2021, Futurists Academy.
• Building personal resilience: A mindfulness-based workshop. Online workshop delivered with Ranjan Raman to the public during the pandemic. June 6, 2020, Resilience Within.
• Happiness 2.0. Interviewed online by Dr. Ali Murat Alparslan on cultivating happiness and well-being. May 28, 2020.
• Happiness 2.0. Interviewed online by Hilal Doymuş on cultivating happiness and well-being. May 14, 2020.
• Living alone under lockdown. Online support group offered with Dr. Selda Koydemir to the public during the pandemic. May 6, 2020.
• What to say to those who are going through a difficult time. Online workshop offered with Selda Koydemir to the public during the pandemic. April 29, 2020.
• Building resilience and managing stress: A mindfulness-based workshop. Online workshop offered with Sahan Dharmatilleke to the public during the pandemic. April 10, 2020, Resilience Within.
• How can we be happy when the anxiety continues? Seminar given to university students as part of Student Development Seminar Series, December 16, 2019, Koç University Guidance and Psychological Services, Istanbul.
• Happiness and our relationship with ourselves. Seminar given at Psychology TALKS, December 15, 2019, Beşiktaş Sahne, Istanbul.
• Mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Online workshop conducted with teachers, November 27, 2019, Teachers Academy Foundation, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted at MEF University International Student Conference on Educational Sciences, March 2-3, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Mindfulness-based practices for stress management. Workshops conducted with high school students, October 8-15, 2019, Robert American College, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted with teachers and school counselors, June 26, 2019, Silifke Public Education Center, Mersin.
• Mindfulness at the workplace. Workshop conducted at the 4^th Mindfulness Symposium, April 27-28, 2019, MEF Schools, Istanbul.
• Science and mindfulness. Seminar given at the 4^th Mindfulness Symposium, April 27-28, 2019, MEF Schools, Istanbul.
• How can we have a healthy relationship with ourselves for our happiness and well-being? Well-Being Week, March 25-28, 2019, Koç University, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted at the Boğaziçi University Counseling Symposium. March 23-24, 2019, Istanbul.
• Creating happy family environments. Seminar given to parents of elementary school students, March 9, MEF Bahçeşehir Schools, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted at MEF University International Student Conference on Educational Sciences, March 2-3, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Seminar given to high school students at the Career Summit II, February 23, 2019, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Seminar given to high school students at the Career Summit I, February 16, 2019, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Ways to improve our happiness and well-being. Seminar given to high school students, November 13, 2018, MEF Bahçeşehir Schools, Istanbul.
• Happiness in our career path. Seminar given at the 19^th Human Management Congress, October 3, 2018, CerModern, Ankara.
• Happiness and mindfulness. Seminar given at the 3^rd Mindfulness Symposium, May 5, 2018, MEF Schools, Istanbul.
• Time management and effective studying skills. Workshop conducted with 11th and 12th grade IB students. January 29, 2018, MEF International School, Istanbul.
• Strategies for increasing happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted with 11th and 12th grade IB students. December 11, 2017, MEF International School, Istanbul.
• Integrating mindfulness practices in the classroom. Workshop conducted with teachers and school administrators. November 21, 2017, MEF International School, Istanbul.
• Creating a difference in education: Happy students and happy school environments. Workshop conducted at Future in Education Conference, November 11, 2017, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Stress management and mindfulness practices. Workshop conducted with 11th and 12th grade IB students. November 6, 2017, MEF International School, Istanbul.
• Mindfulness and well-being with findings. Seminar given at the 2^nd Mindfulness Symposium, April 22, 2017, MEF Schools, Istanbul.
• Living together with our differences. Workshop conducted at the Boğaziçi University Counseling Symposium. April 1, 2017, Istanbul.
• Having a healthier relationship with ourselves for our well-being. Seminar presented to participants of the Social Responsibility Project “Kulaktan Kulağa Mindfulness”, March 8, 2017, Istanbul. 
• Having a healthier relationship with ourselves for happiness and well-being. Webinar presented to ANKOS Academy members, February 23, 2017, Istanbul. ​
• Positive psychology applications in education: Raising students’ happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted at the Change in Education Conference, December 11, 2016, MEF University, Istanbul.
• Coping with test anxiety. Seminar presented to 12th-grade students at Rıdvan Çelikel High School of Science, December 2, 2016, Samsun.​
• Having a healthier relationship with ourselves for happiness and well-being. Seminar presented to Kocaeli University students and academics, May 18, 2016, Kocaeli.
• Counselors’ self-awareness. Group activity facilitated at the Cultural Context of Counseling in a Changing World Symposium. May 6, 2016, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul.
• Positive psychology applications for happiness and well-being. Workshop conducted at Boğaziçi University Counseling Symposium. April 3, 2016, İstanbul.
• Parents are asking, academicians are answering. Seminar given to Ayazağa Elementary School parents, March 6, 2016, Istanbul.
• Managing test anxiety. Seminar presented to 12th-grade students and school counselors at Kadir Has Anatolian High School, February 25, 2016, Istanbul.
• Secure attachment, family relations, and happiness. Seminar presented to parents of MEF Kindergarten. February 23, 2016, Istanbul. 
• The road from discrimination and violence to understanding the human being. Seminar presented at Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus. December 16, 2015, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• Work-life issues and well-being. Well-Being Conference. November 13-14, 2015, Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• Living together with our differences. Workshop conducted with Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus students. May 4, 2015, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• Understanding ourselves and our children. MEF University Guidance and Psychological Counseling Symposium. April 9, 2015, Istanbul.
• Coping with stress and burnout during adolescence. Seminar presented to high-school students and teachers at Private Çakabey Schools, November 26, 2014, Izmir.
• Cultural awareness and understanding for school counselors and teachers. Workshop conducted with Dr. Carol Dahir from New York Institute of Technology as invited speakers of Boğaziçi University Counseling Community, August 4, 2014, Istanbul.
• Shaping your career and future. Workshop conducted at the 13th National Student Congress, School of Medicine, Marmara University, May 24-26, 2013, Istanbul.
• Design your own future. Workshop conducted at the 1st Career Days, Istanbul Kültür University, May 7, 2013, Istanbul.
• Conflict resolution in personal and professional life. Seminar presented at Korto Counseling Services, January 23, 2013, Istanbul.
• Cultural competence: Working with Turkish and Muslim clients in the psychotherapy context. Seminar presented at the University of Washington, May 16, 2011, Tacoma, WA.
• Gender in intimate relationships. Seminar presented during SOC 455: The Sociology of Gender Class, University of Washington, March 22, 2011, Tacoma, WA.
• Stress management. Workshop conducted at Student Health and Wellness, University of Washington, March 16, 2011, Tacoma, WA.
• Mental health education. Workshop conducted at Student Health and Wellness, University of Washington, February 10, 2011, Tacoma, WA.
• Healthy eating habits. Workshop conducted at Student Health and Wellness, University of Washington, January 12, 2011, Tacoma, WA.
• Time management and maintaining personal well-being. Seminar presented at Core Lab Program, University of Washington, October 15, 2010, Tacoma, WA.
• Awareness of diversity issues. Workshop conducted during Purdue Promise First-Year Experience Course, Purdue University, October 21 and 26, 2009, West Lafayette, IN.
• Crisis survival skills: Getting through a crisis without making it worse. Seminar presented at Family Services Inc., June 24, 2009, Lafayette, IN.