Esra Savaş
Florya -Bakırköy,Istanbul
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Visitor Researcher
Aarhus University
Aarhus
04.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with Prof. Maja O’Connor and Prof. Paul A. Boelen on the Aarhus Prolonged Grief Scale and grief-specific CBT protocols.
- Worked with Dr. Ali Amidi on projects related to cancer-related cognitive impairment and neurobiology.
- Contributed to the cultural adaptation and Turkish validation of the Aarhus Prolonged Grief Scale.
- Grief and Bereavement Lab. Focused on the neurobiological underpinnings of Prolonged Grief Disorder and the therapeutic mechanisms of CBT-based interventions.
Visitor Researcher
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Focused on EEG/ERP-based investigation of cognitive flexibility, attentional control, and emotion regulation in cancer survivors and individuals with prolonged grief.
- Contributed to the joint development of a manuscript exploring the role of cognitive reserve and leisure in trauma recovery.
- Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan (HEALS Lab). Conducted research under the supervision of Prof. Mario A. Parra, expert in cognitive ageing, memory binding, and neuropsychological markers of trauma.
Project Leader
Columbia University
04.2024 - Current
- Hope & Resilience Earthquake Zone Fund. Funded initiative aimed at implementing grief-oriented group therapy interventions for individuals who lost first-degree relatives in the 2023 Türkiye earthquake.
Key Person / Project Developer
Erasmus+ Program
01.2022 - 12.2022
- European Union. Supporting women with physical disabilities and female caregivers through MBCT and creativity-focused interventions.
Researcher
European Union Bilateral Education Project
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Cross-cultural professional training and curriculum development in psycho-oncology and palliative care education.
Researcher
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Development of a palliative care training module and empathy assessment in medical education.
Education
PhD - Clinical Psychology
Walden University
01.2019
MSc - Neuropsychology
Istinye University
12.2025
MSc - Applied Psychology
Walden University
01.2014
MSc - Psychosocial Oncology
Istanbul University
01.2008
BA - Psychology
Koç University
01.2007
Affiliations
- APOS- American Psychosocial Oncology Society
- IPOS-International Psychooncology Society
- Turkish Psycho-Oncology Association
Languages
Turkish
English
Ottoman Turkish
German
Spanish
Visitor Researcher
- 2024-04-01, Aarhus University, Grief and Psychooncology
- 2024-06-01, University of Strathclyde, Healthy Ageing EEG & ERP
Published Articles
- Savaş, E., Gündoğmuş, İ., Kınık, Ç., Kubilay, D., Kavakçı, Ö., & Yaşar, A. B., A randomized controlled trial of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) and EMDR-flash technique (iEMDR-FT) for improving mental health in breast cancer patients., Current Psychology, 45, 1, 79, 2026-01-01
- Basaran, G., Karadurmus, N., Bugdayci Basal, F., Aroyo, V., Savas, E., Ozturk Saglam, O. F., ... & Gumus, M., Quality of life and psychosocial challenges in metastatic breast cancer: the need for tailored interventions in Turkiye., Future Science OA, 11, 1, 2511462, 2025-01-01
- Savaş E., Neurobiology of Cancer: A Review from Psychooncologic and Neuroscientific Perspective., Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 18, 1, 256-267, 2025-01-01, 10.18863/pgy.1664408
- Savaş, E. & Little, S., Social anxiety, quality of life, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in Turkish women with infertility problems., The Journal of Academic Social Science, 166, 196-208, 2025-01-01
- Savaş, E., & Özkan, S., Effectiveness of a Structured Psychoeducational Intervention for Gynecologic Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study., International Journal of Social and Humanities Sciences Research (JSHSR), 12, 121, 1574-1589, 2025-01-01
- Filazoğlu Çokluk, G., Bal, F., & Savaş, E., Psychological impact of the February 6 earthquake on displaced individuals with proximal loss residing in temporary shelters., Psychology, Health & Medicine, 1-19, 2025-01-01
- Bal F, Çokluk GF, Savaş E., Investigation of the effectiveness of short-term grief-focused group intervention for 1st degree losses in earthquake., Arch Psychiatr Nurs., April, 55, 151852, 2025-01-01, 10.1016/j.apnu.2025.151852, 40204364
- Çokluk, G. F., & Savaş, E., Psychological impact of the February 6th earthquake in Turkey: A study on PTSD, depression, and anxiety., Experimental and Applied Medical Science, 6, 1, 1-19, 2025-01-01
- Savaş, E., Effectiveness of the WomenCan CBT Program on Depression, Anxiety, and Hope: A Pilot Study., KADEM Kadın Araştırmaları Dergisi, 10, 2, 553-580, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.21798/kadem.2024.163
- Tanriverdi, O., Karabay, C., Topbas M., Demirci, A., Atik, E., Karatepe S., Tosolar A., Kocagoz E., Uylaş S., Savaş, E., Ozcan, M., Introducing the ELPIS scale: a novel tool for measuring emotional empathy toward cancer patients., Medical Oncology, 41, 294, 2024-01-01, 10.1007/s12032-024-02537-9
- Savaş, E., Filazoğlu Çokluk, G., & Günenç, S., Relationship Between Prolonged Grief, Post-Cancer Growth and Self-Compassion in Patients with Lung Cancer., Kıbrıs Türk Psikiyatri Ve Psikoloji Dergisi, 6, 4, 331-338, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.35365/ctjpp.24.4.04
- Cebeciler, İ., & Savaş, E., Relationship Between Cancer Response Style, Metacognition, and Anxiety of Breast Cancer., Sakarya
- Niversitesi Kadın Araştırmaları Dergisi, 3, 2, 89-110, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.61158/saukad.1514365
- Eker, B., Hallaç, S., Savaş, E., & Örnek, B., Psychological resilience and cognitive flexibility levels of women diagnosed with breast cancer., Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing, 8, 2, 203-214, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.20300/jppw.2024.8.2.203-214
- Demir, V., Eryürek, S. & Savaş, E., The effect of mindfulness-based art therapy on psychological symptoms and happiness levels in patients with migraine: a pilot study., Current Psychology, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05634-0
- Savas E. & Ozmen, S., An Evaluation on Psychosocial Problems Experienced by Cancer Patients During the Treatment Process: Qualitative Study., Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 9, 2, 387-400, 2024-01-01, 10.5336/healthsci.2023-100197
- Savaş, E., The psychology behind grief., Türkiye Bütüncül Psikoterapi Dergisi, 2024-01-01, https://doi.org/10.56955/bpd.1393758
- Savas, E., Keleş, M., & Tin, O., Online Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Program for Breast Cancer Patients., Nobelmedicus, 20, 2, 2024-01-01
- Demir, V, Savaş, E., & Akoğlu, B, Examining the effect of art therapy on reducing emotion regulation difficulties: therapy or education?, The journal of academic social science, 143, 143, 140-154, 2023-01-01
- Savaş, E., Normal grief process, unresolved grief and effective approaches and oncologists' coping methods in the management of burnout in cancer patients., Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry and Psychology, 2, 2, 120-125, 2020-01-01, 10.35365/ctjpp.20.02.17
- Savaş, E., Grief during covid-19 process., Turkish journal of social work research, 4, 3, 82-89, 2020-01-01
- Savaş, E., Psychooncology and current research., Eurasian Journal of Researches in Social and Economics, 7, 2, 15-22, 2020-01-01
Ongoing Research
- Savas, E., O’Connor M, Boelen, A. P., Adaptation and Implementation of Group-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for transdiagnostic Complicated Grief Reactions: A Clinical Protocol in Türkiye
- Savas, E. & Ornek, B., Study of the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the core bereavement items of the Aarhus Prolonged Grief Scale.
- Savaş, E., Bal, F. & Çokluk G., Investigation of the Effect of Grief-Focused Psychosocial Support Program on Trauma, Grief and Depression in Earthquake Victims by EEG., 2024-01-01
Books And Book Chapters
Psychotherapy for Cancer Patients, Savaş, E., 2025-01-01, 978-3-031-88804-5, 978-3-031-88803-8, Psychooncology, Savaş, E., Psychotherapy for Cancer Patients, 7–19, 2025-01-01, 978-3-031-88804-5, 978-3-031-88803-8, Cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer, Savaş, E., Psychotherapy for Cancer Patients, 63–91, 2025-01-01, 978-3-031-88804-5, 978-3-031-88803-8, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Stress Management Program During Cancer Process, 2022-01-01, Nobel Publishers, Annem Keloğlan Oldu: A Therapeutic Storybook for Children Experiencing Parental Cancer, 2025-01-01, In preparation, Grief Recovery Handbook, Savaş, E., 2020-01-01, John W. James & Russell Friedman, Günçe Publishers, When Children Grieve: For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses, Savaş, E., 2020-01-01, John W. James & Russell Friedman, Günçe Publishers, Yanardağ, U., & Savaş, E., Bilişsel Davranışçı Sosyal Çalışma, Sosyal Hizmet Kuramları II, 149–168, 2025-01-01, Detay Yayıncılık, Ankara, Türkiye, Savaş, E., Normal grief, prolonged grief disorder, and effective approaches., Diagnosis and Treatment Methods of Psychiatric/Psychological Disorders, 723–749, 2022-01-01, Nobel Publishers, Savaş, E., & Uğurlu, Z., Active and successful aging., Gerontological Social Work, 2021-01-01, Uğurlu, Z., & Savaş, E., Communication with pediatric oncology patients and their families., Communication in Child Health and Diseases, 2021-01-01, Tanrıverdi, O., & Savaş, E., Psychological stress and resilience., In preparation
Grants And Funded Projects
- Hope & Resilience Earthquake Zone Fund, Columbia University, Project Leader, 2024-04-01 to Ongoing, Funded initiative aimed at implementing grief-oriented group therapy interventions for individuals who lost first-degree relatives in the 2023 Türkiye earthquake.
- Design Thinking and Individual Creativity with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Economic and Social Crisis, Erasmus+ Program – European Union, Key Person / Project Developer, 2022-01-01, Supporting women with physical disabilities and female caregivers through MBCT and creativity-focused interventions.
- Armenian–Turkish Joint Educational Initiative in Health Psychology and Palliative Psychology, European Union Bilateral Education Project, Researcher, 2020-01-01 to 2021-01-01, Cross-cultural professional training and curriculum development in psycho-oncology and palliative care education.
- Empathy Skills of Medical Students toward Cancer Patients: A Comparative Study, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (T
- BİTAK), Researcher, Development of a palliative care training module and empathy assessment in medical education.
Honors And Awards
Best Presentation Award, XIX International Conference on Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (ICPBS), Paris, France, 2025-08-01
Invited Speaker Symposiums
- II. Hatay Psychology Symposium: An In-Depth Look at the Power of Hope and the Effects of the Earthquake, 2023-12-08
- İlişkilerde Yas: Yas’lanabilir miyim?, V. Psikoloji Günleri, TPOCG İstanbul Yerel Yapılanması, 2025-06-01, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Psychiatric Evaluation and Psychotherapeutic Interview in Psycho-oncology, 7th International Cognitive Behavioral Therapies Congress, 2025-06-01, Türkiye
- Discussion of treatment journeys in metastatic breast cancer treatment from the perspective of oncologists and psychologists, Pfizer Expert Panel Meeting, 2023-05-22
International Conferences
CBT-Based Grief Therapy for Cancer Patients: Protocol Adaptation and Clinical Outcomes, XIX. International Conference on Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (ICPBS), 2025-08-01, Paris, France
Visiting Researcher Appointments
- Aarhus University, Denmark, 2024-04-01, Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences – Grief and Bereavement Lab, neurobiological underpinnings of Prolonged Grief Disorder and the therapeutic mechanisms of CBT-based interventions.
- University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, 2025-06-01 to 2025-09-01, Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan (HEALS Lab), EEG/ERP-based investigation of cognitive flexibility, attentional control, and emotion regulation in cancer survivors and individuals with prolonged grief.
Supervised Graduate Theses
- Primary advisor, Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology (Master’s Level), Özbayraklar, N., Attachment and Somatization: The Mediating Role of Perceived Partner Responsiveness, Yeditepe University, 2024-01-01, Can, S., Depression and Addiction in Online vs. Offline Gamers: Moderation by Perceived Social Support, Yeditepe University, 2024-01-01, Cebeciler, İ., Metacognitive Beliefs and Cancer Reaction Styles as Predictors of Anxiety in Breast Cancer Survivors, Istanbul Kent University, 2023-01-01, Karacık, M. S., Psychological Symptoms and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on Employment Status, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2021-01-01, Arasıl, A., Stress Coping Styles and Smoking Addiction in Adults, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2021-01-01
- Primary advisor, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Saday, H., Parental COVID-19 Anxiety and Its Impact on Children’s Play Behavior, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Kırımça, K. C., Relationship Between Exam-Day Mood and Academic Performance, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Andreaeva, M., Self-Confidence Among Turkmen Students Studying in Turkish Universities, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01
- Primary advisor, Mental Health, Stigma & Trauma, Tutkun, A., Childhood Trauma, Attachment, Aggression, and Mental Well-Being in University Students, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Leblebici, M., Internalized Stigma and Quality of Life in Individuals with Mental Illness, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Subaşı, Y., Peer Bullying and Cognitive Distortions in Adolescents with Substance Use History, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Kuru, E. K., Romantic Obsession and Relationship Satisfaction in Emerging Adults, Istanbul Gelişim University, 2022-01-01
University Courses Taught
Clinical Assessment and Semiology, Gelişim University, 2020-01-01, Clinical Psychology Supervision, Yeditepe & Okan University, 2016-01-01 to 2023-01-01, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Yeditepe University, 2024-01-01, Clinical Psychology Seminar I & II, Yeditepe University, 2023-01-01 to 2024-01-01, Supervision for Clinical Psychology, Gelişim University, 2021-01-01, Psychological Assessment (Master level), Gelişim University, 2021-01-01, Ethics in Psychology (TR & EN), Gelişim, Işık, İstanbul Health and Tech Univ., 2018-01-01 to 2025-01-01, Trauma and Crisis (EN), Gelişim University, 2021-01-01, Introduction to Psycho-oncology (TR & EN), Işık University, 2019-01-01 to 2020-01-01, Cognitive Therapy (EN), Işık University, 2021-01-01, Health Psychology, Gelişim, Işık, 2020-01-01 to 2021-01-01, Current Issues in Psychology, Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Abnormal Behavior, Gelişim University, 2022-01-01, Introduction to Psychology, Yeditepe University, 2023-01-01 to 2024-01-01
International Thematic Professional Training
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), 2024-01-01
- Introduction to the Biology of Cancer, Johns Hopkins University, 2020-01-01
- Mindfulness in Chronic Diseases, Psycho-oncology Association, 2019-01-01
- Grief Recovery Specialist, Grief Recovery Institute, 2017-01-01
- CBT for Social Anxiety, Christine A. Padesky, 2017-01-01
- Decision Making in CBT, Robert L. Leahy, 2017-01-01
- TEAM-CBT for Therapeutic Resistance, David Burns, 2017-01-01
- Obsessions in CBT, David Clark, 2017-01-01
- Collaborative Case Formulation, Christine A. Padesky, 2009-01-01
- CBT Education Camp, Christine A. Padesky, 2010-01-01
- CBT for Depression & Personality Disorders, Leslie Sokol, 2010-01-01
- CBT on PTSD & Anxiety, Dr. Emel Stroup, 2008-01-01 to 2016-01-01
Assessment Tools And Test Certifications
- WISC-R
- Rorschach
- Bender-Gestalt
- AGTE
- Peabody
- Frostig
- Draw-a-Person
- Catell 2A
- Benton
- Denver II
- Porteus Labyrinth
- Goodenough
- Metropolitan
- Gessell Developmental Observation
National International Conference Presentations
- CBT-Based Psychoeducation for Cancer Patients: A Randomized Pilot Study, Onco-MINDS, Muğla MIND, Türkiye, 2024-01-01
- Online Psychoeducation for Cancer Patient Relatives: Effects on Psychological Symptoms, 10th Int’l NY Academic Research Congress, New York, 2024-01-01
- Psycho-oncology and Vicarious Cases in CBT, 3rd Int’l CBT Congress, Türkiye, 2022-01-01
- Anticancer and Psychosocial Support Strategies, 5th Muğla Oncology Congress, Türkiye, 2022-01-01
Personal Information
- Title: Clinical Psychologist & Psycho-oncologist
- Date of Birth: September 25, 1983
- Nationality: Turkish
Timeline
Visitor Researcher
University of Strathclyde
06.2025 - 09.2025
Visitor Researcher
Aarhus University
04.2024 - Current
Project Leader
Columbia University
04.2024 - Current
Key Person / Project Developer
Erasmus+ Program
01.2022 - 12.2022
Researcher
European Union Bilateral Education Project
01.2020 - 12.2021
Researcher
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
01.2020 - 12.2021
PhD - Clinical Psychology
Walden University
MSc - Neuropsychology
Istinye University
MSc - Applied Psychology
Walden University
MSc - Psychosocial Oncology
Istanbul University
BA - Psychology
Koç University