OZGUR POLAT
Adana,Turkiye
Summary
BPS member psychologist with over 5 years of experience across diverse domains. Well-versed in promoting academic, social, and emotional development among learners, athletes, and individuals with complex needs. Experienced in process-focused work and coordination across diverse teams with a strong foundation in mental health, learning support, and evidence-based practice.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Clinical Sport Psychologist
Own Practice
Adana, Turkey
01.2025 - Current
- Delivering face-to-face and online psychological counselling and evidence-based therapies to adults, young adults and athletes, in English and Turkish
- Offering tailored, institutional and individual sports psychology services on topics such as motivation, stress management, focus and career planning
- Monitoring and reviewing therapeutic practices while maintaining clinical compliance
Specialist Mental Health Mentor
Self-employed
Hybrid, Nation Wide
09.2023 - Current
- Implemented personalised strategies for higher education students with neurodiversity, disability and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and ASD.
- Managed an independent caseload from diverse backgrounds, taking a culturally sensitive approach to cater to their specific needs while upholding the BPS ethical standards of respect, competence, responsibility and integrity.
- Contributed to the operational delivery and ongoing improvement of student support services through regular communication, structured feedback, and reflective practice.
Job Coach (Part-Time)
EKC Group
Canterbury, Kent
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Provided targeted support for 16+ SEN students, facilitating their transition from education to the workforce by securing work placements and ensuring meaningful societal integration
- Collaborated with educators, parents, and leadership to secure additional resources, ensuring holistic support and transparency regarding students' needs and progress
- Enhanced guidance processes through active participation in planning, delivery, and continuous review of support structures.
- Maintained meticulous documentation and processed paperwork with strict adherence to confidentiality and GDPR.
Learning Support Practitioner
GSL Education
Canterbury, Kent
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Supported students from various age groups with developmental challenges (ASD, ADHD, GAD, etc.), resulting in a significant improvement in engagement, learning outcomes and well-being
- Regularly conducted 1-to-1 and group interventions to foster self-confidence, social skills, and independence, in strict compliance with safeguarding policies
- Contributed to team meetings with structured feedback, supporting continuous improvement of learning plans while aligning with broader educational goals and guidance practices.
Psychologist (Part-Time)
Adana Demirspor Sports Club
Adana, Turkey
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Collaborated with sports professionals for program outreach, delivering mental training workshops and brief interventions, significantly improving athletes' engagement and motivation
- Provided 1-to-1 mentorship and ongoing psychological support to athletes, promoting a growth mindset through values-based guidance.
I/O Psychologist
KalitePark Management Institute
Adana-Istanbul, Turkey
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams to develop tailored management and support plans for client organisations.
- Conducted structured interviews across multiple levels to assess organisational climate and workplace dynamics.
- Produced psychosocial risk analysis reports and delivered actionable feedback to executives, supporting informed decision-making and process optimisation.
Assistant Psychologist
Yaprak Psychiatry and Psychological Counseling
Adana, Turkey
03.2019 - 08.2020
- Assessed clients' needs through clinical interviews and collaborated with clinicians to formulate and implement tailored treatment plans.
- Provided clinical support (PCT – Family Counselling) to clinically diagnosed adults under supervision, achieving marked progress in client mental health
- Ensured meticulous documentation for clinical compliance and confidentiality
Clinical Psychology Intern
Humanite Psychiatry
Istanbul, Turkey
08.2018 - 10.2018
- Participated in in-service training to gain familiarity with diverse psychological and medical conditions.
- Contributed to regular case discussions and knowledge-sharing meetings with clinical staff.
- Conducted supervised intakes and assessments, adhering to professional and ethical standards.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Sport Psychology
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury, Kent 09.2021 - 11.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (English)
Bahcesehir University
Istanbul, Turkey 09.2014 - 09.2018
Skills
- Empathetic & Active Listening
- Ethical & Reflective Practice
- Autonomy & Accountability
- Time Management & Prioritisation
- Coordination & Process Improvement
- Feedback Delivery & Communication
- Microsoft Office / SPSS
- Turkish (Native) English (IELTS 75)
Certification
Family Counsellor Certificate – 464 hours (Ministry of Education, Turkey)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Training (KIM Psychology, Istanbul)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certification (BDPD Institute, Istanbul)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Immersion (Dr. Steven Hayes, USA)
Applied Sports Psychology (Gebze Technical University, Istanbul)
MMPI & Adult Psychometric Assessment Tools (Bilgelik Institute, Istanbul)
Affiliations
- British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Turkish Psychological Association
- National Autistic Society (UK)
- Psychotherapy Institute, Turkey
- Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy Society, Turkey
- Turkish Association of Sport Psychology Consultants
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Sport Psychologist
Own Practice
01.2025 - Current
Job Coach (Part-Time)
EKC Group
10.2023 - 11.2024
Specialist Mental Health Mentor
Self-employed
09.2023 - Current
Learning Support Practitioner
GSL Education
02.2023 - 08.2023
Master of Science - Clinical Sport Psychology
Canterbury Christ Church University
09.2021 - 11.2022
Psychologist (Part-Time)
Adana Demirspor Sports Club
03.2021 - 08.2021
I/O Psychologist
KalitePark Management Institute
08.2020 - 08.2021
Assistant Psychologist
Yaprak Psychiatry and Psychological Counseling
03.2019 - 08.2020
Clinical Psychology Intern
Humanite Psychiatry
08.2018 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (English)
Bahcesehir University
09.2014 - 09.2018