M. Rita Krespi Ülgen

I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at Boğaziçi University. I received my PhD in Health Psychology at the University of Liverpool. I became an associate professor of applied psychology in 2011, and as of 2017, I have served as a professor of applied psychology at several foundation trust universities and I am still working at a university.  

I lived in England between 1993-2008.

In my role at the Department of Psychology, Wirral and West Cheshire Foundation Hospital, I provided psychological examination and counseling services for children and adults, older age  people and people with learning disabilities; neuropsychological examination and rehabilitation services, and group work for psychoeducational purposes in the context of chronic illness. In addition, I offered consultancy and supervision services to other psychologists on the neuropsychological aspects of acquired cognitive disability; seminars to nurses and other health professionals on the psychological processes of chronic physical illness; and consultancy services to other professional groups on psychological problems.

During my time in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool, I provided courses for nursing students; consultancy and training services for diabetes and nephrology nurses and dietitians; seminars and lectures on communication for medical students and nephrologists; and consultancy services for medical doctors and nurses on the management of psychological problems in the context of physical illness. 

At Wandsworth Prison, Health Psychology Service, and Day Centre, I provided psychological screening and counseling services for prisoners, psychological examination and counselling servives in relation to coping with physical health problems, and emotional distress. I was involved in the development of a Day Centre providing rehabilitative services for prisoners. I also provided consultancy services to general and psychiatric nurses on service development and supervision; consultancy services to psychiatric nurses and prison guards on mental health promotion and prevention of self-harm problems; consultancy services on the development and implementation skills of psychological education programs for prisoners; supervision of trainee psychologists, nurses, and volunteer workers.

Over the course of my professional development, I have held many administrative positions in many health and educational institutions both in the UK and in Türkiye, including as the head of the psychology department and dean. I have provided training, supervision, and consultancy to my colleagues and students in the mental health field. 

In my practice, I have been offering counseling services for couples, families, and adults in both Turkish and English with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral and Schema Therapy. In the scope of these practices, I focus on both the psychosocial processes of chronic physical illnesses and psychological distress.

I use the principles of Cognitive Behavioral and Schema Therapy.  

I have been a member of many national and international organizations during the course of my work.    

● British Psychological Society, Health Psychology Division, Full Member

● British Psychological Society, Division of Clinical Psychology

● Member of the British Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapy

● Turkish Psychological Association, Full Member

● Magistrates' Court Group Member, United Kingdom

● Health Psychology Division Representative to the British Psychological Society, Admissions Committee

● Turkish Psychological Association (TPD) Ethics Committee, Alternate Member

● Turkish Psychological Association (TPD) Health Psychology Unit

● Turkish Psychological Association (TPD)-Publication Unit Member