Pinar completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Psychology at University of Alberta in 2013 and her Master of Counselling at City University of Seattle in Canada in 2019. She has also completed trainings in The Grief Recovery Method®, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Introductory Theraplay® & MIM, Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals, Solution-Focused Therapy, Introductions to the Hakomi Method, Working with Refugee and Immigrant Families, the SCERTS® Model, and Autism Navigator for Early Intervention Providers.

During her Master of Counselling, Pinar was a Mental Health Therapist Intern at The Family Centre. She provided counselling services to children, adolescents, adults, and couples of various socio-demographic backgrounds. She addressed issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

Pinar has worked with families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities for almost a decade. She previously worked at Children's Autism Services of Edmonton in various roles including Child Support Worker, Respite Worker, Educational Assistant; and most recently Primary Consultant, providing coaching and interventions based on the SCERTS® Model to families in their homes and communities. She currently provides counselling services to children with ASD and their families.

In addition to providing counselling, Pinar also provides clinical consultation to behaviour consultants who support adults with neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Pinar is a member in good standing with The College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, and The Grief Recovery Institute.

Many of us have experienced grief and loss at some point in our lives. Loss includes events beyond the death of loved ones such as loss of trust, safety, hopes, dreams, independence, culture, and various life transitions, to name a few. A significant loss that has influenced me was the suicide of a dear friend. I later realized that, at the time, I was ill equipped to deal with this loss, as I felt I should grieve alone, keep myself busy to avoid the pain, and be strong for others. Having completed the Grief Recovery Method®, I realized that these were myths about grief that I had learned which led me to use unhelpful coping strategies. I am now passionate about helping others work through their grief in ways that will allow them to move beyond the pain and feel emotionally complete.

As a Registered Psychologist and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, I strive to create a collaborative relationship with my clients. I am passionate about supporting adults, adolescents, and children in the areas of grief and loss, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, attachment-related challenges, emotional dysregulation, and autism spectrum disorder. While taking a client-centered approach, I incorporate mindfulness-based, cognitive, solution-focused, and play-based interventions into my practice.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, going on walks, exploring nature, watching movies, and listening to music.