About You

You’re managing a full plate—and still carrying more beneath the surface. From the outside, it may look like you’re doing just fine. But inside, you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected.

You’re not just here to talk. You want psychotherapy that leads somewhere. Something practical, meaningful, and rooted in real, observable change.

You’re ready to understand what truly matters to you, so you can stop running on autopilot and start making intentional choices.

You’re looking for a clinician with an academic foundation and a research-informed approach. Someone who uses evidence-based tools, not guesswork. You want a no-nonsense, open-minded therapy partner who offers thoughtful challenges that move you forward.

If that resonates, let’s talk. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

About Me

I’m Simay Gökbayrak, PhD.

I work with individuals who want real change that is practical. I ask the snaggling questions in a gentle way. People who are brand new to therapy have told me my style is helpful because I nudge without making you feel like you’re under a microscope.

For over 15 years, my work has been rooted in clinical practice, psychological assessment, and research. I’ve had the privilege of training across a range of respected academic institutions, where I developed competence in evidence-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

I use these approaches flexibly, with the goal of meeting you where you are and supporting what matters most to you.

Education & Training

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at New York University and a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with an additional focus in Health Psychology at University of Rhode Island (URI).

At URI, under the mentorship of James Prochaska, PhD, renowned for being a developer of the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (aka TTM or “Stages of Change” model) and advancing motivation and behavior change science, I contributed to research related to the understanding of what motivates people to make healthy changes in their life.

I did my pre-doctoral clinical internship in the areas of general mental health and illness (Psychiatric Institute and Behavioral Health Clinic), cancer psychology (Carbone Cancer Center), and inpatient medical-surgical consultation (University Hospital) at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.

This was followed by a clinical postdoctoral fellowship in evidence-based or research-backed therapies in treating a wide range of mental illness, sleep difficulties, and chronic pain at San Francisco VA Healthcare System (SFVA).

I ended my formal education with postdoctoral research in complex mental illness including psychosis spectrum disorders and chronic depression at SFVA/ University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Working in diverse clinical settings with various populations has deepened my understanding and treatment capabilities across a broad spectrum of mental health issues. This includes recognizing how these conditions can affect physical health and overall well-being, as well as understanding the reciprocal relationship between mental and physical health and illness, or mind and body.

My experience in hospital and medical clinic settings has also equipped me with the ability to make informed referrals to medical professionals in areas like addiction, psychiatry, and neurology. This ensures that my clients receive appropriate care, including a medication evaluation when appropriate, and that potential underlying or related medical issues are addressed.

Finally, as informed by my clinical training and as a multicultural expat from Europe based in Brooklyn, I bring an appreciation for diverse ways of thinking and living. This perspective helps me approach each client’s experience with curiosity and cultural sensitivity.

You can view a full list of my education and training background on my LinkedIn profile.

Specialties

Professional burnout + navigating demanding professions in law, tech and finance

Depression, low mood, low motivation

Stress, anxiety, and worry

Insomnia, sleep difficulties -> Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Coping with cancer & other medical illness

Adjusting to life transitions

Relationship challenges

Men’s issues

Loss & grief

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