Defne Akalın

Defne is a clinical psychologist based in the Netherlands, known for her interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior. Born in 1997, in Istanbul, Turkey, Defne's multicultural experience ignited her passion for exploring how individuals interact with their environments, leading her to pursue psychology at Koç University. With a specialized focus in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, she conducted research on intuitive eating and sociocultural attitudes toward eating behaviors, examining the intersections of psychological and cultural factors in shaping human health.

In addition to her psychology studies, Defne completed a double major in Media and Visual Arts, with a focus on children’s literature. Here, she explored themes of grief, intergenerational relationships, and emotional attachment to objects, while also authoring her own children’s books—merging her love for literature and psychology.

Defne earned her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University Rotterdam, where her thesis investigated the role of individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty in fear conditioning, providing insights into anxiety disorders and avoidance behaviors.

Her clinical practice is enriched by her diverse academic and cultural background, as well as her enthusiasm for the arts. An avid cinema enthusiast and reader of autobiographies, she draws on a broad understanding of culture and behavior to support her clients.