What Is a Toxic Relationship? Signs and Psychological Effects
Learn the signs of a toxic relationship, how harmful patterns differ from healthy conflict, and ways to rebuild safety and boundaries.
Psychologist Nilay Özkan
Over a decade of experience in online individual, couples and family therapy. With cognitive behavioural and solution-focused approaches, at a pace that suits you.

Services
Coping with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and anger.
Working together on communication, trust and relationship conflict.
Strengthening relationships and communication within the family.
Age-appropriate support for anxiety, school adjustment and behaviour.
Exam anxiety, self-esteem, peer relationships and emotion regulation.
Wherever you are — through secure video sessions.
How We Work
Message on WhatsApp or call; let’s find a time that works for you.
We get to know each other, I listen to your needs, and we map out a path together.
We move at your own pace, in weekly 50-minute sessions.

About
For over ten years, in hospital and clinical settings, I have supported thousands of patients. I believe in the healing power of non-judgmental listening and evidence-based methods.
From the blog
Learn the signs of a toxic relationship, how harmful patterns differ from healthy conflict, and ways to rebuild safety and boundaries.
Learn about adult ADHD symptoms, their effects on daily life, professional assessment and practical strategies for managing attention and organisation.
Learn how secure, anxious, avoidant and fearful-avoidant attachment patterns may appear in adult relationships and how they can change.
Mental health is a journey that shouldn’t be postponed.
— Psychologist Nilay Özkan
Patient Reviews
“My therapist means a great deal to me. I feel safe talking with her; being heard without judgment feels wonderful.”
“Nilay is highly skilled in her profession — solution and outcome oriented, and someone who builds warm, deep connections with her patients.”
“The person I was before our sessions and the person I am now are very different. Every day she helps me move further forward.”
“Someone who accompanied me through a hard time, made me feel understood, and helped me gain important insights about myself.”
“I was very anxious when I started therapy. Nilay helped me steer my perspective toward a healthier place.”
“My sessions with Nilay have been so helpful. She created a space where I could express myself freely, without being judged.”
“Thanks to her listening, her guidance and her insight-building approach, I began to understand both myself and my situations much better.”
“My life has changed a great deal since I began working with Nilay. It was the best thing I have done for myself.”
“I found her through my own therapist’s recommendation — a positive reference from a colleague. I’m very pleased.”
Asking for help is a sign of strength. Reach out for a first conversation.