"This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival."
Rumi
ABOUT ME
Hey there! This is Merve. I am a freelance consultant with 15 years of diverse experience in program management, technical advisory, and creative facilitation, all backed up by my background in Psychology (B.S.) and Clinical Psychology (M.A.) and numerous trainings and certificate programs I have attended globally.
As of 2023, I am on my journey to specialise in Expressive Arts Therapy for Mental Health, Education and Social Change at the Expressive Arts Institute Istanbul, a partner organisation of the Division of Arts, Health and Society of the European Graduate School (EGS) in Switzerland.
experıence and space curatıon
I am an experience and space curator. I love creating and holding spaces where individuals, organisations and communities can reclaim their creativity and connect deeply with themselves and one another. By expanding "playgrounds" through tailored and authentic encounters, I foster environments that promote increased wellbeing, stronger connections, social cohesion, meaningful interactions, and creative problem-solving.
From designing creative processes to facilitating across a spectrum of themes like project evaluation, team dynamics, strategic planning, and conflict transformation, my work is flexible and fluid. I am especially passionate about exploring identity, gender, transitions, resilience, collective well-being, and belonging.
And honestly? You name the topic and I will craft a workshop to dive into it!
cross-cultural & art- and communıty-based humanıtarıan WORK
My cross-cultural journey has taken me across various humanitarian and development landscapes over 15 countries—from the Middle East to East Africa, the Lake Chad Basin, South Asia, and Eastern Europe. Along the way, I have collaborated with the UN, international and local organisations, launching mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and gender-based violence (GBV) programs while facilitating training sessions, awareness campaigns, research and evaluations with diverse community members.
At the heart of my work lies the intersection of community- and art-based approaches to mental health and psychosocial well-being and gender-related discourses. I believe in the power of resilience and resource-based perspectives, supported by creative and arts- and nature-based activities, to foster wellbeing, connection and learning.
I am continuously curious and driven by questions like:
