Today we’d like to introduce you to Tuba Fidan.
Hi Tuba, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Tuba Fidan. I moved to the United States in 2007 after getting married and relocating for my husband’s job. Before coming here, I was working as a school counselor in Turkey—a role I deeply loved and felt passionate about.
Starting a new life in a new country was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It was my first time ever getting on an airplane. I didn’t speak English, and I knew very little about the culture. In many ways, I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. Like many immigrants, I faced uncertainty, loneliness, and countless obstacles—but I never gave up.
During my first year, I attended ESL classes, determined to learn the language and find my place. Soon after, I had the opportunity to work in a school as a teacher. That experience was incredibly meaningful to me. I loved my students deeply—I didn’t just teach them language; I shared my culture, built strong connections, and created a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Still, I always carried a dream in my heart: to return to my true calling as a counselor.
I pursued that dream by enrolling in a Master’s program in School Counseling at UT Tyler. I graduated while pregnant with my second child—a moment that symbolized both personal and professional growth. Throughout this journey, my husband was my greatest supporter. His belief in me gave me strength, and, honestly, he has been the hero of my career.
I then worked as a college counselor in charter schools for six years. During that time, I continually sought opportunities to grow, attending training sessions and expanding my counseling skills. Eventually, I felt called to deepen my work and transition into mental health counseling.
I was accepted into several programs, and after moving to Dallas, I chose to pursue an online mental health counseling certification at Lamar University—a program designed specifically for certified school counselors. I completed this program during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also welcoming my third child into the world. In many ways, that degree feels like a gift from my baby—a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and new beginnings.
I became an LPC Associate and gained experience working in both public and private schools, as well as private practice under supervision. After completing my 3,000 clinical hours, I officially became a Licensed Professional Counselor in January 2025.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Living in a new country is never easy, and like many immigrants, I faced my share of challenges and obstacles. The biggest barrier for me was language. People spoke so quickly, and I often struggled to understand and respond. Over time, this began to affect my self-confidence. I started to feel “not enough” in such a big and unfamiliar country.
There were moments when I seriously considered returning to my home country. But I also had a family and responsibilities here that kept me grounded. My accent, my appearance, and even my personality felt different from those around me. In the beginning, the culture felt very individualistic to me. It seemed like people kept to themselves, everyone busy with their own lives. There were clear and sometimes rigid boundaries—something I didn’t fully understand at first.
IIn my culture, relationships are built on closeness—on openness, shared spaces, and fluid boundaries. We show up for each other without needing to ask. So stepping into a culture where independence and personal space are more emphasized felt unfamiliar, even isolating at times. Learning to navigate that difference was not easy. There were moments of confusion, even quiet grief. But over time, it became one of the most meaningful lessons in my life—understanding that boundaries are not rejection, but a different way of respecting both connection and individuality.
I also remember a period when everything around me felt the same. Every street, every building, every city blended into one another. I found myself constantly comparing this new life to the one I left behind, searching for something recognizable to hold onto. It took time—time to slow down, to truly see. And when I did, I began to notice the uniqueness, the subtle beauty, the stories hidden in each place.
Like many, I faced challenges—but one stands out deeply in my heart. During my pregnancy with my third child, I was told there was a risk of losing him. I was placed on strict bed rest while caring for my two young children. At the same time, I was in the middle of completing my Mental Health Counseling program. I remember feeling stretched beyond my limits—physically exhausted, emotionally fragile, and mentally overwhelmed.
There were days I didn’t know how I would keep going. I had to ask for help, to advocate for myself, to speak with my professors and accept that I would graduate later than planned. That wasn’t easy for me. But in that season of uncertainty, I also discovered resilience I didn’t know I had. And when I finally graduated, it wasn’t just a diploma—it was a symbol of everything I had endured, carried, and overcome.
Over time, my perspective began to shift. Through education and lived experience, I started to see that adapting didn’t mean losing myself. It meant expanding. Becoming more. I made a conscious choice to be part of this culture—not by leaving my own behind, but by weaving my identity into it. My values, my story, my voice—they all had a place here.
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. It has been filled with moments of doubt, loneliness, fear, and growth. But every challenge shaped me into who I am today—stronger, more grounded, and deeply connected to both where I come from and where I am now.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice is a private mental health counseling space where I work with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds, with a special passion for supporting the Turkish community and immigrants adjusting to life in a new country. As an immigrant myself, I understand the emotional complexity of building a new life—navigating career changes, cultural differences, and the often unspoken weight of anxiety and depression.
I also work closely with mothers experiencing stress, overwhelm, and burnout. As a mother of three, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding into the therapy room, creating a space where clients feel truly seen and supported.
My clinical focus is trauma-informed care, and I am trained in EMDR therapy. I believe many emotional struggles are rooted in past experiences, and I have witnessed how powerful it can be when clients are given the space and tools to process and heal. I also work with children and adolescents using sand tray therapy and have a strong background in school counseling.
In addition, I provide college and career counseling, supporting students through the college application process. I help teens identify their goals, build strong applications, and navigate admissions with confidence—guiding them toward acceptance into schools that truly fit their aspirations, while also helping them secure meaningful scholarship opportunities.
What makes my approach unique is my commitment to connection and collaboration. I take a holistic view of each client’s life and, when appropriate, coordinate with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive support.
Beyond my practice, I am passionate about building community among therapists. In 2025, we founded the Turkish Therapists Platform, a network that allows clinicians to connect, consult, and refer clients. We also focus on educating our community through initiatives like a 13-week webinar series led by 13 therapists on various mental health topics.
Through our website, www.turkishtherapist.com
, individuals across the United States can access therapy in both Turkish and English, explore therapist profiles, and read educational blog content.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: compassion heals. When clients feel genuinely understood and supported, meaningful change becomes possible.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, my husband, Ilker Fidan, has been the greatest support in my journey. He has always believed in me, stood by my side, and encouraged me through every step. He took care of our children when I needed to focus on my education and career, truly being a super dad. His leadership skills and professional insight as a school principal have guided me many times, and I have greatly benefited from his advice and experience.
I am also deeply grateful to my supervisor, Heena Khan. I met her through a Facebook group for professional counselors at a time when I needed guidance and direction. She believed in me, supported me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. She was honest about my areas for growth, and I learned so much through her supervision. Her mentorship has played a significant role in shaping the counselor I am today.
My children Yusuf (14), Cemre (10) and Emre (6) and my immediate family have been my greatest source of love, strength, and motivation. They bring joy and meaning to my life and remind me every day why I do what I do.
I am equally thankful for my family in Turkey, especially my sisters Hilal and Hicran. Even from afar, they have always supported me during my most challenging times. They would come and help take care of my children when I needed it most. Their love and presence have meant so much to me.
Each of these people has been an essential part of my journey. Their support, love, and belief in me are deeply woven into my success today.
Pricing:
- Session Fee $125
- incurances appcepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compassionhealscounseling.com
- Instagram: therapist_tuba
- Facebook: tuba fidan
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuba-fidan-808562227/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TerapiKahvesi
- Other: https://www.turkishtherapist.com
Image Credits
Bellarayphoto.com Refia Bella
Ilker Fidan -My husband
