Biography
Sports Psychologist | Academic Lecturer | Creative Arts and Holistic Healer Therapist
Welcome to my space dedicated to healing, personal growth, and holistic well-being. I am Gülay Yasemin Aldemir Thomas, and I bring a unique blend of academic excellence, creative arts, and therapeutic expertise to my work. With over two decades of experience in sports psychology and holistic healing, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from ages 7 to 70, fostering resilience, health, and happiness through personalized practices.
My Educational Journey
My commitment to understanding the mind-body connection began with my academic studies in Turkey:
-
Bachelor’s Degree: Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Marmara University, Turkey (1998-2003)
-
Master’s Degree: Sports Psychology, Marmara University, Turkey (2008-2010)
-
Doctorate: Sports Psychology, Marmara University, Turkey (2010-2013)
-
Postdoctoral Research: Visiting Scholar, University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI, USA (2017-2019)
These experiences reflect my dedication to advancing knowledge in sports sciences and psychology, leading to innovative therapeutic approaches and meaningful research.
My Professional Experience
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to combine academic insights with hands-on expertise:
-
Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey (2007-2023)
-
Lecturer in Sports Psychology
-
Dance, Drama, and Yoga Instructor
-
Creative Arts Therapist
-
Conducted workshops and research in movement education, sports psychology, and educational psychology for children aged 5-11.
-
-
Founder & Director, Hawaii Holistic Healer (2020-Present)
-
Created a holistic healing academy merging sports, health, arts, and psychology.
-
Provide psychological performance consulting and creative arts therapy both online and in private sessions.
-
-
Edmonds College, WA, USA (2023-2024)
-
Academic English student, further enhancing my ability to connect with diverse audiences.
-
My Specialized Skills
My expertise spans multiple disciplines, creating a dynamic and impactful practice:
-
Working with Children: I specialize in game-based physical activity education for children aged 5-11.
-
Physical Activity and Game-Based Learning: I use engaging, interactive methods to enhance learning and development.
-
Educational Psychology: I focus on supporting mental health and growth through evidence-based practices.
My Holistic Philosophy
I believe in integrating sports, health, arts, and psychology to create a truly holistic healing experience. My approach is rooted in the belief that every individual possesses the innate ability to heal and grow. I am passionate about guiding clients through their healing journeys, helping them achieve balance, spiritual well-being, and personal development.
Therapeutic Services
I offer a range of services designed to nurture both body and soul:
-
One-on-one therapy sessions
-
Group workshops
-
Holistic healing programs
-
Online and in-person consultations
Let me guide you on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. Explore my unique blend of academic rigor and creative expression—a perfect harmony of mind, body, and spirit.