My Story
As a psychologist in private practice since 1979, I specialize in relationship issues between couples, interracial, and cross-cultural connections, families, and businesses, in addition to conducting workshops on topics such as stress management, and communication skills.
Born in Turkey, my undergraduate work focused on psychology. First as a Fulbright Scholar, and then as a CENTO Fellow, I pursued the master's and doctorate degrees at the University of California at Los Angeles. An academic appointment at the Middle East Technical University was followed by the return to the United States where I taught graduate and undergraduate courses at St. Mary's College of Maryland, Mt. Vernon College in Washington DC, Johns Hopkins University, and the Notre Dame University of Maryland in Baltimore. From 1981 to 1988, I was the Counseling Center Director at Notre Dame.
In graduate school at UCLA, I worked for the Voice of America program, writing and recording materials on the cross-cultural college experience. Since late 2014, I post a column, Ask Dr. J, on LGBTQ concerns for BaltimoreOutloud. I have been interviewed on news and TV programs, most recently on A&E Channel on bullying.
Between 2002-2012, I experienced the business world first-hand, forming and managing a construction-related company, StoneExotics LLC, where I imported natural stones, and competed for bids to manufacture and install work and kitchen countertops in residential and commercial venues.
I am a member of the American Psychological Association, and proudly serve as the Board President for Symphony Number One, and the Key Highway Community Association.
