Dr. Leyla Gulcur is a cross-cultural psychologist with a current focus on sexuality, sexual health and relationships.
With degrees in psychology from Duke (B.Sc.) and New York University (Ph.D.) and a background in quantitative research on co-occurring mental disorders and women’s sexual and reproductive health, Dr. Gulcur’s mental health research and clinical practice reflects the larger philosophical question of how individuals can reach their full potential and how social norms, cultures and communities can act to impede or facilitate this potential.
In her work with couples, she uses an integrative psychotherapeutic approach involving the Gottman Method, Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and techniques based on cognitive psychology, positive psychology, attachment theory, mindfulness, and breathing and movement practices based on Chinese martial arts and Qigong.
Dr. Gulcur worked as a trainer and consultant for organizations working to strengthen sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Using her knowledge of best practices in the area of leadership and organizational change management, she developed educational materials and conducted trainings for a variety of organizations working on sexuality, health and human rights in Asia and the Middle East. Topics of interest include social constructions of sexuality, love and attachment in intimate relationships; attitudes and practices related to virginity and pre-marital sex; forced marriages and honor crimes; gender role conflicts in work and family life; international sex workers’ rights and the impact of human rights violations and gender violence on women’s mental health. She is the co-founder of the Turkish NGO Women for Women's Human Rights.
Dr. Gulcur has also headed research departments at organizations in New York City and conducted evaluation research on programs serving individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders as well as histories of homelessness. Her focus was on providing the technical assistance necessary to help non-profits develop, refine and test best practice models through incorporating an “outcomes framework” into their research and program evaluation agendas.
A long-time practitioner of tai chi, bagua and qigong, Leyla is also a certified Medical Qigong Therapist (a healing modality) and Instructor of Earth Qigong for Women, which is a movement practice aimed at enhancing women’s sexual and reproductive health and well-being.