Over the years, Sonia has been an irreplaceable pillar of emotional support in my life. Her unwavering presence and ability to offer therapeutic guidance have played an instrumental role in my healing and personal growth.

From the very beginning, Sonia had an intuitive understanding of what I needed—whether it was a safe space to express my feelings or the quiet reassurance that everything would be okay. Her emotional intelligence is unmatched. She’s never quick to offer solutions but instead holds space for me to process and find clarity in my own time. There’s something so healing about being heard without judgment, and Sonia’s ability to listen deeply has been a gift I’ll always treasure.

What stands out the most is how Sonia has helped me navigate through difficult emotions—grief, anxiety, self-doubt—with such compassion and wisdom. Her guidance has never been about offering quick fixes, but rather about empowering me to understand myself better, to explore my emotions, and to heal from within. She has helped me reframe negative thoughts, work through past hurts, and develop healthier coping mechanisms that I carry with me to this day.

Sonia’s therapeutic support has not only given me the tools to manage my emotions but has also provided me with a sense of inner peace that I never thought was possible. She’s consistently shown up with patience, empathy, and genuine care, and her presence alone has often been enough to calm my mind and restore my balance.

Through every challenge, Sonia has encouraged me to embrace my emotional journey—no matter how complicated or messy it might feel—and to trust in my own ability to heal. She’s given me the courage to be vulnerable, to explore my emotions with curiosity rather than fear, and to take steps toward a more peaceful and fulfilled life.

I’m endlessly grateful for Sonia's support, which has not only transformed my emotional health but has deepened my understanding of myself. Her influence has left a lasting impact, and I am better for it in ways I never imagined possible. My most favourite message I take away from her is, “nothing is forever”, something I constantly tell myself to help me manage difficult situations.

Thank you Sonia.

Working with Sonia was a truly transformative experience. Her approach to mentoring goes far beyond guidance. She creates an environment where growth feels both safe and inevitable.

She has a rare ability to see potential even when you can’t and to help you uncover the confidence and clarity to realise it. What set her apart for me was her deep empathy combined with a grounded, insightful way of challenging assumptions.

She didn’t offer quick fixes or prescriptive advice; instead, she helped me explore my own thinking, values and direction until I could see the path forward for myself."

Sonia’s extensive expertise in psychotherapy and counselling is matched only by the rare human values she embodies — compassion, integrity, and unwavering trustworthiness. As the most knowledgeable, respected, and beloved Head of Undergraduate School in Higher Education I’ve ever known, Sonia exemplifies holistic and proactive leadership. Her ability to navigate complex challenges with grace and insight has left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with her.

What truly sets Sonia apart is her boundless empathy, patience, and understanding. These qualities, combined with her professional excellence, make her not just a remarkable leader, but an invaluable presence in any academic or therapeutic setting. Her legacy is one of deep care, transformative guidance, and genuine human connection.

I had very good therapy sessions with Sonia.

She put an emphasis on realism, reflections on day-to-day encounters (symbolising attachment styles and repetitive patterns) and thought-provoking questions.

She is a dedicated, reflective and focused listener with a good heart. Clearly, Sonia has the ability to make oneself feel at home during explorations of difficult memories.

I have had the privilege to work with and for Sonia for over 7 years. Sonia is an outstanding leader of a highly skilled workforce and is a highly efficient day to day manager. Her natural management style gets the most out of her teams and anybody who comes into her orbit. She has an extraordinary way of making everybody feel valued. Sonia works extremely hard for her teams, which in turn ensures they are able achieve the required outcomes. You underestimate Sonia’s gentle nature at your peril as she also has a sting for those who would take advantage of her good nature.

They say the mark of a good manager is the ability to build a dedicated team of junior managers who in turn are able to lead in their image. Sonia’s transformational’ authentic style is an image we all should aspire too.

It’s been an highly rewarding experience with and being lead by Sonia, one that I would have no hesitation in repeating.

Strong work ethic, efficient people management skills, empathy, approachable, accessible, are some of the terms that can describe Sonia Ozkaya's professionalism. I have had the pleasure of working with Sonia for a good number of years directly and indirectly.

She is one of those leaders who have the skill, and the ability to listen to their teams. On the other hand, she also knows how to balance assertiveness and empathy. Which quality makes every member of the team feel heard and valued.

While the smooth running of the Undergraduate School serves as an example of Sonia's academic management, operations, and curriculum development expertise, her legacy will always be the Health and Wellbeing department at the university. Her people-centric approach and commitment to making the university inclusive have significantly enhanced the quality of education and the overall student experience at the university.

Sonia's transformational leadership style is inspiring, I have learned a great deal from her - an experience I would not hesitate to repeat.

I met Sonia at an extremely low point in my life (as low as it can get.) Working with her was lifechanging for me. She gave me the tools to manage my depression for the first time in my 50s, the bouts of which I struggled with since my teens. I still use those tool when the times are difficult. Sonia taught me to be kind to myself. I think, that caused me to be more mindful of how I treat others too. I now feel grounded and able to take charge of my thoughts and feelings in a way which seemed impossible to me before I worked with Sonia. My relationships at home as well as at work have improved as a result and I am so much happier. My recovery was down to Sonia’s honesty and gentleness, as well as perseverance in challenging my negative entrenched beliefs about myself. Her patience enabled me to open about events and thoughts I never thought I could share with another person. I now realise that this was the key to my recovery. I will be forever grateful to Sonia for helping me out of depression and teaching me how to enjoy what life has to offer.