Nur Ibaoglu Zahnd

A bit of my past…which brings me to “today” and “now” !

Psychology and human well-being have always been passions of mine, leading me to unexplored landscapes of the spirit. So I began by getting my undergraduate degree in psychology in order to better understand this landscape, like a gardener learns about the roots of the plants they are cultivating. This led to pursuing my MBA in business management and organizational development in order to deepen my understanding of the delicate balance between the human spirit and the professional environment.

At the time, I told myself, “I would love to help people in their workplaces, because that is where they spend the majority of their time.” So I pursued a career in human resources, working for a number of years in Turkey, in the United States, and in Switzerland.

But one day, my body said, “Stop!” I had reached burnout – that state of fatigue which is at once mental, physical, and emotional, and it was as though the fire alarm had been pulled. A wordless cry from the depths of me that demanded that I listen, that I seek healing.

In order to return to health, in addition to working with my allopathic (traditional) doctor, I sought help from complementary medicine, to soothe the spirit and heal the body with healthful practices. Little by little, I learned to listen to my body and to interpret the signals my body was sending me.

This is when I felt driven to learn the basics of another way of healing, to cultivate a new form of resilience. So I began my studies anew and returned to school to pursue additional training in the early 2000s.

My career in 7 steps

Sophrologist: I spent 4 years at ISYL in Lausanne (Switzerland) studying psychocorporeal relaxation et pediatric relaxation and becoming a sophrologist specializing in psychosomatic sophrology, a relaxation therapist and a certified counselor for adults, children and adolescents.

Certification in family psychology (1-year certification): I learned how to help develop and create stronger, more serene family bonds.

Certified professional coach: After two years of study at the l’Institut de Coaching in Genève (accredited and recognized the world over) I became a coach and a certified coach trainer.

Certification in anatomy-pathology-physiology (1-year certification): This training allowed me to acquire greater knowledge and understanding of the human body, how it functions, and its magical systems.

Certified Master Trainer by the Master Trainer Institute: I have perfected my training skills

Positive psychology therapist: (1-year certification): I studied the conditions and processes that can contribute to the flourishing of individuals, groups and organizations.

ASCA-certified therapist, which means that under Swiss health insurance my treatments are covered up to 80%.

I opened my practice in 2004 to help others through sophrology, family counseling, coaching and as a trainer, welcoming clients of diverse cultures and nationalities.

And I sought to provide help even beyond borders: the Rotary Clubs of Georgia appointed me the Turkish ambassador for goodwill and peace to the United States. In 2018, the University of Bogazici, where I had obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology, honored me by naming me as one of the top 30 most inspiring women leaders in Turkey. And in 2019, I presented my thoughts on stress management and creating a serene future as a speaker at TEDx Youth at the College-Lycée Saint Joseph Izmir.

My life’s mission

I chose to pursue my life’s mission – to aid and support the well-being of those affected by stress, regardless of culture or nationality – more than 20 years ago. Whether in English, in French or in Turkish, my desire is to offer a precious solution, much like a gardener nourishes the soil so that the seeds can flourish and become beautiful blossoms.

My role is to help each person remember that the resources needed to find well-being already exist within, as grains planted deep within their soul, ready to grow and multiply. My objective is to revive within you that desire to cultivate your inner garden and to implant those actions and habits needed to make serenity a habit.

It is time for us to re-center ourselves, understand ourselves, and to (re) discover our strengths in order to find or create a more serene life. By using the tools of sophrology and coaching, I aim to help you find ways to better manage your emotions and achieve your goals.

This is why I begin by understanding your challenges, your personality, and your needs. Then I work with you to find the tools and techniques best adapted to your situation in order to help you re-center and reconnect with yourself. And help you to learn to tend your inner garden, helping it become more fertile so that the buds of inspiration can grow.

My values in sophrology and in coaching

With joyous enthusiasm and a profound respect for the human spirit, I remain at your side to help you advance more serenely in your life. To see your smile flourish, the reflection of inner peace found once again.

As with anyone else, stress remains a part of my life and I too regularly apply the techniques I propose to teach you in order to cultivate my own inner garden. Sharing with you not only my experiences but also my love for humanity allows me to grow my own professional expertise, as the branch of a tree becomes laden with ripe fruit.

People living with cancer, women at every stage of their lives, people going through burnout, adolescents dealing with the stress of exams, children dealing with stress and anxiety, babies experiencing sleep issues, workplace stress…I promise to share with you the best of myself during our work together, whether it be in individual or in group sessions:

I will guide you in finding those resources residing within you so that your well-being will grow and flourish.

Remember: you are not alone. Together we are a united front and we will overcome challenges in order to lead you to a more serene future – a field brimming with flowers.

Note: My services in no way replace traditional medical support, and they should not be used in place of seeking medical help where necessary.