About
Meet Gulsen Cok
Spiritual Care Provider · Islamic Psychology – Spiritual Care
Gulsen Cok
Spiritual Care Provider
English · Türkçe
Her story
Gulsen Cok is the spiritual care provider behind Happy Spiritual Care. She studied Theology in Turkey and had over 12 years of experience in spiritual care before relocating to Canada. Since then she has continued her education and training at the Vancouver School of Theology. She also holds a Master's in Spiritual Care earned in Canada.
Alongside her studies she has volunteered with non-profit organizations, including the multifaith centre at the University of Victoria.
Gulsen has completed basic and advanced units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), also described as Clinical Psycho-Spiritual Education. This training deepened how she brings emotional and spiritual support together alongside medical care. It sharpened her empathetic listening, strengthened her own emotional resilience, widened her understanding of people's diverse needs, and grew her ability to hold meaningful conversations.
Through Happy Spiritual Care she offers one-on-one online spiritual counselling to people around the world, as well as lectures and courses, in English and Turkish.
Approach
Gulsen holds a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of every person. In Rumi's words:
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
Her motto comes from Rumi's poem “The Guest House”:
“This being human is a guest house.”
The poem invites us to welcome each feeling honorably, as a guest. In the same spirit, Gulsen meets each moment and each person with openness and compassion, gently guiding them towards self-discovery and healing.
- Compassionate, non-judgemental listening
- Rooted in Islamic tradition, informed by psychology
- Respect for each person's pace, background and questions
- Encouraging professional medical or mental health care whenever it is needed, without shame
Writing & publications
- “Integrating Muslim Spirituality and Cultural Care in Clinical Settings”, Journal of Islamic Faith and Practice, Feb 22, 2026
- “Spiritual Care Journey”, WISE (Wisdom Islamic Studies and Education) Institute, Mar 3, 2025
- “The Journey of Grief: Navigating Its Stages and Consequences”, WISE Institution, May 23, 2024
- Also listed in her publications: Muhammad A. Ali, Omer Bajwa, Sondos Kholaki, and Jaye Starr, eds., Mantle of Mercy: Islamic Chaplaincy in North America, Templeton Press, 2022
Details of any professional certification or registration will be added here once confirmed.