Your first session can take place either in person at my practice in Larisa or online. The initial session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other in a safe and supportive environment. We will talk about the reason or reasons that brought you to therapy, exploring in more detail what you are experiencing, when it started, how often it occurs, and how it affects different areas of your life. We will also discuss your goals and what you would like to gain from therapy. If appropriate, we may begin to outline the next steps and agree on a therapeutic plan tailored to your needs.

The session lasts 55 minutes.

It is completely natural to feel hesitant or find it difficult to talk about personal matters, especially at the beginning of therapy. A psychologist is trained to work with these feelings and can support you in gradually building comfort and trust within the therapeutic relationship.

Here are some ways to approach this:

• Give yourself time: Trust takes time to develop. You are not expected to feel comfortable right away. As you get to know your psychologist, the process will become easier and more natural.
• Talk about your discomfort: You can share that you find it difficult to open up. This helps the psychologist adapt their approach to your needs and support you more effectively.
• Explore what makes it difficult: You might feel worried about being judged, feeling exposed, or sharing personal details. Understanding these concerns is an important step, and they can be explored together at your own pace.

Choosing the right psychologist is an important step. There are several factors you may wish to consider:

1. Licensing and qualifications:
   Make sure the psychologist holds a valid professional license. If they also practice psychotherapy, it is important that they have completed a comprehensive training programme (typically 3–4 years) that includes both theoretical and clinical practice.
   Short-term seminars in a particular psychotherapeutic approach, lasting a few days or even several months, can certainly enrich participants’ knowledge; however, they are not sufficient on their own for someone to be considered a psychotherapist.
2. Experience: Consider whether the psychologist has experience working with the specific concerns you would like to address.
3. Professional Conduct: A good psychologist should demonstrate certain professional qualities and behaviours in their work with clients, such as:
   • Mutual Respect: A psychologist should treat every client with respect and dignity, regardless of the nature of their concerns or personal circumstances.
   • Active Listening and Understanding: The ability to listen attentively and understand a client’s needs, emotions, and thoughts is of paramount importance.
   • Open Communication: Open communication and the provision of a safe, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves are essential.
   • Collaborative Relationship: It is essential for a psychologist to build a collaborative relationship with each client, in which treatment goals and decisions are established together.
   • Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality of therapy sessions and all information shared by the client is essential, in accordance with applicable legal, professional, and ethical guidelines.

   Each psychologist may have a different therapeutic approach, but the foundation should always include trust, safety, and mutual respect.

4. Practice environment: A clean, comfortable, and welcoming space can help you feel more at ease during sessions.
5. Accessibility and fees: Consider practical factors such as location, availability, and whether session fees are manageable for you.
6. Reviews and recommendations: Reading reviews or seeking recommendations may give you a better sense of what to expect.

Sessions are recommended to take place once a week, on a day and time that we have agreed upon. They do not necessarily need to be at the same time and day if that is not convenient. However, if the above is not possible, we can arrange a session every two weeks. This is something we will agree on together.

In general, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered a short-term form of psychotherapy and often lasts a few months.
However, there is no single answer that applies to everyone. Each person progresses at their own pace, and the duration of therapy can vary depending on individual needs.
The length of therapy is influenced by several factors, including the nature of the difficulties you are experiencing, the severity of symptoms, and the level of distress they cause.
This is something we will review together throughout the process, adjusting as needed.

I believe that psychotherapy should not be a “luxury,” and therefore session fees are set to be accessible to everyone. Please contact me for more details.

Not necessarily. Seeing a psychologist is not only about addressing problems or difficulties.

People may choose to start therapy for a variety of reasons, including:

Personal development: To gain greater self-awareness, better understand themselves, and explore their relationships with others

Seeking support: To have a supportive space to reflect on life experiences, even when there is no specific issue

Career and life decisions: To explore goals, make decisions, and gain clarity around career or educational paths

Stress management: To better understand and manage stress, and develop effective coping strategies

Therapy can be helpful both during challenging times and as a way to support overall well-being and personal growth. You do not need to be experiencing a specific problem in order to benefit from it.