My approach is integrative which adheres to the belief that my therapy approach should be congruent with who my client is as a person. I don’t believe that a therapist should attempt to fit or mould a client into a particular cognitive structure rather than engaging in the client’s world as he or she experiences it. I’m constantly aware of the fact that if I were in that other person’s shoes I would be walking the same way sort to speak. Thus, I remain non-judgmental and highly empathic. Relationship driven rather than theory-driven is my personal philosophy. Research and my professional experience has shown that the most therapeutic factor is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. In other words- it’s the relationship that heals. Therefore, approaches that I integrate are:
As part of my training as a clinical psychologist, I also work with disorders that may have a biological predisposition, such as bi-polar disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. In Relationship counselling, the relationship involved may be between members of a family or a couple. The focus in this form of therapy is to recognize and to better manage or reconcile troublesome differences and repeating patterns of distress. Although, I would not describe myself as an existential therapist per se, I am greatly influenced by the work of the existential psychotherapists Viktor Frankl and Irvin D Yalom, underpinning my philosophy with an existential frame of reference. Many of the issues brought into the therapy room can have, when picked apart, a fundamental struggle with existence at its core. Albeit, I am mindful of the fact that many clients do not need or want to “ go there”, that is, work on existential concerns. However, I recognize the ones that do and I can accompany them on their journey to find their truth and their meaning. Finally, on a more personal note, and I do recognize that many therapists do not disclose such matters, however, I will because I believe that a therapist’s life experience contributes to a better therapeutic outcome.
I am Greek- American, bi-lingual and bi-cultural – originally from New York City and living and practicing my profession for a number of years in Greece . This I believe contributes to me having first hand experience of individualistic and collective cultures. Moreover, I have experience working with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds as you will see on some of the testimonials on the testimonial section. I conduct therapy in English and Greek. I am divorced and for many years happily remarried with a 20 year-old son, and two step children, a boy and a girl, respectively 21 and 18 years-old. I am grateful and privileged to be able to do this kind of work for many reasons.
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