My approach

Art psychotherapy is based on psychodynamic theory. Psychodynamic art therapy seeks the roots and causes of current difficulties in childhood and in the unconscious (the set of mental processes of which we are not aware of). Art psychotherapy is a form of therapy that uses visual art materials as an additional means of expression. Just as you don't have to be a writer to express yourself with words in a session, you don't have to be an artist to express yourself through materials. Everyone can benefit from the beneficial properties of creative expression, regardless of age and experience.

Education

Bachelor of Psychology (BSc) - University of York, 2014.
Art Psychotherapy MSc - Queen Margaret University, 2018.
Child Protection Seminars (Safeguarding, Child protection modules and training)- Barnardo's, Place2Be, 2015-2020.
One-year program in Child and Adolescent Mental Health- National Health Service, 2020.
Diploma in Infant Mental Health - National Health Service/Human Development Scotland, 2021.
Mentalization Based Treatment, Basic training - Anna Freud Centre London, 2022.
Trauma Treatment- Art Therapy Protocol- Paola Luzzatto, European Federation of Art Therapists, 2023.

I use various techniques from my clinical experience and studies (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, person-centred, Mentalisation therapy) with. This is called Integrative approach and it tailors therapy to the individual.

How will art psychotherapy help me?

According to research on the effectiveness of various types of treatment, therapeutic change depends on the therapeutic relationship. This means that a therapist should make you feel comfortable, supported, and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. This is done in a non-judgmental and safe space where the client can see different aspects of their problems and practice flexibility of thinking. The goal of treatment is defined by the patient with the help of the therapist, in his own way and at his own pace. Through art therapy, the client can:

embody concepts and problems that concern her and finds difficult to express in words
process emotions that trouble her and ''tidy'' her thoughts, in a visual way
see situations and relationships with others differently, and to find creative solutions with counselling techniques

I have never been to a psychologist before. How is the first meeting?

The therapist will evaluate the reasons that prompted the patient to seek a psychologist. She will ask you some questions about your mental health (eg if you experience anxiety, how often, etc.). The purpose of this first assessment is to get to know each other: the therapist gets an image of the client and, accordingly, the clients judge whether they have found the right specialist with whom they can develop a good therapeutic alliance. Don't hesitate to ask questions; the psychotherapist is a fellow ''traveller'' in psychic exploration, not the expert of someone's life.

The art psychotherapist may suggest the use of visual materials, but it is not necessary. Art materials are provided to help us express ourselves when words are not enough.

If deemed necessary, a psychiatric assessment may be recommended, after discussion with the patient.

Sessions are held either in Greek or in English.

Cancellation policy

Please note that if you cancel the appointment in less than 24 hours, the full amount of the session must be paid. You can also reschedule the appointment from in-person to an online appointment, however this is recommended in exceptional circumstances.

Cancellation/rescheduling policy related to COVID:

If you have cold or flu symptoms on the day of the appointment, we will need to arrange our appointment online. If the office is closed due to symptoms but I am able to offer the session online, we can either switch to an online session or cancel the session, free of charge.

More information on visual therapy can be found here:

https://www.art-therapy.gr/el/