Welcome
I am a psychologist; I have a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and I have completed my training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the Greek Association of Behavioural Research. I am an accreddited Play Therapist, having completed a postgraduate training in Play Therapy. I am a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) and the International Organization for Play Therapy (PTI – Play Therapy International).
At my private practice in Neo Psychiko, I offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for adults
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for children and adolescents, as well as Play Therapy sessions
- Parent counselling
Welcome
I am a psychologist; I have a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and I have completed my training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at the Greek Association of Behavioural Research. I am an accreddited Play Therapist, having completed a postgraduate training in Play Therapy. I am a member of the BPS (British Psychological Society) and the International Organization for Play Therapy (PTI – Play Therapy International).
At my private practice in Neo Psychiko, I offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for adults
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for children and adolescents, as well as Play Therapy sessions
- Parent counselling
About me
Work Experience
November 2021- onwards
At my private practice in Neo Psychiko, I offer:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions for adults
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for children/adolescents, as well as Play Therapy sessions
• Parental counseling sessions
October 2021
I offer private Play therapy sessions at my office in N. Psychiko.
October 2019- February 2020
Play Therapist – Octavia House Schools.
May 2016- August 2016
Volunteer Assistant Researcher at Birkbeck Baby Lab, King’s College (London), in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) and in Toddler Attentional Behaviours and Learning with Touchscreens (TABLET)
May 2014- August 2014
February 2020- May 2021
Head of Therapy – Octavia House Schools (a therapeutic School for students who have suffered adverse childhood experiences-trauma and toxic stress)
Providing one to one and group play therapy sessions to children who present challenging behaviour and complex social, emotional and learning needs stemming from adverse childhood experiences.
Provide weekly group supervising therapy to staff members as well as carrying out therapeutic assessments for new students
February 2018- November 2020
September 2014- August 2015
November 2021- onwards
At my private practice in Neo Psychiko, I offer:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions for adults
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions for children/adolescents, as well as Play Therapy sessions
• Parental counseling sessions
October 2021
I offer private Play therapy sessions at my office in Neo Psyxhiko.
February 2020- May 2021
Head of Therapy – Octavia House Schools (a therapeutic School for students who have suffered adverse childhood experiences-trauma and toxic stress)
Providing one to one and group play therapy sessions to children who present challenging behaviour and complex social, emotional and learning needs stemming from adverse childhood experiences.
Provide weekly group supervising therapy to staff members as well as carrying out therapeutic assessments for new students
February 2018- November 2020
October 2019- February 2020
Play Therapist – Octavia House Schools.
May 2016- August 2016
Volunteer Assistant Researcher at Birkbeck Baby Lab, King’s College (London), in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS)
and in Toddler Attentional Behaviours and Learning with Touchscreens (TABLET)
September 2014- August 2015
Providing support to teachers and pupils,to enhance their school career-City Year Organization (London)
May 2014- August 2014
Volunteer Assistant Researcher at Birkbeck Baby Lab, King’s College (London), in the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) and in Autism & ADHD Risk in siblings (STAARS).
Academic Education
2021- ongoing
Training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies –
Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy.
2017- 2018
APAC / Play Therapy UK
2012-2016
University of Bath
2018-2019
Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy (Certified Play Therapist)
APAC (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy) / Play Therapy UK
2016-2017
University College of London (UCL)
2021- ongoing
Training in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies – Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy.
2018-2019
Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy (Certified Play Therapist)
APAC (Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy) / Play Therapy UK
2017- 2018
Postgraduate Certificate in Play Therapy Skills
APAC / Play Therapy UK
2016-2017
MSc in Developmental Psychology
University College of London (UCL)
2012-2016
BA (Hons) Psychology with Education
University of Bath
CBT for Adults
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and relatively short-term psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the current difficulties an individual is facing when seeking support.
CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another. This means that the way we interpret life situations directly affects our feelings and reactions.
The goal of therapy is the collaboration between the client and the therapist, in order to identify and understand problems based on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
CBT has emerged as one of the most evidence-based and effective therapeutic methods, with its efficacy demonstrated through numerous clinical studies.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and relatively short-term psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the current difficulties an individual is facing when seeking support.
CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another. This means that the way we interpret life situations directly affects our feelings and reactions.
The goal of therapy is the collaboration between the client and the therapist, in order to identify and understand problems based on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
CBT has emerged as one of the most evidence-based and effective therapeutic methods, with its efficacy demonstrated through numerous clinical studies.
How does Therapy work?
Sessions are typically conducted on a weekly basis (once a week) and last for 50 minutes. During therapy, scientifically validated techniques are used to help the individual develop skills, better manage their difficulties, and improve their quality of life.
In Which Cases Can CBT Help You?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be particularly useful if you are dealing with:
- Mood disorders (e.g., depression)
- Anxiety disorders (e.g., panic attacks, generalized anxiety, social anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder) - Phobias (e.g., agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobias)
- Psychosomatic symptoms and health anxiety
- Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia, binge eating)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties (family, friendships, romantic relationships)
- Low confidence/ self-esteem
- Other issues that prevent you from functioning well and feeling satisfaction and happiness in your daily life
CBT for Children & Adolescents
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children/ adolescents?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and relatively short-term psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the current difficulties a child or adolescent is facing when seeking support and helps address these challenges.
CBT is based on the idea that our emotions, thoughts and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another. CBT for children and adolescents works by providing them with the necessary tools to identify their negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together with the therapist, they learn to replace them with more functional and effective ways of thinking.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children/ adolescents?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and relatively short-term psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the current difficulties a child or adolescent is facing when seeking support and helps address these challenges.
CBT is based on the idea that our emotions, thoughts and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another. CBT for children and adolescents works by providing them with the necessary tools to identify their negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together with the therapist, they learn to replace them with more functional and effective ways of thinking.
How does Therapy work?
Sessions are held once a week and last 50 minutes. Initially, it is crucial to establish a positive therapeutic relationship between the child/adolescent and the therapist.
During therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques are used alongside other creative methods, such as drawing, symbolic play, and therapeutic storytelling, depending on the child’s age. Through these activities, children and adolescents learn to understand and express their thoughts and emotions while acquiring skills to effectively address their difficulties.
A significant aspect of CBT for children and adolescents is collaboration with parents. Through parental counseling, parents learn techniques that can be integrated into their daily interactions with their children. This collaboration enables a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the child or adolescent and strengthens family relationships. It contributes to creating a positive and supportive environment for the child or adolescent.
In Which Cases Can CBT for Children/Adolescents Help?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and adolescents can be particularly helpful if the child or adolescent is facing:
-
Emotional difficulties
-
Social interaction challenges
-
Behavioral difficulties (e.g., anger outbursts, lying, difficulty following rules)
-
Relationship issues (family, friendships, romantic relationships)
-
Learning difficulties
-
Autism
-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Traumatic experiences (e.g., illness, loss, abuse)
- Low self-esteem
- Major life changes (e.g., arrival of a sibling, moving, parental divorce)
- School bullying
- Phobias
- School refusal or difficulty adjusting
- Anxiety
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that enables the child to share their feelings and concerns through play. Play Therapy helps the child to explore his thoughts, feelings and comprehend his life experiences. In Play Therapy, the therapist creates an environment of trust and security through which the child can understand, process and express emotions, allowing him/ her to deal with the stresses and difficulties that arise.
Play is the child’s natural way of expression and is essential for his development. Through play, children discover, learn and explore their world. During Play Therapy, children are given the opportunity to express through play what they cannot express in words.
“Toys are children’s words
and play is their language”
-Garry Landreth
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that enables the child to share their feelings and concerns through play. Play Therapy helps the child to explore his thoughts, feelings and comprehend his life experiences. In Play Therapy, the therapist creates an environment of trust and security through which the child can understand, process and express emotions, allowing him/ her to deal with the stresses and difficulties that arise.
Play is the child’s natural way of expression and is essential for his development. Through play, children discover, learn and explore their world. During Play Therapy, children are given the opportunity to express through play what they cannot express in words.
“Toys are children’s words
and play is their language”
-Garry Landreth
How does Play Therapy work?
The weekly sessions are held in the same place and ideally on the same day and time, by a certified therapist, who is accredited in Play Therapy. Children receive emotional support while exploring their feelings and thoughts. During the session children can represent the difficult and stressful experiences of their life, through their play. This allows them to understand past experiences and find creative ways to deal with the emotions that arise.
Research has shown that during play, chemicals such as dopamine are released, which relieve the feeling of stress and create new neurological pathways.
Play Therapy uses a variety of methods to encourage the child to explore their inner world and emotions.
These methods include:
Drawing and Painting
Clay and Crafts
Sandplay
Music
Dance and Movement
Role play
Therapeutic stories
Puppets
Who is Play Therapy for?
Play Therapy is aimed at children aged 4 to 11 who are experiencing difficulties in their lives and helps them to understand and deal with these difficulties.
Such difficulties include:
- Emotional difficulties
- Difficulties of socialization
- Behavioral difficulties
- Learning difficulties
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Traumatic experiences (eg mourning, loss, abuse)
- Low self-esteem
- Life changes (arrival of a sibling, moving, separation of parents)
- Bullying
- Fears
- Anxiety
Parental Counseling
Parental counseling is a process focused on empowering parents to effectively respond to the challenges of their parental role.
Through parental counseling, parents and the therapist work together to enhance parenting skills, gain a better understanding of the child’s or adolescent’s needs and address difficulties that may arise in the family’s daily life.
This process may involve discussions on topics such as managing anxiety, resolving conflicts with children, addressing behavioral issues, improving family communication, and recognizing and meeting the child’s needs during various developmental stages.
Parental counseling is a process focused on empowering parents to effectively respond to the challenges of their parental role.
Through parental counseling, parents and the therapist work together to enhance parenting skills, gain a better understanding of the child’s or adolescent’s needs and address difficulties that may arise in the family’s daily life.
This process may involve discussions on topics such as managing anxiety, resolving conflicts with children, addressing behavioral issues, improving family communication, and recognizing and meeting the child’s needs during various developmental stages.
Office
Let’s discuss
Leave your contact information and I will contact you as soon as possible.
Contact info
Email: georgiagkertsou@yahoo.com
Mobile: 6937572304
Telephone: 2106718815
Address: Eleutheriou Venizelou 5, Neo Psychiko, 15451