Tel.: 6986816094 | Email: thanoskarathymios@gmail.com
Athanasios Karathymios
Psychologist – CBT Psychotherapist
Unlock the secrets to mental wellbeing, with expert tips and personalized guidance. Start your personal journey towards empowerment & fulfillment today!
Services
Individual therapy sessions based on confidentiality, safety and the powerful therapeutic tools of CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Envision a world where hope eclipses all feelings of emptiness and vitality replaces mental pain. Imagine a life freed from the shackles of stress, where relationship problems fade into the past. A version of yourself, once plagued by low self-confidence and fear, now marvels at the ease with which you approach life and its challenges.
Let's turn this vision into reality!
Counseling for Lifestyle Modification
Enhance your life with this holistic mental wellness and lifestyle modification program. Personalized services offer activity scheduling, problem-solving training, and relaxation techniques to boost your confidence and mental resilience. Enjoy better sleep, improved social interactions, and increased work performance.
Transform your world today!
F.A.Q.
Because sometimes, the words and promises we make to ourselves and others can ensnare us in stagnation and the pain it brings . How often have we heard expressions like:
- "Starting from the New Year, I'm hitting the gym and sticking to the diet!"
- "Enough is enough, it's time for a serious change."
- "You're right, we've had our fill. Let's kickstart things from the new month!"
- "I'll change, I promise. I just need a little more time."
Although we may initially feel sincere intentions to change when we hear or say these phrases, we soon find ourselves right back where we started.
Firstly, cognitive error lies in the following reasoning:
- I announce my desire to change!
- Both I and the people around me are excited by the announcement of my change
- I experience pleasant feelings
- The pleasant feelings temporarily relieve me of the pain of stagnation
- Through words alone, without any real effort or action, I have achieved what I wanted
- When the pain returns, I repeat the process.
Thus, by simply chasing temporary relief and pleasure, we find ourselves trapped in a vicious cycle of making promises, experiencing temporary relief, and ultimately feeling dissatisfied and disconnected from real action for change..
How do we break this vicious cycle? Only through sincere, diligent, and persistent action (walk) can our words (mental talk) gain substance and become powerful motivators for change. After all, as we know, actions speak louder than words. What truly matters in the end is action.
It is finally time to Walk the Mental Talk!
There can be as many answers as there are individuals seeking therapy, but a simple rule of thumb that tends to apply in most cases is this: "When you feel it's time to start psychotherapy.".
Many individuals come to this realization when they feel stuck or at a seeming impasse. Others may reach out when symptoms of depression and anxiety have become overwhelming, and they are seeking relief. Some may seek therapy when they desire a deeper understanding of themselves, while others may want to acquire and enhance cognitive and mental skills to bolster their mental resilience. Whatever the reason, the best time to start psychotherapy is the moment you recognize the need for it, not later.
Do only dangerously overweight individuals go to the gym? Just as anyone and everyone who wants to exercise, get fit, and improve their physical condition goes to the gym, people visit psychologists for various reasons. While some may seek help for more severe mental health issues, others who are mentally healthy may seek support for personal, professional, academic, family, social, emotional, or spiritual reasons. The goal is to improve functioning, reduce pain, grow, and self-actualize.
There are many. Let's examine some indicative ones:
- Mood Disorders (Depression)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Phobias
- Panic Attacks
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Stress/Anxiety/Worry Management
- Anger Management
- Relationship Issues
- Addiction and Substance Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Grief and Loss
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Identity and Existential Issues
Issues, whether for better or worse, are abundant. The key is to have the willingness and determination to overcome them. Psychotherapy offers assistance precisely for that purpose.
During the first session, it's common to experience feelings of awkwardness, anxiety, and shame as you prepare to share personal experiences with a "stranger." However, these initial feelings typically give way to feelings of trust, optimism, hope, and security as the session progresses. It's normal to feel nervous before embarking on a psychotherapeutic journey but rest assured that your therapist is there to support you every step of the way.
The initial sessions serve an exploratory role. The therapist will delve into the reasons prompting the client to seek psychological support, gathering information about their individual, family, childhood, school, medical, and professional history. Additionally, the therapist will inquire about the client's present symptoms, current challenges and the goals they hope to achieve through psychotherapy. Together, therapist and client will actively collaborate to establish a solid foundation of information , laying the groundwork for a successful therapeutic journey.
A psychologist asks questions for the purpose of gathering structured information about you as an individual and your presenting issues.
They may begin with "easier" questions to understand your external circumstances, such as "Where do you live?", "How do you get along with your siblings?", "Where do you work?", "How was your week?", "What happened after the interview?". They may then delve into "harder" questions to explore your internal experiences, such as "How did you feel when your boss yelled at you?", "What does failing an exam mean to you?", "How did you react when your ex contacted you?", "Can you describe your memories of your father when he was under the influence?". The therapist is skilled in knowing when and how to ask these questions sensitively, always prioritizing your well-being and comfort. They understand that some topics may be difficult to discuss and respect your choice not to answer if necessary. Ultimately, the focus is on your journey towards healing and growth.
The therapist never asks questions out of personal curiosity or for "gossip" but always with the well-being of the person being treated and the effectiveness of the therapeutic process in mind.
Decisions regarding strategies, techniques, action plans, exercises, and the overall course of the therapeutic process are made collaboratively. While the therapist is an expert in therapeutic tools, psychotherapy practices, and the science of psychology, the client is an expert on their own life, experiences, problems, emotions, and strengths. Together, the therapist and the client form a unique alliance where decisions about the direction of treatment are made jointly throughout the psychotherapy journey. In instances where the client is uncertain about a decision, the therapist may suggest ideas and alternatives, always considering the client's feelings and ensuring their benefit and acceptance.
The psychotherapeutic process, whether combining or solely based on Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, has been consistently shown to yield positive and enduring results in the mental health and overall quality of life of the individual undergoing treatment. Therefore, if there's something you find displeasing, it's likely not the effectiveness or positive changes brought about by the therapeutic process, but rather something else. This could include a lack of confidence or competence in the therapist, longer-than-expected timelines for seeing positive changes, intense emotions arising that you may not feel prepared to manage or discuss, among other reasons.
In any case, engaging in open communication about our problems and concerns regarding the therapeutic process has the power to strengthen the therapeutic alliance, enhance trust between therapist and client, and ultimately improve the effectiveness of the therapeutic process. This fosters a sense of comfort, acceptance, and hope as you navigate through it.
Most of the people close to us are expected to be supportive of our decisions, especially those with such transformative power as psychotherapy. However, sometimes, beloved individuals may not find the idea of psychotherapy appealing. Let them be!
Their reluctance should not hinder you from embarking on a journey that you believe can alleviate your mental anguish and guide you toward personal growth characterized by self-awareness, resilience, and emotional maturity. Nothing should obstruct your entry into such a transformative process. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and self-realization. You have the autonomy to choose who accompanies you on this journey and who you may choose to ignore, even if only temporarily.
The process of psychotherapy is inherently personal and unique. Some individuals may experience rapid changes and continue therapy optimistically, while others may become eager and prematurely cease therapy upon feeling "cured." Conversely, some may require more time to progress. The duration needed to establish rapport with the therapist, engage in therapeutic techniques, and effect changes in both the environment and personal life varies from case to case. It's crucial for individuals not to be disheartened by stories of quick therapeutic outcomes elsewhere. Instead, trust should be placed in the therapist, the therapeutic process, and most importantly, in themselves. Despite any current challenges, the hard work invested will yield results in due course.
The professional confidentiality of a psychologist is a principle that is morally, socially, and legally safeguarded. According to Law 991/79, Article 9, professional confidentiality encompasses all personal information regarding the individual under treatment, including the mere fact of their collaboration with the psychotherapist. However, there are instances where a mental health professional is legally obligated to breach professional confidentiality. These instances typically involve preventing an imminent criminal act or safeguarding human life and health. In such cases, the psychologist is required to disclose only essential information to the competent authorities.
In response to the first question , whether you accomplish it independently or with the guidance of an expert, the outcome is what matters. Did you manage to alleviate mental anguish, attain self-awareness, and progress confidently towards self-actualization? If so, the method matters less than the achievement itself.
The second query is more intricate:"Ultimately, can I achieve personal therapy on my own, or do I necessarily need a psychologist?".
Based on years of research and practice, my conclusion is this: While it's feasible to thrive in personal therapy independently, a specialist significantly expedites the journey. With their guidance, progress is swifter, surer, and more precise, with less trial and error, reduced emotional strain, and fewer setbacks. Their assistance ensures greater efficiency and safety throughout the process.
A psychologist is a professional who has dedicated at least six years to the study of psychology and psychotherapy, continually updating their knowledge with the latest advancements through participation in workshops, seminars, and accredited training programs. They also engage in ongoing psychotherapy themselves, supervised by another psychologist. Additionally, psychologists continuously read books, articles, and research on human behavior and psychology, conducting their own studies, and reflecting on issues related to human nature in their free time to deepen their understanding and offer more effective services. Above all, psychologists are individuals with a profound interest in human nature, the mind, behavior, spirituality, and morality, and this passion precedes their professional identity as psychologists.
Therefore, if a psychologist were solely driven by the pursuit of wealth, they would be considered quite misguided, as there are numerous avenues to accumulate wealth that do not require such rigorous training and commitment. The psychologist's primary motivation lies in supporting individuals during challenging times . Therapy clients are not merely compensating a professional; they are investing in someone who has devoted their time, money, and effort to acquire expertise through study, training, and practice., Moreover, they are compensating for the psychologist's genuine desire to listen, understand, and assist them to the best of their ability within the framework of their lifelong dedication to the field of psychology.
Take the first step!
Do not hesitate to contact me. I am at your disposal for any questions.