Biography

In 2017, I was faced with a big dilemma that troubled me deeply.

I had just completed my military service and my studies in the Faculty of Philosophy, School of Language & Literature, AUTH , and I thought it was high time I sat down and made some important decisions. It was during this period that I kept catching myself imagining two hypothetical scenarios.

In the first scenario, I envisioned finally enjoying my university graduation and embracing my new life as a philologist, totally stress-free. I imagined settling into a profession that might not be what I would describe as my "dream profession," but one that was certainly capable of providing me with peace of mind and protection from the financial and professional uncertainty of that period.

In the second scenario, I envisioned something quite different and risky. I imagined not settling for a condition that I knew would provide me comfort in the present but would not fulfill me in the future. I envisioned completely changing course and risking it all to pursue a dream I had always harbored, yet for reasons of weakness, I was ashamed to admit. It was a dream that would amalgamate my innate penchant for the introspective, the intrapsychic, and the visceral with my passion for rigorous scientific and theoretical knowledge. Moreover, it would integrate my deep desire to provide meaningful, empathic support to my fellow human beings who are hurting inside and struggling to free themselves from their own demons. My dream was to help individuals pursue their own dreams and ambitions , liberated from the burdens that kept them bound in the chaos of mental pain and stagnation.

In this second scenario, I envisioned myself spending countless hours studying, feverishly preparing for that year's demanding qualifying exams for the Department of Psychology at AUTH. Not only did I imagine passing these exams, but I also envisioned myself being among the top five performers.

I envisioned completing my studies in 2021 having acquired comprehensive theoretical knowledge in a wide range of basic and specialized areas of psychology, including experimental, biological, cognitive, developmental, educational, school, social, and clinical psychology.

I envisioned receiving the license to practice the profession (License No. Pr. 860495) and starting my early career as a psychologist at the Community Centre of the Municipality of Kassandra . For eight months, my colleagues and I would provide psychological assessment and support to abused/neglected children and members of vulnerable socio-economic groups in the area. Additionally, we would conduct social research, write social research reports, and design interventions based on the specific needs of the minors and their families, in cooperation with the Halkidiki District Attorney's Office..

I envisioned myself pursuing my ongoing education, and staying abreast of of the latest developments in the field that I was committed to serving forever. This would involve attending seminars, workshops, and recognized certifications on a multitude of areas and topics, including "Dementia and Neuropsychological Assessment," "Psychological First Aid: Managing Emotional Crises," "Psychosomatic Illnesses and Treatment," "Managing Grief and Loss," "The Rights-Based Approach to Disability in Local, Social, and Developmental Policies," and more.

I envisioned, in 2022 , starting my two-year Advanced Internship at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling , where I would specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. This specialization would equip me with in-depth knowledge of traditional and contemporary cognitive/behavioral theories and practices. Additionally, it would provide me with training in clinical assessment, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning. I would learn to manage complex cases through modernized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy protocols in a wide range of disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and more.

I finally envisioned completing my big dream after ensuring that I was under supervision for my clients and continuing my own personal psychotherapeutic journey .

And although back in 2017, when I was grappling with my dilemma, I might not have been able to foresee the exact outcome, this didn't alter the essence of my dream one bit. It remains unchanged from what it was then: to have the privilege of sitting before you, listening with all my passion, professional competence, and genuine interest, and providing my psychotherapy services in return.

My name is Thanos Karathymios, Psychologist-Psychotherapist, and I am here to accompany you on your personal journey to self-realization. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. It would be my honor to listen to you and support you!