Katerina Petropoulou

My approach to therapy is integrative and evidence-based, rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and enriched by elements from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic perspectives. I see therapy as a space where structure and emotional exploration meet — a place to understand your experiences, uncover the patterns that shape them, and gently work toward lasting change.

In our sessions, we’ll move at your pace, balancing insight with practical tools. Together, we’ll look at how your thoughts, emotions, and relationships interact, and explore new ways of relating to yourself and others with greater understanding and compassion. While CBT helps bring clarity and structure to change, I also draw on emotion-focused and relational work to help you connect more deeply with what you feel and need beneath the surface.

At the heart of my work is empathy, authenticity, and curiosity. I believe therapy is not only about reducing distress but about rediscovering a sense of wholeness, learning to feel more grounded, resilient, and aligned with yourself. Each person’s story is unique, and my goal is to meet you where you are, creating a safe and supportive space for growth and self-discovery.

As part of postgraduate training in Clinical Psychology at Leiden University in the Netherlands, clinical work was conducted under professional supervision, providing psychological assessment and therapeutic support to university students. This experience strengthened clinical sensitivity and the ability to apply evidence-based approaches in a flexible, person-centred way.

In Greece, ongoing volunteer work with Milamou.gr involves offering free psychological support to individuals experiencing emotional difficulties, stress, and life transitions. This role has reinforced the importance of accessible mental health care and the value of trust and genuine connection within the therapeutic relationship.

Professional experience also includes an internship at the Second Chance School in Kalamata, working with adult learners in both individual and group settings. The focus was on emotional resilience, stress management, and personal development within a supportive educational environment.

Earlier experience with The Smile of the Child in Athens involved providing emotional support to children under protective care in hospital settings. This work highlighted the central role of empathy, emotional safety, and presence in effective psychological support.

A Master of Science in Clinical Psychology was completed at Leiden University in the Netherlands, graduating with honors. Master’s research focused on the role of eye contact in parent–adolescent relationships and its links to depression, self-esteem, and behavioral patterns, deepening an understanding of how emotional connection and relationships influence mental health. Prior to this, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology was obtained from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, also with honors. Academic training was enriched through participation in Erasmus+ programs across Europe, offering valuable international and cultural perspectives. Undergraduate research explored the effects of multitasking on working memory.

Alongside formal education, ongoing involvement in community-based and volunteer initiatives has been an important part of professional development. This includes supporting children through The Smile of the Child, providing free psychological support via Milamou.gr, and contributing to adult education at the Second Chance School in Kalamata. These experiences have strengthened a commitment to accessible, empathetic, and resilience-focused mental health care.