Despina Varaklas

It is my belief that therapists need to turn the mirror on themselves first, before they start to counsel others. The WWYP Approach reflects exactly that, and it is the approach I use during counseling. Keeping in mind that body, mind, and soul are inseparable, it is necessary to place them in balance in order to achieve well being.

The most important session for me is the first session. My goal is to make the person present, comfortable enough to speak, and start building trust.

I have gone through many schools of approaches and my experience covers more that 20 years, but my favorite approach leans to Gestalt therapy which I find more direct and more productive.

Having worked in different parts of the world, I understand the importance of language and culture for humans. I try to make use of everything I learned and experience during these years in order to bring the best out of every session.

being a good listener is part of my job, but giving profound guidance is crucial as well.

I make sure the person leaves complete and the end of the session knowing that it was worth their time.

• Currently a freelancer as a consultation business. a. Consulting individuals in both psychology as well as nutrition and psychology. With experience in Health Coaching and as a Gestalt Therapist. b. Teaching health professionals on Patient Counseling and patient approach. c. International talks.

Past positions and experience:

• Health & Wellness coach.
• Director of Nutrition.
• Dpt. Manager.
• Head of Wellness. Dealing with eating disorders, diabetes, and cancer.
• Experience in diverse settings from outpatient clinics, to hospitals, to
  private clinics.
• International speaker.
• Published online magazine.
• Received several awards.

Despina has a dual degree from Arizona State University:

• Nutrition & Dietetics.
• Psychology.
• Supplementary classes in Religious Studies.

Late 90’s – Clinical training: Internship - Programmed by the American Academy of Nutrition, took place in the main hospitals in Tucson Arizona.

1999 - 2009 Further advanced her clinical experience through work in diverse settings like with the diabetic Pima Indians, private health centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, etc... and reached the level of Director of Dpt. at the Athens Medical Group in Athens, Greece.

Despina has also participated in research, publications, and knowledge transfer through the media. Her name is found in respected journals and websites.

2008 Expands her academic education and further certifies and completes her knowledge and experience as Coach and Health Educator after a three-year training program by a known New York coaching school.

2011 - 2013 Completes a training program from the Gestalt institutes of San Francisco and Paris, with top names in the field as her trainers; the purpose was to master Gestalt psychotherapy through experiential interactive methodologies.

Active in several bodies worldwide:

• Honorary Secretary of Study Group (DESG) at the European Association for
  the Study of Diabetes (EASD).
• Member of the Executive Committee at a European Federation.
• Country Representative at an International Confederation.
• member of the council.

Other: Award winning speaker.