About psychotherapy · Palaio Faliro, Athens & online
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, honest answers to the questions people most often ask before starting therapy: when to reach out, how to choose a therapist, how many sessions it may take and how the sessions work.
- Sessions in English
- In person & online
- Confidential
- 17+ years of experience
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before we meet
Taking the first step towards therapy often comes with questions and some hesitation. Here are the questions I am asked most often, with answers as honest and practical as I can make them.
Send me a message or call the office. We can talk briefly before you decide whether to book a first session.
Starting therapy
01
When should I see a psychologist?
People come to a psychologist with many different requests. Some are clear and specific, such as parents who are worried about something in their child’s behaviour. Others are vaguer, such as “for some time now I haven’t felt quite like myself”. Some people want support through a difficult decision or situation, and others simply want to get to know themselves better.
There are as many reasons to visit a psychologist as there are people who come to the office. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
02
How do I find the right therapist for me?
There are several criteria, some objective and some subjective. On the objective side, the therapist should hold a university degree in psychology and a licence to practise.
In Greece the title “psychotherapist” is quite loosely defined, and some trainings last only a few months. It is worth looking for a university degree together with a substantial psychotherapy training. Some therapists also specialise in particular areas.
Then there are the subjective criteria, and the most important of them is the chemistry between the two of you.
03
How many sessions will I need?
This is a difficult question to answer. I usually tell the people I work with that therapy is a cooperative process, so the answer does not depend only on me. Some people take their time to commit to therapy, while others have already done that inner negotiation before we even meet.
Systemic psychotherapy is a medium-term therapy. It is not as long as psychoanalysis, but it does not follow the fixed protocols of behavioural therapy either. There are no magic or express solutions, and it is important to give yourself the time to get to know yourself better.
04
How often do we meet, and how long is a session?
I usually suggest meeting once a week, so that the process keeps a helpful “flow”. If there are practical difficulties of any kind, we can discuss a different arrangement.
Each session lasts about an hour.
Practical matters
05
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in our sessions is protected by professional confidentiality, as set out in the code of ethics for psychologists in Greece. It is not shared with anyone without your consent.
The only exceptions are the rare cases provided for by law, for example when there is a serious and immediate risk to your life or to someone else’s. If a situation like this ever came up, we would talk about it together first.
06
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychologist has studied psychology at university and works through conversation and the therapeutic relationship. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry and can prescribe medication when it is needed.
The two often work together. If at some point it seems that you could also benefit from a psychiatric assessment, we will discuss it openly.
07
Can I have sessions in English, or online?
Yes. Sessions can take place entirely in English, so you don’t need to speak Greek. I work with English-speaking adults and expats living in Athens, either at the office in Palaio Faliro or online.
Face-to-face sessions are usually preferable when they are possible. Online sessions can be a good option when distance, mobility or the lack of a therapist who speaks your language makes meeting in person difficult. You can read more on the Psychotherapy in English page.
08
How much does a session cost?
An individual session, in person or online, costs 60€. Fees for family and group therapy are listed on the Cost of psychotherapy page.
The fee is discussed openly from the very first session. If the cost feels difficult to manage, please say so, and we can talk about it.
09
How do I book a first appointment?
You can reach me in whichever way suits you:
- by phone at 210 98 29 411 or 697 468 7498
- by email at info@evimessaritaki.gr
- through the contact form at the bottom of this page
The first session is a chance to meet, talk about what brings you to therapy and see whether working together feels right for you.
THERAPY IN ENGLISH
Want to know more?
Read more about how I work, my background and the practical details of therapy in English.
Psychotherapy in English
Individual, family, group and online therapy for English speakers and expats in Athens.
Systemic–existential approach
The way of working behind the sessions, and what it means in practice.
Curriculum Vitae
Studies, training and more than 17 years of clinical experience.
Cost of psychotherapy
Clear fees for individual, online, family and group sessions.
Book a first session
If you would like to talk about starting therapy, or you have a question that isn’t answered above, send me a message or call the office. Sessions are available in English or Greek, at the office in Palaio Faliro or online.
If you need urgent help, this form is not the right way to get it. In an emergency call 112 (available in English). For round-the-clock support: mental health support line 10306 · suicide prevention line 1018.
Get in touch
Write a few words about what brings you here and how I can best reach you. There is no need to go into detail.