My name is Alina Chaturova-Kostadima. I am a licensed psychologist. I live in Thessaloniki and I maintain my private office where I provide counseling sessions as well as hypnotherapy. The sessions are individual and are carried out individually.
At the same time, I also create small groups, where we practice the technique of mindfulness and groups of breathing exercises (mindfulness & breathwork), where stress management techniques are emphasized.
I have completed my studies in University of East London. I continued my studies in Cyprus, in the three-year program of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Counselling.
At the same time, I work at a day care center Iasis at work where I provide psychosocial support to unemployed and employed people by conducting group psychoeducations. Also, I volunteer on an online platform where I offer counseling and one-on-one sessions. I note many years of experience in complementary and alternative therapies.
How did the interest in psychology arise?
I have been searching for the human soul and its manifestations at all levels since I was very young, from my teenage years. Essentially, then the journey of my own self-awareness began. I was studying psychology & self improvement books. I attended various seminars at every opportunity.
Professionally, I first dealt with physiotherapy and alternative therapy. It was something that intrigued me a lot, this holistic approach to therapy.
After several years passed and having interacted with many people therapeutically, I felt a deep need to study Psychology scientifically and be able to offer knowledge to people (beyond physical wellness) who seemed to need it. And now I am in a pleasant position and at the same time happy that my passion and my love became a profession that I practice.
What is the difference between psychology and psychotherapy?
Psychology is the science, it is the basis. It is the science that studies human behavior, thought processes and interactions. It covers a wide range of topics including personality, development, social behavior, coping with stress, health psychology etc.. Psychotherapy includes the word (therapy) is a form of therapeutic process often based on the principles of psychology. In the context of psychotherapy, the psychotherapist helps the patient to deal with the emotional challenges, behavioral problems or interpersonal difficulties that he may be facing with specific tools, that is, with some psychotherapeutic approach.
Tell us about the approach you have chosen to take.
The approach I chose is hypnotherapy. Clinical hypnotherapy begins with hypnosis. So hypnosis is a state. It is a state of focused attention and receptivity. It has to do with brain activity. In this state the brain waves slow down and the rational mind is suppressed, reactions are reduced and deep relaxation occurs. It is a natural brain process that occurs every hour and a half in humans. Clinical hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. The state of hypnosis is created by the mental health specialist with various techniques and tools. During hypnotherapy, a natural, physical calm is observed with a mental focus that gives the ability to deeply relax. The conscious, analytical and rational part of the mind is bypassed, thus allowing the therapist to communicate directly with the subconscious mind of the client. This process allows beneficial changes to be made in the subconscious mind and safe reprogramming is achieved.
Why should someone choose to do hypnotherapy and what are the benefits? important places ohtthes?
Although it is not well-known as a psychotherapeutic method, at least for the data of Greece, it seems to be recognized and to take on large dimensions in other countries, such as America, Russia, England. And this, precisely because it seems to be very effective. It is short-term compared to other psychotherapeutic methods. Proven most effective study base. It targets the subconscious mind directly, which as we all know directs our lives in 90%. During hypnotherapy, the person can access deeper layers of their psyche and discover aspects of themselves that are not conscious in everyday life. It can be used to resolve trauma, to deal with phobias, to manage anxiety and panic attacks. It works very well on psychosexual issues, on harmful habits. It is effective in matters of self-confidence and self-image. It is used in painless childbirth and is called hypnobirthing. Therefore, what is deeply rooted in the subconscious should emerge and be reprogrammed, so that it acquires a more positive sign and is functional for the person.
What are the benefits of psychotherapy for people today?
With psychotherapy the recipient (the patient) gains a better understanding of the Self. He begins to understand his thoughts, feelings and behaviors. He learns to better manage the stressful situations he faces in his daily life. Develops skills in making good decisions. Essentially psychotherapy is a journey of self-awareness, and the process provides people with the tools and support they need to deal with various challenges and live a more balanced and fulfilling life. It is a journey of self-awareness that helps us.
What do you think is the state of psychotherapy in Greece? Do people choose without hesitation to turn to a mental health specialist or is there a "stigma" do you think?
Psychotherapy in the Greek area has recorded significant growth and recognition in recent years. The increase in awareness around the importance of mental health, combined with the open discussion that has been created in the media and society at large, has led to greater acceptance of psychotherapy.
Despite all this, the "stigma" still surrounds seeking psychotherapeutic help in some circles of society. Some people still see the need for psychotherapy as something shameful or a sign of weakness. However, mental health awareness and anti-stigma efforts continue to promote access to affordable and effective psychotherapy for all who need it.
Given that in Greece psychology is still taboo and is wrongly linked to mental illness, when do you consider it good to visit a mental health specialist?
Treating psychotherapy as a taboo is something that happens in many societies, including Greece. It is mainly observed in small societies, which have not included visiting a psychologist as something equivalent to going to another health specialist. However, seeing a psychologist can be especially helpful in many cases. If one is experiencing difficulties in relationships, be they love, family or even friendship, psychotherapy can help to deal with the difficulties and optimize communication skills. If one faces stress, anxiety either in a work environment or in a family or wider environment, a visit to the psychologist will be useful in learning stress management techniques. Also for personal development. And of course, in more difficult cases such as depression or other mental disorders, psychotherapy with a mental health specialist is now deemed necessary so that appropriate help can be provided wisely and responsibly.
How much do you think psychology helps with health and well-being in general? (prevention – treatment of diseases, lifestyle, sociability, etc.)
There is the concept of "holistic treatment". The holistic approach is a philosophy or approach to health and healing that focuses on the human being as a complete organism, taking into account its total dimension – physical, mental, social, and spiritual.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus only on symptoms or specific aspects of health, the holistic approach considers the various aspects of health to be connected, interrelated and interdependent. A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. The ancients also said it, as is known to everyone. A social being that is man cannot interact positively when his emotion is disturbed. Thus, visiting a psychologist has the role of preventing both psychological and physical illnesses.
This approach is applied in many fields including medicine, psychology, therapy, nutrition, sports and other aspects of health and wellness. With this approach the aim is to strengthen the individual at all levels of his being, promoting balance and well-being.
Describe to us what the first session is like when someone being treated visits a psychologist's office?
The first session with a psychologist is essentially the first acquaintance. The client may initially feel a little uncomfortable, not wanting to open up too much, but a good specialist tries to create this relationship of trust so that resistances on the part of the client begin to disappear. It is important because the needs and goals are defined, a treatment plan is discussed and the therapeutic contract between the therapist and the patient is discussed. At the first meeting there is always an introductory interview, where the request is also communicated. Treatment goals are discussed and the psychologist informs about the tools and techniques he or she is going to use.
How much do you think psychology can help the functioning of the family?
Psychology can provide valuable support and tools for developing healthy, happy and functional family relationships.
First to improve her communication skills. To help family members to communicate their feelings to each other, to be able to manage conflicts, having acquired tools and techniques. The psychologist can support family members to adjust to changes such as a loss, divorce, moving, birth of a child. Psychologists can work with the family to enhance cooperation and connectedness among family members.
The more mature the individual becomes and gains self-awareness, the better the society as a whole.
What would you advise someone to be able to maintain good mental health?
As a psychologist, I would recommend the following elements for maintaining good mental health: Self-care. Basic needs of the body, such as sleep, nutrition or exercise. Supportive relationships, definitely expressing feelings, boundaries, personal time with various relaxation exercises. Activities that make you happy, contact with nature. Man is a multidimensional entity. One of the parts to be disturbed, has an impact on the whole system. To practice the practice of gratitude and do more good deeds.
Thank you very much.
I thank you too.
