Frequently Asked Questions

The frequency and duration of sessions depend on your needs, the goals you wish to achieve, and the psychotherapeutic approach that is chosen.

In psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy, a consistent and regular schedule—usually one to three times a week—is fundamental to building a deep therapeutic relationship. In systemic psychotherapy, sessions are usually held once a week.

The number of sessions varies depending on the depth of exploration you desire and the nature of the issues you are working through. At the first session, you’ll discuss with your therapist to jointly develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Psychotherapy and psychiatric support are different, but they can work together, depending on each person’s needs.

In psychotherapy, we focus on conversation and the in-depth exploration of emotions, thoughts, and experiences, with the goal of understanding and managing the challenges clients face. It is a process that promotes self-awareness and change through the therapeutic relationship.

In contrast, psychiatric support focuses on diagnosis and the biological aspects of difficulties, using—where necessary—medication to treat symptoms. At ARKESIS, we provide both, with a psychiatrist on our team for cases requiring a medical diagnosis or treatment.

Our goal is to work with you to find the approach that best suits your needs, whether that involves psychotherapy, psychiatric support, or a combination of both.

First of all, it is important to know that psychologists cannot prescribe medication to their patients. However, at ARKESIS, comprehensive psychiatric support is provided by our Center’s affiliated psychiatrists, who, when deemed appropriate, can prescribe the necessary medication to enhance the therapeutic process.

In individual therapy, the focus is entirely personal. We work in depth with each client in a safe and private setting, exploring their unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions.

On the other hand, group psychotherapy offers the opportunity to share one’s experiences with others in a supportive environment. Participants often discover that they are not alone in their struggles and draw strength from the interactions within the group. Through group dynamics, they can see how they relate to others, receive feedback, and try out new ways of communicating and behaving.

At ARKESIS, we offer both options, helping clients choose the approach that best meets their needs.

Couples therapy is recommended when a couple is facing difficulties that affect their relationship and is looking for a safe space to explore these issues and find solutions.

Some situations where it may be helpful include:

• Frequent conflicts or difficulty communicating.
• Life changes, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a loss, that cause tension in the relationship.
• Infidelity or a loss of trust.
• Disagreements on fundamental issues, such as values, goals, or roles within the relationship.
• A sense of alienation or a lack of emotional connection.

In couples therapy, we work with both partners to help them better understand each other, improve their communication, and discover new ways to manage challenges. Our goal is to strengthen the connection and the quality of the relationship, always with respect for the needs of both partners.

Of course, psychotherapy can help a child who is struggling in school by offering support in understanding and managing the challenges they face.

These difficulties may be related to anxiety, concentration, social relationships, low self-esteem, or even learning disabilities. In psychotherapy, we work with both the child and, when necessary, with the parents and the school environment to understand what lies behind these difficulties.

Through creative and age-appropriate methods, we help the child express their feelings, develop coping skills, and find solutions that work for them.

Parenting counseling may be appropriate and helpful when parents need support to better understand and manage the challenges they face in their family life.

It is recommended in cases such as:

• Difficulties in communication between parents and their child or between the parents themselves regarding issues related to their parental role.
• Behaviors of the child that concern them or cause them difficulty.
• Dealing with intense emotions, such as anger or anxiety, within the family environment.
• Transitions or changes in family life, such as divorce, moving, or loss.

Through counseling, we work with you to understand your child’s needs and emotions, develop new approaches to parenting, and strengthen your bond as a family. If you feel that something isn’t working the way you’d like it to, counseling can offer valuable guidance and tools.

Yes, we offer online sessions to meet your needs, no matter where you are. These sessions are conducted using secure digital tools, while maintaining the quality and structure of the therapy. Although we prefer in-person sessions because of the immediacy and dynamics created by face-to-face contact, we understand that online sessions may be the most practical solution for many reasons, such as distance or life circumstances.

All the specific details—from the communication method to the frequency of sessions—are tailored to your individual needs, with the goal of ensuring the best possible therapeutic experience.

Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental principle of the therapeutic relationship and is guaranteed by the code of ethics for mental health professionals (Government Gazette 2344/B/June 18, 2019).

What you share with your therapist remains confidential. One of the goals of the therapeutic process is to create a safe space where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself freely. However, there are specific legal limitations on confidentiality related to safety—yours or that of others—and particularly that of minors. In cases where there is a serious risk, we are obligated to take action to protect everyone involved.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding confidentiality, you can discuss them with your therapist so that you feel fully informed and safe.

Psychotherapy is an investment in yourself, but we understand that the cost may be a concern. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have an open discussion with your therapist about the proposed treatment plan and its estimated cost, so you can determine whether it’s something you can afford. This discussion can help you find a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Also note that many professionals adjust their fees based on their clients’ financial circumstances, especially for those facing financial difficulties. In addition, there are mental health facilities and centers throughout Greece that offer low-cost or even free sessions, as well as psychotherapy training centers that collaborate with trainee psychotherapists to provide more affordable options.

To schedule your first appointment and learn more about our services, you can call us at our contact number, send us an email, or fill out the contact form on our website with your information.