Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need psychotherapy?

We all go through times when we find it hard to cope with ourselves, our relationships, and life in general.

If you experience such feelings of anxiety—especially if they persist, filling your days with negative thoughts—then it’s recommended that you speak with a mental health expert who will assess your situation and guide you accordingly.

What should I have in mind before I talk to an expert?

You don’t need any prior knowledge before discussing what bothers you and how to address it with a mental health expert.

But if you decide to begin psychotherapy, it’s essential to do it when you feel ready to commit to it. Also, you must remember that it’s a process that requires participation, collaboration, and consistency in order to benefit the most from your sessions.

How do I know if I have to talk to a psychologist/psychotherapist and not a psychiatrist or another mental health professional?

If you go through intense difficulties and emotional issues, your first concern must be identifying their nature. Whichever type of mental health professional you talk to initially, they will evaluate how severe or mild your problem is and guide you accordingly.

For example, a psychologist will likely refer you to a psychiatrist if your problem potentially needs a clinical approach and the use of medication. Respectively, a psychiatrist will likely refer you to a psychotherapist if you would benefit from talking therapy, and they don’t have that specialization.

In any case, you must evaluate your needs and options with an expert to address your problem with the support of the best-suited professional (or professionals, e.g. if your case requires a combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric support).

What therapeutic approach will we follow?

The therapist specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy. Additionally, she has studied the clinical applications of Positive Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology. She is also trained and certified in Couples Therapy and is constantly educated in various CBT methods, like Compassion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Depending on your difficulties and therapeutic targets, you and the therapist will co-devise a therapeutic plan that covers your particular needs and goals.

Learn more about K. Kotsoni’s academic certifications and professional experience here .

What are Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy? How do I know they will help me?

There are several approaches to psychotherapy. Two of them are Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy. They are not the only paths to addressing your issues, but they are both proven, globally recognized models with extensive scientific backing.

Both treatments aim to establish collaboration between you and your therapist to identify how your thoughts cause and maintain the difficulties you want to overcome. Subsequently, you will jointly determine your therapeutic goals and the strategies you will follow to achieve them.

Learn more about those two approaches here.

Can I book a trial session?

If you wish, you can schedule a brief, introductory phone call with the therapist.

That way, you will have the opportunity to have a first chat with the expert about the reasons that led you to seek the support of a mental health professional.

How long does therapy last?

If you follow the Cognitive Behavioral model, therapy can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the problem you are dealing with.

Schema Therapy lasts for a few years because it’s used to address more chronic and persistent issues.

In any case, you and your therapist decide on the duration of your therapy together, and it’s always possible to shorten or extend it as your sessions unfold.

How long does a session last, and how often must I see the therapist?

Every session lasts 50 minutes.

Sessions are conducted every week unless your program has to be modified due to specific obstructions or sudden changes in circumstances. Weekly sessions are recommended at the beginning of the therapeutic process because they allow the therapist and service user to build a solid collaboration.

What will we talk about during our first session?

In our first session, you will make your first acquaintance with the therapist and talk about everything that concerns you enough to lead you to seek expert help.

For many people, their first therapy session is a huge source of anxiety. That’s a perfectly normal reaction since it may be their first time meeting a mental health professional and sharing everything they feel with an unknown third party.

However, by the end of that first session, most feel relieved, having taken the opportunity to speak openly to someone who’s trained to listen.

What happens if I have to cancel a session? Will I be charged for it?

If you have to cancel a session, you must notify the therapist on time.

According to the therapist’s cancelation policy, you have to notify them about canceling at least 48 hours before the beginning of the session. If you do, you won’t be charged for the canceled session.

However, if you cancel less than 48 hours before the session’s starting time or simply fail to show up, you will be charged 50% of the cost. Only your first session is exempt from that policy.

If you miss a session without contacting the therapist, you will receive an email with all the related information.

Can I attend sessions remotely?

Yes, the therapist provides the option to attend sessions through video calls (via Zoom).

She has many years of experience conducting remote sessions, having responded early in her career to the service users’ need for high-quality mental health services from wherever they are located.

If we meet through video call, do I have to prepare in any way?

To attend a session through video call, you only have to call the therapist through the video conference platform (Zoom) at the predetermined time.

However, to ensure the session’s high-quality standards, it is recommended to:

• Pick a quiet space inside the house.
• Avoid the presence of other people in that space. If you cannot do that, they must be people you feel comfortable with and clarify that they cannot disrupt your session in any way.
• Remove everything that may disrupt your session from the space, like your mobile phone (unless you use it to connect).

Are remote sessions as effective?

Yes, despite the distance between participating parties, if the proper conditions are met (see previous question), remote sessions offer the same engagement and effectiveness as if conducted in person.

K. Kotsoni has a long experience in providing therapeutic services remotely and ensuring they are conducted without any disturbances.

Are the conversations with the therapist confidential?

Everything you talk about with the psychologist during sessions is strictly confidential.

The only exception is if she assesses that you or a third party are at significant risk. In that case, she may discuss your conversations with a professional who can help you. She will do it after informing you about it and, if possible, obtaining your consent.

K. Kotsoni is under professional supervision by another psychologist to ensure the quality of her work. Any information she shares with her supervisor remains anonymous.