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Cultivating inner strength & balance so you can walk your own path

Cultivating inner strength & balance so you can walk your own path

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About Dr. Maria Gialama

Clinical Health Psychologist & Psychotherapist

Evidence‑based psychotherapy and personalised support, shaped around your unique story

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SERVICES / ISSUES WE TREA

Evidence‑based psychological therapy for physical and mental health challenges, personalised to your individual needs

Areas of Psychological Support

Living with chronic physical conditions, invisible symptoms, or emotional and mental health challenges can be overwhelming. This is a space of acceptance, understanding, and evidence‑based psychological support, tailored to you and your unique needs.

  • Emotional & Mental Health
  • Psychological Trauma & Abuse related trauma
  • Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression, Mood & Emotional Disorders
  • Life Transitions & Stress Management
  • Emotion Regulation & Distress Tolerance
  • Mindfulness & Arts-based Approaches
  • LGBTQIA+ and other vulnerable communities
In‑person sessions

With a practice in the centre of Thessaloniki (GR), we offer compassionate, expert mental health support tailored to the needs of individuals across a wide range of psychological challenges.

Online sessions

For individuals living outside the city or abroad, those short on time who prefer the comfort of their own space, or anyone with limited mobility or travel difficulties.

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PROFILEDr. Maria Gialama

Clinical Health Psychologist & Psychotherapist
Welcome to a journey of healing and growth.

Hi! I’m Maria, a clinical health psychologist, psychotherapist, and post-doctoral researcher. With over 15 years of international experience in healthcare, research, teaching, and the non‑profit sector, I offer evidence‑based psychological therapy and support delivered within a person-centred and compassionate approach, always ethical, tailored to your needs, goals, and preferences and grounded in genuine human connection.

My work integrates scientific knowledge with person‑centred care, supporting individuals living with chronic illness, trauma, life transitions, emotional distress, and a wide range of mental health challenges. Therapy is never a “one‑size‑fits‑all” process; it is a collaborative relationship, a space of care, safety, and empowerment shaped around you and your unique life story. Evidence-based therapy meets you exactly where you are, without judgment, creating space for reflection, growth, healing and lasting change.

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Years of Experience

Extensive clinical and research experience in international settings

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Countries of Practice

Greece, Ireland, United Kingdom – International expertise

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Languages

Services available in Greek and English for a wider reach.

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Research Projects

International collaborations & peer‑reviewed publications

We Support You With

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Emotional
& Mental Health

Mental health is a pillar of wellbeing and everyday functioning. Support is offered for:

  • Anxiety, Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, health anxiety
  • Depression, low mood, and loss of interest
  • Unwanted/ Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours (compulsions)
  • Bipolar disorder and emotion‑regulation difficulties
  • Phobias, social anxiety, and agoraphobia
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

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Chronic Illness
& Health Challenges

Understanding the psychological impact of chronic illness and supporting effective management and coping through evidence‑based interventions.

  • Living with chronic illness or medically unexplained symptoms
  • Psychosomatic health, somatisation, and mind–body connections
  • Cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
  • Pre‑operative and procedure‑related stress and anxiety
  • Support for caregivers and families of individuals facing health‑related challenges

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Anxiety, Stress,
Trauma & Loss

Daily functioning and overall wellbeing can be profoundly affected by traumatic experiences, loss, and emotional rupture. Psychological support is offered for individuals experiencing:

  • Trauma, complex trauma and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Emotional, physical, and psychological abuse
  • Grief, bereavement, and life‑altering losses
  • Separation, divorce, and relationship difficulties
  • Infidelity, betrayal, and attachment trauma

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Identity, Self‑Image, Self‑Esteem & Relationships

Psychological empowerment and personal development form the foundation of a balanced and resilient life. Support focuses on strengthening self‑awareness, relational wellbeing, and emotional resilience for individuals navigating:

  • Low self‑esteem and low self‑confidence
  • Loneliness and social anxiety
  • Interpersonal difficulties and family conflict
  • Work‑related stress, burnout, and crisis management
  • Life transitions (career changes, losses, new beginnings)

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Support for Students & Professionals

Academic and professional life can be challenging, mentally demanding and emotionally draining, especially during transitional periods or times of high pressure. Tailored psychological support is available for:

  • High‑school students preparing for national exams
  • Parental counselling
  • Higher education/ University students facing exam stress or adjustment difficulties
  • Academic pressure and performance‑related stress

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LGBTQIA+
& Vulnerable Populations

Specialised support is available for a range of concerns within the LGBTQIA+ community, including identity development, internalised stigma, relational wellbeing, and community connection. Support is also offered to vulnerable groups, including:

  • Individuals living with disabilities / invisible disabilities
  • Survivors of violence, domestic violence, or abuse
  • People with cultural differences, economic migrants and expats
  • Single‑parent families

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My therapeutic approach

My practice is grounded in contemporary, evidence‑based psychological therapies and rooted in a deeply person‑centred philosophy of care. It draws on a range of psychological modalities to explore the patterns, behaviours, and beliefs that may be limiting your ability to live a more fulfilling and authentic life.

I support and empower individuals navigating chronic illness and health‑related challenges, trauma and abuse, life transitions, and personal, professional, or emotional difficulties. Every person carries a unique history, and my approach is non-judgmental and shaped by a profound respect for human complexity and the individuality and uniqueness of each lived experience.

Therapy extends far beyond symptom management. I adopt a holistic approach that focuses on treating the whole person rather than the symptom, the illness or the challenge itself. Instead, it emphasises the collaborative nature of treatment and focuses on active listening, empathetic and meaningful understanding, empowerment, and personal growth through an authentic therapeutic relationship, one that combines scientific rigour with genuine care, compassion, and the sense of safety needed for change to unfold.

The path toward healing and therapeutic change is never linear. It requires trust, consistency, and a space where you can speak freely, explore, question, reflect, and evolve. Through the therapeutic process and the therapeutic alliance, we co‑create a pathway of understanding, meaning‑making, acceptance, and authentic personal development. Each step becomes a step toward empowerment, freedom, self‑acceptance, self‑realisation, and a life that feels aligned with who you are and what you deserve.

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell

The Therapeutic Space

A comfortable, welcoming, calm, and safe environment.

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Individual Psychotherapy and Counselling — In‑person and Online

Psychological support is offered both in person and remotely, depending on each client’s needs and preferences.

In‑person sessions
In‑person sessions provide face to face contact and a sense of calm and safety within the therapeutic environment. The practice is located in the centre of Thessaloniki (26th October Street, 6) and is easily accessible by car and public transport.

Online sessions
Available for individuals living outside the city, abroad, or for those who prefer the comfort of their own space. Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility without compromising the quality or effectiveness of therapy.

Both formats follow the same principles and uphold the same standards of quality, confidentiality, trust, authentic connection, and therapeutic effectiveness.

Advocacy, Public speaking, awareness and psychoeducation

I participate in events, talks, workshops, panels, and conferences—both in person and online—to promote scientific knowledge exchange and dissemination and raise public awareness on issues related to health, mental health and their interactions. I have spoken in professional and patient organisations, schools, universities, and media outlets, always with the aim of fostering meaningful connection and informed understanding. Every presentation is tailored to the audience, delivered with care and respect for the uniqueness of human experience.

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DON'T HESITATE - THE FIRST STEP MATTERS

Start Today

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Book your first session

Get in touch to arrange a free 30‑minute introductory phone call as soon as possible.

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The Process

During the phone call, we will answer your questions and schedule your first session.

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First session

At the first meeting we will explore your needs and co-create a support program to help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Maria Gialama - Online-Therapy
Free 30 minute online session.

It's easy.

    Reaching out can feel like a big step, and finding the right fit matters. We offer a free 30‑minute call. Please note that this is NOT a therapy session but a supportive conversation where you can share what brings you to seek support and learn about our approach and ways of working.

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