{"id":3044,"date":"2025-08-11T19:12:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T19:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:49:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:49:11","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/frequently-asked-questions-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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About<\/span><\/div>

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/span><\/span><\/h2><\/header>
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What happens after your initial contact\/ enquiry?<\/span><\/div>
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Following your initial enquiry, we will arrange a free 30 minute call to find out more about your enquiry, what brings you to seek support, your needs and goals. If you are happy to proceed we will then arrange your first session.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

How long would the sessions be?<\/span><\/div>
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Psychotherapy and counselling sessions last 50 minutes, in line with standard clinical practice. Unless otherwise agreed, weekly attendance is recommended to ensure you gain the maximum therapeutic benefit, providing structure and consistency to the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I come by without an appointment?<\/span><\/div>
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All sessions need to be pre-scheduled and thus I see clients only by appointment. To ensure that each session remains private, confidential, focused, and uninterrupted, please schedule your session in advance. You can contact me by phone, email, or through the contact form to book an appointment or ask any questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What is the cancelation policy?<\/span><\/div>
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I will always endeavour to do my best to accommodate your needs if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. However, last\u2011minute cancellations and no\u2011shows are charged in full unless at least 24 hours\u2019 notice is given or an exceptional circumstance has arisen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Where do you practice?<\/span><\/div>
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The private practice is located in the centre of Thessaloniki and is easily accessible by car, bus, or metro. If you are unable to attend in person, online mental health services are also available and as effective.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Do you do home visits?<\/span><\/div>
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I am not currently able to offer home\u2011based sessions. However, you can receive support from the comfort of your home\u2014wherever you are\u2014through secure online or telephone sessions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

How many sessions will I need?<\/span><\/div>
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Therapy is not a \u201cone\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all\u201d process. The number of sessions varies depending on your circumstances, goals, and needs. After the initial call, and if you choose to proceed, it is usually recommended to begin with six sessions. Many clients then continue with open\u2011ended therapy for deeper exploration and sustainable progress. In such cases, a review takes place every 6\u20137 sessions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What approaches do you use?<\/span><\/div>
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My approach is flexible, integrative and person-centred, shaped around your individual needs and goals. I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including person\u2011centred psychotherapy, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness\u2011based therapies, amongst others. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I expect in the first session?<\/span><\/div>
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The first session is an opportunity explore what brings you to therapy, clarify your goals, and address any initial questions while building our therapeutic relationship. It is a collaborative and supportive space to get to know each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Do you work with children or adolescents?<\/span><\/div>
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I only see adolescents (i.e., 16 years and older). Unfortunately, I do not work with children in my private practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

In what languages are the sessions offered?<\/span><\/div>
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Sessions are held in Greek and English, either in person or online. You are welcome and encouraged to use the language you feel most comfortable with.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I switch to online sessions if needed?<\/span><\/div>
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Yes. Many clients combine in-person and online sessions depending on their availability, schedule or convenience. Flexibility is a key part of the support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Is online therapy just as effective as in person therapy?<\/span><\/div>
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Since the Covid\u201119 pandemic, online therapy has grown significantly. It offers many additional benefits, and in many cases its effectiveness is comparable to in\u2011person therapy. The therapeutic relationship, one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes, can be just as meaningful online. Therapy from home is also ideal for people with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or those experiencing tiredness and fatigue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Is my therapy confidential?<\/span><\/div>
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Yes, all therapeutic information and communication are kept strictly confidential.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I arrive early for my appointment?<\/span><\/div>
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To ensure privacy and respect for all clients, you are kindly requested to arrive exactly at your appointment time. There is no waiting area (physical or online), so you may need to wait outside or in a virtual “lobby” until your session begins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can I bring someone with me to the first session?<\/span><\/div>
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Some clients wonder whether they can bring a partner, parent, friend or trusted person to the first session. While it\u2019s completely understandable to seek support, for practical and privacy reasons individual attendance is encouraged so we can focus fully on you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Which difficulties do you not work with?<\/span><\/div>
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I do not provide psychological assessments, court\u2011mandated therapy, or treatment for active substance dependence\/ substance abuse. If you\u2019re unsure whether your needs fall within my scope, please feel free to contact me.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

Who can I contact if I need immediate help\/ urgent care in a crisis?<\/span><\/div>
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Please note: this is not a crisis service.
\nIf you experience emotional distress between sessions, you may reach out by phone or email, and I will respond as soon as possible during working hours.
\nIf you need immediate help or feel at risk, please contact without delay:
\n\u2022 Your GP or local emergency services
\n\u2022 Mental health helplines in your area
\n\u2022 The nearest hospital or emergency department<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

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You deserve immediate, compassionate and expret care\u2014please don\u2019t hesitate to seek support whenever you need it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Contact<\/div>
231 511 32 90<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Office<\/div>
26th October 6<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Email<\/div>
maria.gialama@bath.edu<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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