{"id":3135,"date":"2026-01-24T19:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T19:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/emotional-mental-health\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T01:45:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T01:45:03","slug":"emotional-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/emotional-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Emotional &amp; Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acaeeba\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_color_scheme_1 bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_bottom_section_coverage_image bt_bb_section_with_bottom_coverage_image bt_bb_top_spacing_large bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large bt_bb_negative_margin_none\" style=\"; --section-primary-color:#ffffff; --section-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_background_image_holder_wrapper\"><div class=\"bt_bb_background_image_holder btLazyLoadBackground bt_bb_parallax\"  data-background_image_src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maria-Gialama-page-header-background.jpg\" data-parallax=\"0.8\" data-parallax-offset=\"0\" data-parallax-zoom-start=\"1\" data-parallax-zoom-end=\"1\" data-parallax-blur-start=\"0\" data-parallax-blur-end=\"0\" data-parallax-opacity-start=\"1\" data-parallax-opacity-end=\"1\" style=\" background-image: url(&#039;https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/bold-page-builder\/img\/blank.gif&#039;);\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-8 col-xl-8 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-8 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_none bt_bb_animation_fade_in animate\" style=\"; --column-width:8;\" data-width=\"8\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_left&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;left&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_padding_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_padding_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_normal bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content bt_bb_hidden_xs bt_bb_hidden_ms bt_bb_hidden_sm\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_superheadline bt_bb_superheadline_outside bt_bb_subheadline bt_bb_size_normal bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;extrasmall&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;extrasmall&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_headline_superheadline_outside\"><span  class=\"bt_bb_headline_superheadline\">About<\/span><\/div><h1 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>Emotional<br \/><br \/>\n& Mental Health <\/span><\/span><\/h1><div  class=\"bt_bb_headline_subheadline\">How can I help you<\/div><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-4 col-xl-4 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:4;\" data-width=\"4\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><div class=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/bottom_beige_home_02.png\" alt=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\" \/><\/div><\/section><section id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acaf81d\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_color_scheme_14 bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_bottom_section_coverage_image bt_bb_section_with_bottom_coverage_image bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium\" style=\"; --section-primary-color:#0c0c0c; --section-secondary-color:#f4f0ef;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_extra_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_extra_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;extra_small&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;extra_small&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-4 col-xl-4 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_none bt_bb_animation_fade_in animate\" style=\"; --column-width:4;\" data-width=\"4\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_left&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;left&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_padding_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_padding_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_title_color_alternate btWithLink bt_bb_color_scheme_3 bt_bb_font_weight_300\"  style=\"margin-right: 0em;; --call-to-action-primary-color:#d7a697; --call-to-action-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\"><a href=\"tel:+302315113290\"  target=\"_self\" class=\"btLink\"><\/a><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_icon\"><div class=\"bt_bb_icon bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_size_large bt_bb_align_inherit\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><span  data-ico-icon7stroke=\"&#xe627;\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_supertitle\">Contact<\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content_title\" >231 511 32 90<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-4 col-xl-4 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal bt_bb_animation_fade_in animate\" style=\"; --column-width:4;\" data-width=\"4\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_left&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;left&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_padding_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_padding_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_title_color_alternate btWithLink bt_bb_color_scheme_3 bt_bb_font_weight_300\"  style=\"margin-right: 0em;; --call-to-action-primary-color:#d7a697; --call-to-action-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/tWy7WYHjbNZs2iyz9\"  target=\"_self\" class=\"btLink\"><\/a><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_icon\"><div class=\"bt_bb_icon bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_size_large bt_bb_align_inherit\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><span  data-ico-essential=\"&#xe9f2;\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_supertitle\">Office<\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content_title\" >26th October 6<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-4 col-xl-4 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-4 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_none bt_bb_animation_fade_in animate\" style=\"; --column-width:4;\" data-width=\"4\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_left&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;left&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_padding_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_padding_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_title_color_alternate btWithLink bt_bb_color_scheme_3 bt_bb_font_weight_300\"  style=\"margin-right: 0em;; --call-to-action-primary-color:#d7a697; --call-to-action-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\"><a href=\"mailto:maria.gialama@bath.edu\"  target=\"_self\" class=\"btLink\"><\/a><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_icon\"><div class=\"bt_bb_icon bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_size_large bt_bb_align_inherit\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><span  data-ico-icon7stroke=\"&#xe631;\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_supertitle\">Email<\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_call_to_action_content_title\" >maria.gialama@bath.edu<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><div class=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/white_bottom_01.png\" alt=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\" \/><\/div><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb023a\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_icon bt_bb_color_scheme_11 bt_bb_style_borderless bt_bb_size_huge bt_bb_shape_circle bt_bb_align_inherit btWithColoredIcon bt_bb_font_weight_100\" style=\"; --icon-primary-color:#d7a697; --icon-secondary-color:#2f5468;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_huge&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;huge&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><span class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><span class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder_inner\"><svg id=\"Layer_1\" data-name=\"Layer 1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#479baf;opacity:0.7;}.cls-2{fill:#161919;}<\/style><\/defs><title>_<\/title><circle id=\"_Path_\" data-name=\"&lt;Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-1\" cx=\"54.17\" cy=\"47.37\" r=\"16.37\"\/><g id=\"_Group_\" data-name=\"&lt;Group&gt;\"><path id=\"_Path_2\" data-name=\"&lt;Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M53.5,12.33h-.58A29.87,29.87,0,0,0,23.09,42L16.84,62.08a3.94,3.94,0,0,0,3.76,5.11h4.67V77.43a6.3,6.3,0,0,0,6.8,6.28L41.36,83v3.64a1.06,1.06,0,0,0,2.11,0V81.83a1.06,1.06,0,0,0-.34-.78,1,1,0,0,0-.8-.28l-10.42.83a4.19,4.19,0,0,1-4.52-4.17V66.13a1.06,1.06,0,0,0-1.06-1.06H20.61a1.83,1.83,0,0,1-1.75-2.37l6.29-20.22a1,1,0,0,0,0-.31A27.76,27.76,0,0,1,52.92,14.44h.58A27.76,27.76,0,0,1,81.23,42.17V52.92a65.58,65.58,0,0,1-5.09,25.4l-1.3,3.1a1.06,1.06,0,0,0-.08.41v4.78a1.06,1.06,0,1,0,2.11,0V82l1.22-2.91a67.72,67.72,0,0,0,5.25-26.21V42.17A29.87,29.87,0,0,0,53.5,12.33Z\"\/><path id=\"_Path_3\" data-name=\"&lt;Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M60.53,55.1a1.06,1.06,0,0,0,1.5,0,11.59,11.59,0,1,0-16.39,0,1.06,1.06,0,1,0,1.5-1.5,9.47,9.47,0,1,1,13.4,0A1.06,1.06,0,0,0,60.53,55.1Z\"\/><path id=\"_Path_4\" data-name=\"&lt;Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M76.66,45.85a1.06,1.06,0,0,0-1.06,1.06A21.77,21.77,0,1,1,53.83,25.14a1.06,1.06,0,0,0,0-2.11A23.88,23.88,0,1,0,77.72,46.91,1.06,1.06,0,0,0,76.66,45.85Z\"\/><path id=\"_Compound_Path_\" data-name=\"&lt;Compound Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M53.83,55.41a1.06,1.06,0,0,0,1.06-1.06v-3.6a4,4,0,1,0-2.11,0v3.6A1.06,1.06,0,0,0,53.83,55.41ZM52,46.91a1.88,1.88,0,1,1,1.88,1.88A1.88,1.88,0,0,1,52,46.91Z\"\/><path id=\"_Path_5\" data-name=\"&lt;Path&gt;\" class=\"cls-2\" d=\"M47.42,63.4a17.7,17.7,0,1,0-10-9.8,1.06,1.06,0,1,0,2-.8,15.68,15.68,0,1,1,8.79,8.63,1.06,1.06,0,1,0-.77,2Z\"\/><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_extra_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_extra_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;extra_small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h2 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>Emotional & Mental Health <\/span><\/span><\/h2><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-health-strengthening-our-response\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mental health<\/a> is undeniably a fundamental pillar of daily functioning and wellbeing. Good mental is a state of mental wellbeing, helping us face life\u2019s challenges and stresses, realise and make use of our abilities, learn, work, and contribute actively to our community. It is important in itself (it has intrinsic value) but also has practical significance, helping us function better (it has instrumental value). It is a basic human right and a core, inseparable part of health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"katathlipsi\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_normal bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-health-strengthening-our-response\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mental health<\/a> affects all ages and social groups. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/02-09-2025-over-a-billion-people-living-with-mental-health-conditions-services-require-urgent-scale-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO ), more than one billion people worldwide live with mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n<p>If anxiety, low mood, or recurring thoughts are affecting your life and daily functioning, psychological support can be an important step toward change. Together we can explore the deeper causes of these difficulties and, through evidence\u2011based methods, develop skills and strategies that help restore your stability and resilience.<\/p>\n<p>This category may include challenges such as social anxiety, health anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, worry, and specific fears.<\/p>\n<p>1.1 <a href=\"#katathlipsi\">Depression, low mood &amp; loss of interest<\/a><br \/>\n1.2 <a href=\"#anxos-kriseis-panikou\">Generalized anxiety, panic attacks &amp; health anxiety <\/a><br \/>\n1.3 <a href=\"#ocd\">Obsessive thoughts &amp; compulsive behaviour \/ Obsessive\u2011Compulsive Disorder (OCD) <\/a><br \/>\n1.4 <a href=\"#fovies\">Phobias, Social Phobia &amp; Agoraphobia<\/a><br \/>\n1.5 <a href=\"#dipoliki-diataraxi\">Bipolar Disorder &amp; mood regulation difficulties<\/a><br \/>\n1.6 <a href=\"#sad\">Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) <\/a><br \/>\n1.7 <a href=\"#stress-burnout\">Chronic stress, work\u2011related stress &amp; burnout<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"katathlipsi\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb0f70\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.1 Depression, Low Mood & Loss of Interest<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb11fb\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Depression<\/a>, or depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, low mood, or loss of interest and pleasure in activities for an extended period of time. It may appear as <a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#1563440232\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ongoing depressed mood<\/a>, such as sadness, irritability, emptiness, or loss of pleasure, and may be accompanied by cognitive, behavioural, or physical symptoms that significantly affect a person\u2019s functioning.<\/p>\n<p>Depression differs from ordinary mood fluctuations and can affect all areas of life, including relationships with family, friends, and the wider social environment. It may lead to difficulties at school, work, and in social functioning. It does not discriminate and can appear in anyone, although it is more common in women and in people who have experienced abuse, loss, or intense stress. It is estimated to affect about 4% of the global population (approximately 332 million people).<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Psychotherapy is considered a first\u2011line treatment for depression while there is strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/epidemiology-and-psychiatric-sciences\/article\/is-psychotherapy-effective-a-reanalysis-of-treatments-for-depression\/5D8EC85B6FA35B5CEE124381F18E51B9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Munder et al., 2019<\/a>). It offers a safe space where a person can identify, question, and modify negative thoughts and dysfunctional behaviours, understand how experiences and relationships influence mood, develop new coping and self\u2011care strategies, and strengthen support networks and the ability to manage difficult situations.<\/p>\n<p>Modern therapeutic approaches often incorporate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/psychology\/mindfulness-based-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mindfulness<\/a> techniques and strategies targeting specific symptoms, such as fatigue and insomnia. Gradually, the person learns to focus on the relationships and life events that influence their mood, strengthening communication, support networks, and the ability to navigate challenges. This process helps them regain clarity, energy, interest, and a more stable and supportive daily life.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"anxos-kriseis-panikou\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb1657\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.2 Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Health Anxiety<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb1862\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/10.1176\/appi.books.9780890425787.x05_Anxiety_Disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Anxiety disorders<\/a> include conditions involving excessive fear and anxiety, accompanied by behavioural changes or disturbances that often become overwhelming and interfere with daily life. Fear arises in response to an immediate threat, bringing a surge of autonomic arousal and a strong drive to escape. Anxiety centres on anticipating future danger, showing up as muscle tension, vigilance, and cautious or avoidant behaviour. The two states often overlap, but they differ in timing and bodily response. Panic attacks are an intense form of fear and can appear within anxiety disorders as well as other psychological difficulties. Both fear and anxiety may temporarily lessen when someone avoids the situations that trigger them, even though this avoidance can reinforce the cycle over time.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#1712535455\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Generalized anxiety<\/a> (or generalized anxiety disorder) is a condition where anxiety is continuous and intense for many months, almost daily. A person may feel persistent worry, hard to control anxiety and excessive concern about multiple areas of life, such as family, health, finances, school, or work. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as muscle tension, restlessness or nervousness, heightened autonomic arousal, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and\/or sleep difficulties. These symptoms can significantly affect and interfere with daily life, relationships, work, or studies. They are not due to another medical condition or the use of substances or medications affecting the nervous system.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#1707067746\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">panic attack<\/a> is a sudden episode of intense fear or apprehension, accompanied by the rapid onset of multiple physical and psychological symptoms. These may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, a sense of choking, chest pain, dizziness, light-headedness, chills or hot flashes, tingling or numbness, and feelings of detachment from oneself or the environment. Panic attacks often involve fear of losing control, \u201cgoing crazy,\u201d or even dying. They may occur unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK519704\/table\/ch3.t32\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>health anxiety<\/strong><\/a>, a person may be excessively preoccupied with their health, either by repeatedly checking their body for signs of illness or by avoiding doctors and hospitals. This worry may last for months and change form over time.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Psychotherapy is an effective <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/panic-attacks\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20376027\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">first choice<\/a> for anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It provides a safe space where a person can understand what they are experiencing and learn ways to manage anxiety, worry, and physical symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Through therapy, a person can address generalized anxiety, panic attacks, excessive worry, and the physical symptoms that often accompany them. They can also receive support when health\u2011related anxiety becomes overwhelming and leads to repeated checks or frequent medical visits.<\/p>\n<p>Therapy helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. This can reduce excessive anxiety, intense worry, and negative thinking, and improve the ability to manage physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tension, or sleep difficulties. At the same time, it strengthens self\u2011confidence and the ability to cope with challenging situations.<\/p>\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapsychiatry\/fullarticle\/2810866\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recent systematic review (Papola et al., 2024)<\/a>, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), third\u2011wave CBT approaches, and relaxation techniques are more effective than \u201ctreatment as usual\u201d (i.e whatever care a person would normally receive, without adding anything new) in treating the acute phase of generalized anxiety disorder. Depending on a person\u2019s needs, therapy may include cognitive restructuring, relaxation, psychoeducation about the nature of anxiety, monitoring of symptoms (physical, cognitive, and behavioural), and gradual exposure to anxiety\u2011provoking situations with coping\u2011skills practice. With consistent support, a person can regain control, reduce anxiety, and build a calmer, more functional, and balanced daily life.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"ocd\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.3 Obsessive Thoughts & Compulsive Behaviors \/ Obsessive\u2011Compulsive Disorder (OCD)<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb1d40\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#1638858328\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Obsessive thoughts<\/a> are recurring, persistent, and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses\/ urges that \u201center\u201d the mind involuntarily. They often involve fears (e.g., fear of contamination or fear of harming someone), disturbing images, or thoughts that do not align with a person\u2019s values. They are usually accompanied by anxiety and discomfort.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#1582741816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Obsessive\u2011Compulsive Disorder (OCD)<\/a> occurs when these intrusive, anxiety\u2011provoking thoughts, images, or impulses are accompanied by compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that create anxiety. People usually try to ignore or neutralize them by performing compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts carried out in response to an obsession, according to rigid rules, or to achieve a sense of \u201ccompleteness.\u201d For a diagnosis, these patterns must be time\u2011consuming, such as taking more than an hour a day or cause significant distress or interfere with personal, family, social, educational, or work life. The symptoms cannot be better explained by another medical condition or by the effects of substances or medication.<\/p>\n<p>Obsessions and compulsions can consume significant time during the day, cause distress, and interfere with <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/9490-ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">daily<\/a> life, relationships, work, or studies. Unlike everyday \u201chabits\u201d or occasional checking behaviours (e.g., checking the door or the stove), OCD obsessions are unwanted, and compulsions do not bring pleasure, they are performed to reduce anxiety. Symptoms often intensify during stressful periods and may fluctuate over time.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Psychotherapy can help individuals recognize and better understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, and gradually begin to change them. In therapy, a person learns to identify, examine and modify negative or dysfunctional thoughts and habits, and to practice accepting obsessions as thoughts rather than threats. At the same time, they gradually reduce the need for compulsions and learn to live meaningfully despite the symptoms, reducing the \u201cpower\u201d these symptoms have over their behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>A key step is learning to accept obsessive thoughts as thoughts, not as dangers. It is anticipated that when a person stops giving them power, compulsions begin to lose the control they once had over daily life. Research shows that cognitive\u2011behavioural approaches significantly reduce OCD symptoms and are strongly evidence\u2011based treatments (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11920-009-0043-8#citeas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Storch et al., 2009<\/a>). When combined with mindfulness techniques such as meditation and relaxation, therapy can help people manage anxiety, regain a sense of control, and strengthen the ability to live meaningfully even in the presence of symptoms. With consistent support and guidance, change is possible. A person can learn to live with greater freedom, presence, and authenticity, without obsessions dictating their life.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"fovies\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb1fe3\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.4 Phobias, Social Phobia & Agoraphobia<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb21f6\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/phobias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phobias <\/a>are intense and \u201cexcessive\u201d fears linked to specific objects, situations, or activities. A person may feel anxiety even at the thought of encountering what they fear, for example, certain animals, places, or situations. The <a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#239513569\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fear<\/a> can be so strong that the person may go to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation, or endure it with extreme anxiety.<\/p>\n<p>This anxiety can make it difficult for someone to behave naturally or feel like themselves. It may be accompanied by intense physical reactions such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or breathing difficulties, and in some cases may escalate into panic attacks.<\/p>\n<p>Research shows that phobias often develop through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Sometimes they are linked to a very distressing first experience with the feared object or situation (e.g., an animal attack), but such an experience is not always necessary (e.g <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3143273\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Czajkowski et al., 2012<\/a>). There may be a family history of anxiety or other mental health difficulties, or the person may have experienced intense worry or discomfort in new situations during childhood. Symptoms may last for months and be severe enough to interfere with daily life.<\/p>\n<p>A <strong>specific phobia<\/strong> is an intense fear of something (an object or situation) that is usually not truly dangerous. Examples include fear of flying (fear of crashing), fear of animals (fear of being bitten or attacked), fear of enclosed spaces (fear of being trapped), fear of heights (fear of falling), fear of tunnels (fear of collapse), or fear triggered by the sight of blood or injury.<\/p>\n<p>People with specific phobias often recognize that their fear is greater than the actual danger but still struggle to control or overcome it. The fear may affect daily life at school, work, or home. If the feared object is easy to avoid, people may not seek help but sometimes they make major life or career decisions solely to avoid situations involving their fear.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#2062286624\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social phobia<\/a> (or social anxiety disorder) is an intense fear or anxiety that arises in one or more social situations, such as social interactions\/ talking with others, being observed while doing something (e.g., eating or drinking in public), or speaking in front of an audience. There is often a fear of negative evaluation, worry about appearing awkward, showing signs of anxiety, or being judged negatively. As a result, the person avoids these situations or endures them with significant anxiety and discomfort. Symptoms may last for months and be severe enough to affect daily life.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#530592394\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Agoraphobia<\/a> is an intense fear or anxiety that occurs in situations where escape may be difficult or where help may not be available if needed. Such situations may include using public transportation, being in crowds, or leaving home alone (e.g., going to shops, theatres, or waiting in lines). The person may worry about experiencing something negative, such as a panic attack or other intense and embarrassing symptoms. As a result, they avoid these situations, face them only under certain conditions (e.g., with a trusted person), or endure them with extreme anxiety. Symptoms may last for months and significantly affect daily functioning.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Many people with a phobia <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/phobias\/treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">don\u2019t need formal treatment<\/a>, and simply avoiding the thing they fear is often enough to keep symptoms under control. However, avoiding the feared situation isn\u2019t always possible. In those cases, seeking professional support can help.<\/p>\n<p>Psychotherapy can become a safe starting point for those struggling with phobias or social anxiety, a space where a person does not need to \u201chide\u201d their fear but can explore it with understanding and without judgment.<\/p>\n<p>Many people with phobias tend to show two behavioural patterns: relying excessively on others to feel safe, or systematically avoiding what they fear. Although these patterns often have roots in overprotective family environments, they do not have to define a person\u2019s life forever.<\/p>\n<p>In therapy, a person can experience a different kind of relationship: supportive but not overprotective, encouraging but not pressuring. This relationship helps them recognize the patterns that hold them back and take small, steady steps toward greater autonomy, confidence, and freedom. Depending on individual needs, therapy may help identify what maintains the fear, develop new ways of thinking and responding, gradually reduce anxiety, and face feared situations safely rather than avoiding them. This process supports the development of autonomy, self\u2011confidence, and emotional independence (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/1967-01634-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Andrews, 1966<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Change doesn\u2019t have to happen all at once. It often begins with small shifts in how a person thinks and responds, changes that, over time, create more freedom and less anxiety. As someone gradually learns to face what they fear rather than avoid it, life opens in new and more flexible ways.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"dipoliki-diataraxi\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.5 Bipolar Disorder & Mood Regulation Difficulties<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb27d9\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse\/2025-01\/mms\/en#613065957\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bipolar Disorder<\/a> is a mental health condition characterized by significant fluctuations in mood, energy levels, and activity that come and go over time. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/patients-families\/bipolar-disorders\/what-are-bipolar-disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">changes <\/a>can range from periods of very low mood (depressive episodes) to periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and heightened activity (manic or hypomanic episodes). These shifts can affect sleep, concentration, decision\u2011making, and daily functioning.<\/p>\n<p>Mood regulation difficulties may also appear outside the context of Bipolar Disorders (BD). A person may experience intense emotional changes, difficulty stabilizing their mood, or rapid shifts in energy and motivation. These fluctuations can interfere with relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/bipolar-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bipolar disorders<\/a> are grouped into three main types, each involving clear shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, from manic highs to depressive lows.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bipolar I disorder involves full manic episodes lasting at least a week or severe enough to require hospital care. Depressive episodes usually occur as well, typically lasting two weeks or more. Some people experience mixed features, and having four or more episodes in a year is known as \u201crapid cycling\u201d.<\/li>\n<li>Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is less intense than full mania, and many people spend long periods in a persistent, low\u2011grade depressive state.<\/li>\n<li>Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia) involves ongoing fluctuations between hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not strong or long enough to meet full episode criteria.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A fourth category, other specified or unspecified bipolar and related disorders, is used when symptoms don\u2019t fit neatly into the three main types but still follow a bipolar pattern.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Psychotherapy plays a key role in managing bipolar depression and the difficulties that come with it. Research shows that, when combined with medication, psychological therapies can help delay or prevent new depressive episodes (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10198128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang &amp; Miklowitz, 2023<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10198128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Psychotherapy<\/a> provides a structured and supportive space to identify and understand mood patterns and triggers, develop strategies for emotional regulation and thus change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Through therapy, individuals can learn to recognize early signs of mood changes, manage stress more effectively, and build routines that support stability.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence\u2011based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and mindfulness\u2011based interventions can help improve emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and support long\u2011term mood stability. Therapy also helps individuals navigate the impact of mood changes on relationships, work, and daily life, fostering greater balance and resilience. Although psychotherapy is not a panacea, it offers a meaningful space for support, understanding, and healing (e.g <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10198128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chiang &amp; Miklowitz, 2023<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"sad\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.6 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb2cc4\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)<\/a> is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly appearing during the autumn and winter months when daylight decreases. Symptoms may include low mood, reduced energy, increased sleep, changes in appetite (e.g being more hungry and eating more than usual), difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in activities. Some people may also notice a brief lift in energy at the start of spring or summer.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/conditions\/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad\/overview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SAD<\/a><\/strong> is linked to changes in biological rhythms, light exposure, and neurotransmitter regulation. Changes in daylight can shift brain chemicals <strong>such as melatonin and serotonin<\/strong>, which influence mood and sleep patterns (your circadian rhythm). It can significantly affect daily functioning, motivation, and overall wellbeing during specific times of the year.<\/p>\n<p>People are more likely to develop SAD if they are female, younger, live far from the equator, or have a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or SAD (<a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1155\/2015\/178564\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Melrose, 2015<\/a>). Treatments for SAD fall into four main groups, and they can be used on their own or together: light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medication and vitamin D.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/bipolar-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Psychotherapy <\/strong><\/a>can help individuals understand how seasonal changes affect their mood and develop strategies to manage symptoms.\u00a0Evidence\u2011based approaches such as CBT can help challenge negative thought patterns, build healthier routines, and strengthen coping skills during vulnerable periods.\u00a0Psychotherapy may also incorporate behavioural activation to plan enjoyable activities that counter the loss of interest common in winter or summer, lifestyle adjustments, and planning ahead for seasonal transitions.\u00a0When symptoms are mild, lifestyle\u2011based programs that encourage healthier eating, more exercise, better stress management, staying socially connected, and spending more time outdoors can also be helpful (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1155\/2015\/178564\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Melrose, 2015<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p>Combined with other interventions, such as light exposure strategies, psychotherapy can support individuals in maintaining stability and wellbeing throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"stress-burnout\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_negative_margin_none\"  data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_font_weight_normal bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_4 bt_bb_dash_line bt_bb_size_medium bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#d7a697; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#ffffff;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>1.7 Chronic Stress, Work\u2011Related Stress & Burnout<\/span><\/span><\/h4><\/header><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb3170\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" ><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is it?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>In modern daily life, where demands keep increasing and time feels ever more limited, stress has become a common experience for many people. Acute stress can sometimes be helpful, it\u2019s a natural reaction that boosts adrenaline and helps us stay focused and get things done. Chronic stress, however, is very different. It creates a constant sense of pressure and overload that slowly wears down both the body and the mind, affecting health, mood, and overall quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, chronic stress can become exhausting. Chronic stress occurs when stressors persist over long periods without adequate recovery. It drains energy, weakens emotional resilience, and depletes mental resources. Research shows that long\u2011term stress is linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, depression, and obesity. It often shows up through physical symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, aches, changes in appetite), cognitive difficulties (foggy thinking, poor concentration), emotional fluctuations\/ ups and downs, and behavioural changes like social withdrawal or increased use of substances. It can also contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, depression, and various addictions. Despite this, many people living with ongoing stress don\u2019t make lifestyle changes that could reduce it and protect their health.<\/p>\n<p>We now know clearly that chronic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/stress\/body\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stress<\/a> is associated with many physical illnesses, including hypertension, heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and arthritis. It is also linked to addictions involving alcohol, nicotine, medications (such as anxiolytics or painkillers), and behavioural addictions like overeating, gambling, or excessive internet use. Psychologically, it is connected to a wide range of difficulties, especially anxiety and mood disorders. The conditions most strongly tied to chronic stress include hypertension, depression, addictions, and anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/every-mind-matters\/lifes-challenges\/work-related-stress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Work\u2011related stress<\/a> may arise from high demands, limited control, interpersonal difficulties, or lack of support in the workplace, leading to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often accompanied by reduced motivation, feelings of ineffectiveness, and detachment. It can affect performance, motivation, and a person\u2019s relationship with their job. Burnout is linked to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Health professionals and others in demanding roles often experience this intensely.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Health Organization <\/a>describes burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Although it is not a medical diagnosis per se, it can involve many symptoms such as physical fatigue, sleep problems, emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation, reduced performance, anxiety, depression, and psychological strain. It is characterised by three main components: (1) a sense of exhaustion or lack of energy, (2) increased mental distance from one\u2019s work or feelings of negativity or cynicism and (3) reduced professional effectiveness. These conditions can affect concentration, sleep, physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. They may also lead to irritability, fatigue, decreased performance, and a sense of being overwhelmed.<\/p>\n<p>Health professionals, in particular, are especially vulnerable to burnout because of the unique stressors they face. Long working hours, poor work\u2013life balance, and a lack of support or recognition combine with systemic problems such as understaffing, heavy patient loads, and administrative pressures. In some situations, they may even be forced to act in ways that conflict with their personal or professional values\u2014for example, limiting care because resources are insufficient. These conditions can lead to emotional exhaustion, a sense of detachment from patients and work, and a growing desire to leave the profession (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-025-92909-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tang et al., 2025<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h5><strong>How psychotherapy can help <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Psychotherapy offers a space to explore the sources of stress, understand personal patterns of coping, and develop healthier strategies for managing pressure. Through therapy, individuals can learn to set boundaries, improve communication, and cultivate self\u2011care practices that support long\u2011term wellbeing. <a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-recover-from-burnout\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Talking openly<\/a> about personal experiences can also ease the load. Having space to express what feels overwhelming and having someone acknowledge that the situation is genuinely difficult can make the process feel more manageable.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence\u2011based approaches such as CBT, stress\u2011management techniques, and mindfulness\u2011based interventions can help reduce tension, improve emotional regulation, and restore balance. Therapy also supports individuals in reconnecting with their values, strengthening resilience, and rebuilding a sense of purpose and satisfaction in daily life.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_medium bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"5.4.7\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb39af\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_color_scheme_1 bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_top_section_coverage_image bt_bb_section_with_top_coverage_image bt_bb_bottom_section_coverage_image bt_bb_section_with_bottom_coverage_image bt_bb_top_spacing_large bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large bt_bb_negative_margin_none\" style=\"; --section-primary-color:#ffffff; --section-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_negative_margin_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_background_image_holder_wrapper\"><div class=\"bt_bb_background_image_holder btLazyLoadBackground bt_bb_parallax\"  data-background_image_src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Maria-Gialama-services-synaisthimatiki-psychiki-ygeia-1.jpg\" data-parallax=\"0.8\" data-parallax-offset=\"0\" data-parallax-zoom-start=\"1\" data-parallax-zoom-end=\"1\" data-parallax-blur-start=\"0\" data-parallax-blur-end=\"0\" data-parallax-opacity-start=\"1\" data-parallax-opacity-end=\"1\" style=\" background-image: url(&#039;https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/bold-page-builder\/img\/blank.gif&#039;);\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_middle bt_bb_align_center bt_bb_padding_none bt_bb_animation_fade_in animate\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_center&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;center&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_padding_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_padding_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_small bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content bt_bb_hidden_xs bt_bb_hidden_ms bt_bb_hidden_sm\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;small&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_medium&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;medium&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><header data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_headline bt_bb_supertitle_color_scheme_1 bt_bb_dash_none bt_bb_subheadline bt_bb_size_large bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --headline-supertitle-primary-color:#ffffff; --headline-supertitle-secondary-color:#2b2c2e;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_large&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;large&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;}}\"><h4 class=\"bt_bb_headline_tag\"><span class=\"bt_bb_headline_content\"><span>Get started today!<\/span><\/span><\/h4><div  class=\"bt_bb_headline_subheadline\">Schedule your next session.<\/div><\/header><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_button bt_bb_color_scheme_6 bt_bb_icon_position_left bt_bb_style_filled_border bt_bb_size_normal bt_bb_width_inline bt_bb_shape_square bt_bb_target_self bt_bb_text_transform_inherit bt_bb_align_inherit\" style=\"; --primary-color:#ffffff; --secondary-color:#d7a697;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_align_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_align_inherit&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;inherit&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_animation_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_animation_no_animation&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;no_animation&quot;}}\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"bt_bb_link\" title=\"CONTACT\"><span class=\"bt_bb_button_text\" >CONTACT<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_top_spacing_none bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal bt_bb_border_thickness_1 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_none&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;md&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;sm&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;xs&quot;:&quot;none&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_1&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;1&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;xl&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><div class=\"bt_bb_section_top_section_coverage_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/top_white_02.png\" alt=\"bt_bb_section_top_section_coverage_image\" \/><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/white_bottom_01.png\" alt=\"bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image\" \/><\/div><\/section><section data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" id=\"bt_bb_section6a9025acb43cd\" class=\"bt_bb_section bt_bb_layout_boxed_1200\"  data-bt-override-class=\"null\"><div class=\"bt_bb_port\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell\"><div class=\"bt_bb_cell_inner\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row \"  data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_row_holder\" ><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_column col-xxl-12 col-xl-12 col-xs-12 col-sm-12 col-md-12 col-lg-12 bt_bb_vertical_align_top bt_bb_align_left bt_bb_padding_normal\" style=\"; --column-width:12;\" data-width=\"12\" data-bt-override-class=\"{}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content\"><div class=\"bt_bb_column_content_inner\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2 bt_bb_border_style_none bt_bb_color_scheme_22 bt_bb_top_spacing_extra_small bt_bb_bottom_spacing_50 bt_bb_border_thickness_2 bt_bb_icon_size_normal bt_bb_text_size_normal bt_bb_separator_v2_without_content\" style=\"; --primary-color:#fff; --secondary-color:#000;\" data-bt-override-class=\"{&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_top_spacing_extra_small&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;extra_small&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_bottom_spacing_50&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;50&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_border_thickness_2&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;2&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_icon_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;},&quot;bt_bb_text_size_&quot;:{&quot;current_class&quot;:&quot;bt_bb_text_size_normal&quot;,&quot;def&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;}}\"><div class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner\"><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_before\"><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_content\"><span  data-ico-=\"\" class=\"bt_bb_icon_holder\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"bt_bb_separator_v2_inner_after\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion bt_bb_style_outline bt_bb_shape_square\"><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">What happens after your initial contact\/ enquiry?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">How long would the sessions be?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">Where do you practice?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">How many sessions will I need?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">What approaches do you use?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/contact\/\">to get in touch<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">What should I expect in the first session?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">Do you work with children or adolescents?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">In what languages are the sessions offered?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><div data-bb-version=\"5.4.2\" class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item\"><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title\"><span class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_title_inner\">Can I switch to online sessions if needed?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bt_bb_accordion_item_content\"><div data-bb-version=\"4.9.1\"  class=\"bt_bb_text\" >\n<p>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><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- cell_inner --><\/div><!-- cell --><\/div><!-- port --><\/section><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3135","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3135","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3135"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3396,"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3135\/revisions\/3396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mariagialama.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}