At a Glance
How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work and how long does it last?
CBT is a short, structured and scientifically proven approach. We focus on the "here and now", learning practical tools for managing your thoughts and feelings. The duration depends on your goals, but the first signs of improvement appear in the first 2-3 sessions, usually within a few weeks.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session is an exploratory discussion. The purpose is for us to get to know each other, for you to tell me the issues that concern you, and together we can lay the foundations for a personalized support plan in a climate of absolute safety and trust.
Are online sessions as effective as in-person sessions?
Absolutely. Research shows that online CBT psychotherapy has the same results as in-person therapy, while offering the comfort of your own space and saving time on travel, always through encrypted and secure platforms.
Psychiatrist or Psychologist? Do I need medication or psychotherapy?
This is a common dilemma. While medication can provide valuable biological relief from symptoms, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the cause: the way your thoughts and beliefs affect how you feel. Research shows that a combination of medication and CBT produces the best results for moderate to severe cases.
Give yourself what you deserve.
The session lasts 45-55 minutes and includes a psychological assessment and treatment plan. The cost ranges from 50-70 euros. My goal is for your treatment to be focused and effective, so that you do not waste time and money on long-term, ineffective procedures.
What my clients say*
(Dimitris)
"It teaches you cognitive-type techniques-weapons that help you deal with negative-automatic thoughts caused by anxiety. It practically trains you to move forward with your life without spending hours in sessions."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(Alexia)
"While I had had sessions with different psychologists in the past, with Mr. Batakis it was the first time that I felt that he helped me, and already from the first session! I highly recommend him."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(Orpheus)
"He doesn't just explain concepts, but takes the time to train you so you can use them independently and confidently. His clarity, methodical approach, and experience make the therapeutic process truly empowering."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(Demeter)
"He guided us with calmness and clarity on important communication issues and gave us practical tools that substantially helped the relationship to make decisions for the future. We felt comfortable from the first moment."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(Petra)
"He is a qualified professional who at the same time makes you feel safe to talk about anything that concerns you. I felt much better from the very first sessions as he helps you immediately and on a practical level."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(Constantine)
"He listened to me carefully, explored my situation in depth, and in a very good way helped me understand myself and reduce the anxiety disorders I had been dealing with for years."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
What my clients say*
(George)
"His method and professional experience gave me a new way of seeing myself and the things that happen in everyday life. A remarkable and professional person that I highly recommend."
(*) Source: Doctoranytime
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Claim your Peace
Stress is not just pressure, but a mechanism that is stuck in vicious cycles of thought. Through CBT, we identify the automatic thoughts that keep you on your toes and address them collaboratively with a range of effective self-regulation and inner resilience techniques. Regain control and peace of mind today.
Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective approach to treating anxiety. We apply specialized protocols, tailored to the needs of each client, to address dysfunctional anxiety and its symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, hyperarousal, over-analytical thinking, etc. Within the therapeutic context, and if deemed necessary, exploring childhood experiences helps to understand how early dysfunctional patterns that affect your current life were formed.
Gray is not the color of your life.
Depression affects your thinking and vitality, but it is not permanent. With cognitive restructuring, we break the cycle of negativity and withdrawal. In depression treatment, we plan together the steps to re-engage in meaningful activities, breaking the vicious cycle that causes low mood and angry outbursts.
Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy protocols are an effective and sustainable alternative to antidepressant medications in the acute treatment of depression and its accompanying symptoms (anhedonia, difficulty sleeping, etc.). Depression is often maintained by unhelpful ways of thinking, which create vicious cycles of dysphoric feelings. We focus on investigating and treating symptoms — such as constant fatigue and lack of mood, feelings of emptiness, lack of motivation, self-blame, etc. — and on reinterpreting dysphoric childhood experiences, to the extent that they are responsible for current psychosocial difficulties, without unnecessary regression to the past.
Love alone is not enough
Relationships are damaged by poor communication, not a lack of love. In my office, I provide a safe space for conflict resolution and intimacy enhancement. In couples therapy, using CBT, we deconstruct dysfunctional patterns and build a new foundation of mutual respect and communication. Invest in your connection and transform your everyday life together.
A high-quality relationship can be tested by idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and misinterpretations, while common problems of anxiety and depression can create rifts in the relationship. On the other hand, it is known that the establishment and development of early dysfunctional schemas affect the interaction and communication of partners. In my office, we apply the evidence-based knowledge that has been accumulated in development, communication and behavior issues, focusing on the development of healthy patterns of behavior and building relationships based on mutual understanding.
Break the chains of your obsessions
Obsessions and rituals steal your time and peace. By applying the ERP method (Exposure with Response Prevention), we break the mechanism of compulsion. I help you manage uncertainty and weaken disturbing thoughts. Take back your life with a structured and proven (evidence-based) clinical approach.
The disorder is fueled by a vicious cycle: intrusive thoughts that "stick" in the mind or disturbing images that do not go away reinforce the feeling of loss of control, the fear that something bad will happen and the intense need for reassurance. Medication can provide relief from symptoms (insomnia, intense stress, mental exhaustion, etc.). However, psychotherapeutic intervention is what trains the brain to tolerate uncertainty and deconstruct the need for control, thus allowing the person to recover functionality and quality of life.
Turn your anxiety into inner confidence
Panic is a "false alarm" that immobilizes your life. With the method of gradual exposure, we train the brain to face phobic stimuli and recognize safety, disarming physical symptoms the moment they arise. Enjoy every moment of your life and don't let fear narrow your world.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to be very effective in treating phobias such as fear of flying, driving, the dark, claustrophobia, cynophobia, etc. CBT therapy helps you manage the feelings of being trapped by intense phobias — such as social anxiety and fear of criticism, agoraphobia, and panic attacks — by developing new skills and practical ways to cope with them. In our space, we use Virtual Reality technology, where necessary, as additional assistance.
Understand Your Self Deeply
The MMPI-2 is one of the most reliable personality assessment tools in the world, with decades of scientific documentation behind it. What makes the process here special is the next step: the results don't just stay on a piece of paper. We can also "read" them through a CBT lens.
Together we identify which cognitive schemas and dysfunctional beliefs lie behind anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or the feeling that "something is wrong". What do you believe about yourself? What do you believe about others? How do you deal with uncertainty, rejection, failure?
From there, we work together to challenge these beliefs — not to erase them, but to examine them: are they true? Do they serve us? And if not, what more balanced, realistic thoughts can take their place? This process — cognitive restructuring — is the heart of CBT and the path from understanding to change.
Self-awareness is not a luxury. It is the first, decisive step to changing things you thought couldn't be changed.
Success takes strategy — not just effort
The higher you climb, the fewer people you have to talk openly to. CBT-based coaching is aimed at executives, entrepreneurs and professionals who are operating at a high level, but recognize that something is limiting their performance: perfectionism that prevents delegation, avoiding difficult conversations, exhausting procrastination in decisions, “explosions” under pressure. Turn invisible obstacles into measurable progress.
Unlike general “business coaching”, the approach is based on the scientifically proven model of CBT: we identify the cognitive and behavioral patterns that act as an invisible ceiling and change them systematically, with specific goals and application to your real working life. Meta-analyses document significant benefits in performance, well-being, stress management and goal-directed self-regulation — equally effective whether in person or online. At the assessment stage, the MMPI-2 psychometric assessment can also be utilized — for an executive, objective self-awareness is a strategic advantage — while the collaboration is governed by strict professional confidentiality — a prerequisite for every person in a position of responsibility.
Distance is no longer an obstacle
Whether it's psychotherapy or coaching & mentoring, your wellbeing shouldn't wait until you find a gap to squeeze it into. Through secure, encrypted platforms, online CBT offers you the same structure, techniques, and therapeutic relationship as in-person sessions — from your own space, without the travel or wasted time. Start your therapy right where you are, today.
Modern meta-analyses show that remote CBT has comparable results to in-person CBT for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The structured nature of CBT — goals, techniques, exercises between sessions — “travels” exceptionally well through the screen. Online sessions are aimed at clients throughout Greece, as well as Greek expats in the European Union who want to work in their native language — the language in which they think and feel. Confidentiality and professionalism apply just as in the office.
Michael Batakis
He is a licensed practitioner and a specialized CBT psychologist in Athens, which allows him by law to offer mental health and psychotherapy services using the Cognitive Behavioral Approach, a certified psychologist - psychotherapist associate of Ison Psychometrica, with 4 years of certified training in CBT. He is the author of the book "Anger: Become Your Own Scientist" and, among other things, has been a member of the National Fostering and Adoption Council, and a scientific advisor to psydesk.org. He offers his services in person at his office, as well as through online psychotherapy for clients throughout Greece and Greek expats living in European Union countries -and beyond-
Frequently asked questions
