MICHAEL BATAKIS — PSYCHOLOGIST, CBT

Psychologist in Athens & Online Throughout Greece

If you are looking for a psychologist in Greece, you can have face-to-face sessions in Athens or online from anywhere in the country. Online psychological support allows you to work with a CBT psychologist without being restricted by distance, whilst face-to-face sessions take place in central Athens.

Who am I

I have been a psychologist based in Athens since 2004. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an approach that goes beyond theory to provide practical tools you can use starting the very next day. My practice offers specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, and couples therapy, as well as psychological assessment using the MMPI-2 and executive coaching. Sessions take place in person in Athens, as well as via online psychotherapy for clients throughout Greece and Greek expats living in European Union countries who are seeking professional support in their native language.

How do I work

I work with people who want to understand what is happening to them and change it.

Most people who come to me, many times, don't know exactly what's wrong with them. They know that something is wrong — in their stress, in their mood, in their relationship, in the way they think. That's enough to get us started...

"We went for couples therapy. Mr. Batakis is qualified, he listened to us carefully and gave guidelines that work. Very good, we recommend him"

— grigoria, CBT · Couple Therapy

Structured, practical, with direction from the first session.
I don't endlessly analyze the past. I focus on the now — on the thought patterns that keep you where you are — and we systematically work to change them.

Here is an example case study:

01
First session: Together we understand what brings you here and lay the foundation for a personalized plan. No rush, no judgment.
02
Along the way: Each session has a goal. You learn techniques that you apply in everyday life — outside the office, in difficult times.
03
Result: Become your own healer. No dependency — autonomy.

"He remembers every detail from previous sessions, doesn't "give away", and gives practical advice where needed — from the very first meeting."

— Nikos, CBT · Anxiety

Studies and Education

The education behind every session.
I studied psychology in London, did a postgraduate degree in social psychology at Brunel University and specialised in Counselling and Career Guidance. My training in CBT was 4 years — 2 theory and 2 supervised clinical practice — at the Institute of Behavioural Research and Therapy (IBRT) and Schema Therapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.

Education
BSc Psychology, London · MSc Social Psychology, Brunel · Education GSTH - IBRT, Athens

Clinical experience
Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic · General Directorate of Public Health · Kalfopouleio Municipal Clinic · ISON Psychometrica Collaborator

Associations
Panhellenic Association of Psychologists · British Psychological Society

Research and Writing

Clinical work continues outside the office.
I have written research studies in the field of mental health, I write articles in print and electronic media, and I have participated in radio and television shows. I am the author of the book “Anger: Become Your Own Scientist” — a CBT-based manual for anger management that comes with an Android app.

What those who worked with me say

Trust is built in the session — and confirmed afterward.

"Excellent! From an early age, he made me feel comfortable, learned how to manage negative thoughts and anxiety"

— Christos

"From the very beginning, he creates a climate of safety and meaningful communication. What I appreciated most is his ability to transform theory into practical tools with real application in everyday life."

— Orpheus, CBT · Anxiety

"Excellent, his advantage is that he immediately understood the problem and gave targeted advice for solutions. He helped us a lot in couples counseling and our lives have improved a lot on all levels"

— Fotis, Couples Counseling

If you want to talk first — that's okay.

You don’t have to decide right now whether you want to work with me. It’s enough if you feel that something is bothering you and is worth exploring further. Sessions take place in person in central Athens (39 Panepistimiou Street, across from the Panepistimio Metro station), as well as remotely. Online psychotherapy (CBT) is conducted via secure platforms, with flexible appointment times tailored to the needs of clients throughout Greece and abroad (taking into account time zone differences within the EU and beyond).

See more about the book

Licensed Psychologist Athens Michalis Batakis - License to practice and clinical experience

I am a psychologist, holding a professional licence (2004), which legally authorises me to provide mental health services and psychotherapy, having completed postgraduate training in London, and a specialisation diploma in Counselling and Career Guidance and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

My therapeutic approach is primarily based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), using practical and structured interventions tailored to each individual’s needs and goals, whilst incorporating techniques from other approaches, such as ACT and DBT. We have particular expertise in treating anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, including obsessive thoughts and mental compulsions, as well as counselling (relationship and communication issues between partners) and couples therapy.

I have many years’ experience in clinical practice and have completed a four-year certified theoretical and practical training programme in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy under supervision, at the Institute for Behavioural Research and Therapy (IEThS), as well as training in Schema Therapy from the Hellenic Society for Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (EEGSPS). In addition, I have been trained in complementary approaches, such as neurofeedback and psychoanalytic studies, whilst continuing my ongoing training in contemporary therapeutic approaches and interventions, attending further training courses both in Greece and abroad.

In therapy, we don’t just limit ourselves to talking about what’s troubling you. We try to understand how the vicious cycle of the problem is created and maintained — through the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that reinforce it — and we use specific therapeutic techniques to change it.
I have many years’ clinical experience and continue to undertake ongoing training in contemporary therapeutic approaches and interventions.

Improving communication, managing conflict safely and strengthening the emotional bond between partners form the core of my therapeutic interventions with couples.

I have created a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, where scientific knowledge is combined with a human and collaborative relationship. The aim is not only to provide relief from symptoms, but also to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and acquire practical tools that you can use in your everyday life.

Biography

Studies

Degree in Positive Psychology, London
Postgraduate Studies in Social Psychology and Lacanian Psychoanalysis, London
Postgraduate Program in Counseling & Careers, Athens
Postgraduate Program in Clinical Psychopathology and Differential Diagnosis, Athens
Training, (2 years Theory + 2 years practical training in clinical cases with supervision), IETHS, Athens
Training in Schema Therapy, EEGSPS, Thessaloniki
Specialized workshops for clinical psychologists in Greece and abroad

Professional experience

Licensed to practice since 2004
Psychologist, Lyrakou Psychiatric Clinic
Scientific Manager of psydesk.org
Psychologist, General Directorate of Public Health, Athens
Private practice, Kolonaki
Scientific Advisor on Psycho-Social Reintegration, PEPSAEE, Athens
External Associate Psychotherapist, 1st Municipal Clinic Kalfopouleio Health Center, Athens
Teaching Professor of Psychopathology and Nutrition, University of Crete
ISON Psychometrica Associate

Participation in conferences

Participation in numerous conferences in Greece and abroad with presentations related to psychotherapeutic practice and e-Health

Club member

Panhellenic Association of Psychologists
British Psychological Society

Academic publications

Correlation between response time and symptomatology in the psychometric tool SCL90-R
The effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on brain structures
An introduction to neurofeedback (EEG) and the use of individualized therapeutic protocols
Applying Kelly's theory of personal constructs: The conceptual grid as a catalyst in Career Guidance counseling
CBTWebHelper: A versatile online tool for monitoring patient progress and formulating research proposals
Author of the book: "Anger: Become a Scientist of Yourself"

Anxiety & Depression Symptom Rating Scale: Everyday life, intense stress, and life's difficulties can often affect our mood and energy. We frequently feel under pressure but find it hard to tell whether what we're experiencing is just temporary tiredness or something that needs more attention.

This scientific questionnaire consists of 42 simple multiple-choice questions. It's designed to help you get a clearer picture of your levels of anxiety, emotional strain, and physical exhaustion over the past period. Completion time: 5-7 minutes.

Obsessions & Compulsions Questionnaire: This is a validated scientific test of 55 questions that helps you anonymously and free of charge map your personal profile around persistent thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Within 8-10 minutes, you'll receive an immediate visual analysis on your screen, broken down into 6 core dimensions (such as control, fear of contamination, and the need for perfection), along with valid guidance on your next steps

Emotional & Relationship Patterns Questionnaire: Two short original questionnaires that help you anonymously and free of charge identify the common emotional patterns that may be affecting you and your relationship the most at this time, inspired by Jeffrey Young’s Schema Therapy.